We are UAB Neurosurgery
Celebrating 10 years of serving our state and region
This year marks a significant milestone in the UAB Department of Neurosurgery’s history – the 10th anniversary of the department’s elevation from division to department.
The UAB Department of Neurosurgery was initially founded in 1954 by James Garber Galbraith, M.D., as the UAB Division of Neurosurgery within the Department of Surgery. It was not until Oct. 1, 2013, that the Department of Neurosurgery became the 24th academic department in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. James M. Markert, M.D., MPH, who was recruited to UAB in 1995, served as the director of the Division of Neurosurgery from 2006 until 2013 when he became the inaugural chair of the Department of Neurosurgery.
The department now serves UAB Hospital, Children's of Alabama, Medical West, The Kirklin Clinic, UAB Highlands and the Birmingham Veteran's Administration Hospital, and performs more than 4,000 procedures annually. Today, neurosurgeons and residents within the department aspire to continue the traditions of clinical excellence, honorable conduct and dedication to their patients and residents, which the department has exemplified since its inception.
Celebrating 10 golden years
To mark this momentous anniversary, we intend to celebrate all year! Events, giveaways and opportunities to reflect on the past ten years will roll out each month - including the news feed below that will highlight archived department stories. Each month leading up to our 10-year anniversary in October, pivotal stories from the past ten years will be showcased. We hope this year-by-year historical catalog inspires pride in our accomplishments and energizes us for the future ahead!



UAB Adult Spina Bifida Clinic designated as Clinic Care Partner
The Spina Bifida Association recognized the UAB Adult Spina Bifida Clinic as a Clinic Care Partner, making it one of the initial recipients of this distinction.
UAB begins offering LITT for epilepsy treatment
The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama were the first institutions in Alabama to offer the innovative epilepsy treatment.
UAB patient first in Alabama to get deep brain stimulation for epilepsy
The UAB Department of Neurosurgery made history in February 2019 by treating the first patient in Alabama and the 27th in the nation for epilepsy using deep brain stimulation (DBS).
Inaugural Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery established
Effective October 1, 2019, the Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery within the UAB Department of Neurosurgery was elevated to the status of the inaugural Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery within the department.
UAB Stroke Center joins NIH StrokeNet
In an effort to fill a gap in stroke care in the Deep South, UAB joined the National Institutes of Health StrokeNet under a $1 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
UAB develops Spina Bifida Individualized Care Model
The UAB Transitional Spina Bifida Clinic developed the Individualized Care Model for Transitional Care in Spina Bifida to address the unique needs of spina bifida patients during their transition from pediatric to adult healthcare.
UAB makes history in brain cancer treatment
The University of Alabama at Birmingham made history when its Department of Neurosurgery became the first in the U.S. to utilize HyperArc High-Definition Radiotherapy for the treatment of brain cancer.
Department of Neurosurgery makes history at COA
The UAB Department of Neurosurgery Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery made history Robin Struble became the first patient at Children’s of Alabama to undergo thermal laser ablation surgery as an epilepsy treatment.
UAB Opens Greystone Neurosurgery Clinic
The UAB Department of Neurosurgery made advanced neurosurgical care more accessible than ever by opening the Greystone Neurosurgery Clinic.
UAB earns Comprehensive Stroke Center designation
The UAB Department of Neurosurgery was recognized as an industry leader in stroke care by receiving the Comprehensive Stroke Center designation by the Joint Commision and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
Neurosurgery elevated to department status
The UAB Department of Neurosurgery became the 24th academic department in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine on Oct. 1, 2013, after the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System approved the measure.
