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Department of Neurosurgery Heersink School of Medicine

Our Priorities

Research and Discovery

Tomorrow's breakthroughs begin as today's ideas.

Philanthropic support provides the flexibility needed for investigators to explore innovative concepts, launch new studies, and pursue the questions that can lead to larger discoveries and treatment improvements.

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    Through research, we solve problems, offer more options to patients, and create innovation. By supporting the funds below, you are contributing to the discovering of new care options for patients.

    Brain Tumor Research

    As a leader in brain tumor research, our investigators are advancing multidisciplinary research aimed at improving our understanding of brain tumors and developing more effective treatments. Gifts support innovative studies that bring new hope to patients and families facing these diagnoses.

    Pediatric Neurosurgery Research

    Support for pediatric neurosurgery research helps our faculty investigate new approaches to treating neurological disorders in children, with the goal of improving outcomes and quality of life for young patients.

Education and Training

Training the next generation of neurosurgeons is central to our mission.

Philanthropic support helps ensure that residents and trainees have access to outstanding educational experiences, mentorship opportunities, research training, and professional development resources.

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    Supporting our education and training programs allows UAB Neurosurgery to provide an expert training experience and attract many world-class residents to Birmingham and UAB.

    James Garber Galbraith Society
    In 1954, James Garber Galbraith, M.D., established the Division of Neurosurgery within the Department of Surgery in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, creating a culture of growth and compassionate care that is still present within the now-Department of Neurosurgery at UAB. The Galbraith Lecture is given annually by a guest neurosurgeon who has made significant contributions to the field of neurosurgery at large, while the Galbraith Scientific Session features the research and achievements of both past and present UAB neurosurgery residents. The lecture and scientific session also culminate in a dinner held each year for UAB Department of Neurosurgery faculty, residents, and guests.

    Neurosurgery Residency Education
    The Neurosurgery Residency Education Fund provides vital discretionary resources to ensure our residents are provided the most meaningful and immersive educational experience possible. Gifts to the fund support the residency program’s greatest needs and emerging priorities and provide necessary tools such as surgical loupes, reference materials, and simulation events.

    Neurosurgery Clinical Research Scholars
    Training the next generation of talented neurosurgeons is integral to elevating patient care. In order to train highly skilled and intellectually curious neurosurgeons, our program emphasizes evidence-based practice and clinical outcomes research. By supporting our residents as Clinical Research Scholars, you underwrite their clinical research projects, travel to scientific conferences, and other activities that contribute to robust residency training.

    Neurosurgery Women’s Leadership Council 
    The UAB Neurosurgery Women’s Leadership Council is a group of active supporters of the Clinical Scholars Program benefitting the neurosurgery resident program and the entire Department of Neurosurgery. The council’s members include grateful patients and family members of patients whose lives have been touched by UAB Neurosurgery.

Innovation and Technology

Advances in technology are transforming how neurosurgeons learn, conduct research, and care for patients.

Philanthropic support helps provide access to cutting-edge tools and technologies that enhance surgical training, expand research capabilities, and improve patient outcomes.

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    Technology shapes our lives and within the Department of Neurosurgery this is no different. From education to research to clinical care, having the most advanced technology and equipment is so important. Supporting these capital expenses means investing in technology such as:

    • Virtual Reality Surgical Simulators: equipment that is used for human immersion in virtual reality to simulate surgical procedures for the purpose of training medical professionals.

    • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) MOvE Program: assistance fund to offset costs for patients undergoing pre-surgical testing for DBS. 

    • Neuroengineering and Brain Computer Interface Program: the use of technology and engineering to record brain activity while patients perform cognitive tasks. This program enables researchers to measure patient outcomes and predict surgical success. 

    • Skull-base Program: a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to provide high-quality results and better patient outcomes with the least invasive methods possible. We offer comprehensive care for skull base patients, integrating medical management with the Department of Endocrinology through our Pituitary Disorders Clinic as well as specialized radiation therapy through the Department of Radiation Oncology.

Endowments

Endowments provide permanent support for the Department of Neurosurgery's mission. Once established, endowment funds generate annual resources that help sustain research, education, faculty excellence, and innovation for generations to come.