News

This summer, Brandon Rocque, M.D., professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, presented during two sessions at the 19th Annual National Conference on Hydrocephalus, HAConnect. He was accompanied by UAB undergraduate student Mary Grace Roe.

Anastasia Smith, DrPH, MPH, has been promoted to assistant professor as a researcher and resident research educator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery.

On Friday, July 17, 2026, Eldad Hadar, M.D., professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery presented at the 36th Ed Benzel Cleveland Spine Review.

Each August, Neurosurgery Awareness Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the role our specialty plays in medicine and in the lives of patients around the world.

Between grant applications, manuscript revisions, and managing a research team, working as a scientist can be demanding. On top of these commitments, many researchers are also caring for young children, aging parents, partners, or family members with health challenges.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery welcomes Steffanie Lucas as an administrative office associate I.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery welcomes Kimberly Stecher as an administrative office associate IV.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery welcomes Gracia Patterson as a financial officer I.

UAB startup NuVasc is advancing precision medicine for brain arteriovenous malformations with a novel liquid biopsy that identifies genetic mutations driving AVMs, paving the way for targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes.

Sarah Larson, M.D., has joined the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery as a pediatric neurosurgery fellow. Her practice is located at Children’s of Alabama.

James “Jim” West, M.D., has joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery as a neuroendovascular fellow.

New clinical services and specialty programs are expanding access to high-quality care in Birmingham and throughout Alabama.

Jacob Smith is continuing his recovery two years after a car fell on his head while he was working on it, causing a severe traumatic brain injury, and he is making steady progress in rehabilitation with support from his family and the UAB medical team.

As summer begins, a UAB neurosurgeon warns families about the dangers of diving in shallow water.

New clinical services and specialty programs are expanding access to high-quality care in Birmingham and throughout Alabama.

UAB expert Elizabeth Liptrap, M.D., provides information on concussion safety and prevention while playing basketball. 

The clinical trial represents a major step forward in finding new solutions for people living with treatment-resistant depression. 

As winter illnesses circulate, UAB experts warn about the impact of untreated sinus infections.

UAB Neurosurgery and Trauma experts discuss the importance of taking precautions when decorating this holiday season.

New research co-led by the UAB School of Public Health could reshape treatment guidelines for asymptomatic carotid stenosis, a condition caused by a buildup of plaque in arteries that carry blood to the brain.

Mahmood Abdul Gahni, Danny Lee and Tim Walker are the first 2025 honorees in the UAB Shared Values in Action Program. Nominations for second-quarter honorees are open through April 16.

Fothergill at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under ArmourOn March 23, 2025, professional angler Easton Fothergill reeled in a record-breaking win at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour—just 19 months after undergoing emergency brain surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.

Members of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, the Global Alliance for Prevention of Spina Bifida (GAPSBiF) and the UAB mission:brain chapter recently came together with March of Dimes to advocate for a bill that could address a significant health disparity in Alabama’s Hispanic community.

Jianmei Leavenworth, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, recently graduated from the spring 2025 cohort of UAB Medicine’s Leading Advancing Developing (LEAD) program.

The twelfth annual Blazer Bolt for Brain Cancer 5K and Fun Run will be held on Saturday, May 17, at Railroad Park in Homewood, Alabama.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Neurosurgery Leadership Council (NLC) has elected new officers, with Jacquelyn “Jacque” Shaia, J.D., Ph.D., (pictured)  serving as president and Diane Fisher as secretary.

Danny Lee, clinical research administrator II in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, has been named a 2025 honoree for the UAB Values in Action Program (VIP).

Twenty employees in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery have been recognized for their dedication and commitment as part of the university’s annual Service Awards program.

Jianmei Leavenworth, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery and assistant program director at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, has reached a significant milestone with her 50th study published on PubMed.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery proudly celebrates Thank a Resident Day, recognizing the dedication, hard work and sacrifices of our neurosurgical residents.