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. 

Colleagues and friends,

As the James Garber Galbraith Endowed Chair of the UAB Department of Neurosurgery, I have the pleasure of witnessing the tireless work of our doctors, nurses, APPs, researchers, residents and supporting staff members; as a direct result of these remarkable efforts the department has seen tremendous growth in all aspects of our mission during the last ten years. I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed the impact our department has had on the lives of so many. 

We have, as a department, performed more than 44,000 cases and seen more than 180,000 outpatient clinic visits to date, a testimony to the care we provide to our state and region. With persistence and unwavering dedication to neurosurgical research and many active clinical trials, our department has expanded the knowledge base of neurosurgical patient care and contributed valuable insight into the clinical implications of our research and provided hope to neurosurgical patients around the world. Driven by devoted and talented teachers and mentors, UAB Neurosurgery academic programs have grown immensely. Our graduates are not only skilled in their discipline but go on to serve as strong leaders and global ambassadors in the field of neurosurgery. 

Without the support of our clinical, research and educational partners, none of this would be possible. We are continuously pushing towards new frontiers for both our current and future patients. Thank you for celebrating ten wonderful years of the UAB Department of Neurosurgery with us.

Sincerely, 
James Markert, M.D., MPH
James Garber Galbraith Professor and Chair
Department of Neurosurgery
UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine

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!

Every gift propels us forward

Your gifts provide the resources the UAB Department of Neurosurgery needs to blaze ahead to fulfill our goals of advancing clinical care, properly training the next generation of skilled neurosurgeons, conducting cutting-edge research and further improving our patients’ lives. As we celebrate our tenth year as a named department, we would appreciate your continued support in these efforts. Thank you for choosing to invest in the future of the UAB Department of Neurosurgery and ensuring our spot at the forefront of medicine.