Department of Neurosurgery
In this installment, Brandon Rocque, M.D., a professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, explores his research on the psychological and support needs of pediatric patients and families experiencing neurosurgical problems.
Richard Knott has joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery as a human resources partner generalist, bringing with him more than 34 years of distinguished active-duty service in the United States Army.
UAB Hospital has been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield, a designation awarded to health care facilities that demonstrate high-quality care, specialized expertise and improved patient outcomes.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery has relocated its Neurosurgery Clinic at Greystone to a new space at One Inverness Center, expanding access to specialized care for patients across central Alabama.
Thirteen providers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery have been recognized by the UAB Office of Patient Experience and Engagement for delivering exceptional patient care during fiscal year 2025.
As sniffle season sets in, sinus infections are among the most common illnesses seen in doctors’ offices. For most people, they’re nothing more than an inconvenience and a few days of congestion, but, according to experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a sinus infection can become dangerous in severe cases.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to announce that Harish Kumar, Ph.D., will join the department in December 2025 as a research senior in the research lab of Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery Satoru Osuka, M.D., Ph.D.
The 42nd Annual J. Garber Galbraith, M.D., Scientific Session and Lecture was held Oct. 3 in the Marnix E. Heersink Conference Center.
UAB researchers are involved in a new clinical trial to explore a promising treatment for adults suffering from major depressive disorder, especially for those who have not been successfully treated after trying four or more antidepressants. The study involves researchers from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology and the Department of Neurosurgery.
Regan Gaskin, MPA, clinical research coordinator in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, was selected as a recipient of the Heersink School of Medicine 2025 Dean’s Excellence Awards.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to welcome Assistant Professor Adeel Ilyas, M.D.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to announce that Associate Professor Jianmei Leavenworth, M.D., Ph.D., has been promoted to professor.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Assistant Professor Jesse Jones, M.D., has been promoted to associate professor and awarded tenure.
For the 16th consecutive year, Children’s of Alabama has been ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to welcome Morgan Dew, MSN, CPNP, as a pediatric advanced practice provider (APP).
Ten Heersink School of Medicine staff have been honored with the 2025 Dean’s Excellence Awards. Now in its third year, the Dean’s Excellence Awards for Staff recognize individuals who have made significant and meaningful contributions to the school’s mission through their work in education, service, and research.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to welcome Mohammad Hamo. Hamo joins as a research technician in the lab of James Garber Galbraith Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery James Markert, M.D., MPH.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to announce that Zhihong Yu will join the department in October 2025 as a lab manager in the research lab of Associate Professor of Neurosurgery Jianmei Leavenworth, M.D., Ph.D.
Jianmei Leavenworth, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, has been named the latest recipient of the school’s Featured Discovery award. This recognition celebrates notable research contributions made by faculty and highlights the impact of their scientific advancements.
UAB Hospital has once again been recognized among the nation’s top hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery, according to the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.
Every August, Neurosurgery Awareness Month reminds us of the role our specialty plays in medicine and in the lives of patients and their families. The conditions we treat often present at critical moments, when decisions carry life-changing weight. To pursue a career in neurosurgery is to accept that responsibility and embrace the immense privilege of helping patients when they are at their most vulnerable.
Satoru Osuka, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, was recently awarded his first R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health for his project, "Targeting radiation-induced invasion in Glioblastoma."
The start of a new school year brings more than textbooks and class schedules. It also marks the return of school sports. As athletes head back to the fields and courts this season, parents and coaches should be mindful of one of the most common, and potentially serious, injuries in youth sports: concussions.
Yard work might seem like a low-stakes weekend chore, but beyond mulching flower beds and trimming hedges lies a real risk: back and spine injuries that can last long after the weeds are gone.
Mark N. Hadley, M.D., FAANS, Charles A. and Patsy W. Collat Endowed Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was the honored guest of the Georgia Neurosurgical Society at their 2025 spring meeting, held May 24-25 at The Cloisters in Sea Island, Georgia.
July 22 marks the 12th annual World Brain Day, a global campaign led by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) to promote brain health across all stages of life. This year’s theme, “Brain Health for All Ages,” emphasizes the importance of neurological care from preconception through late adulthood.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to announce that Terri Epting will join the department as director of fiscal affairs, effective Aug. 11.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to welcome Hohyun Cho, Ph.D.
Burt Nabors, M.D., professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurology and director of the Division of Neuro-oncology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Engagement Award from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
James Johnston, M.D., professor and division director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery recently graduated from the UAB Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA).
UAB Hospital has been reverified as a Level I adult trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) and remains the only ACS-Level I adult trauma center in the state of Alabama. Learn what it takes to meet the rigorous standards set by the ACS.
Andrew Hale, M.D., Ph.D., a neurosurgical resident in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, is the first author of a newly published paper in Science Translational Medicine. The paper defines the “Molecular Hallmarks of Hydrocephalus,” a condition that affects millions worldwide and is the leading reason for childhood brain surgery.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery held its annual Chief Resident Graduation Dinner on Friday, June 20, 2025, at The Florentine, bringing together residents, their families and faculty members for a night of celebration, recognition and reflection.
As summer activities ramp up, so does the risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Assistant Professor Elizabeth Liptrap, M.D., was recently featured during WBRC's “Ask The Doctor” segment to share expert advice on preventing traumatic brain injuries during the summer months.
Marshall Holland, M.D., MS, assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, served as an invited speaker at the Facial Pain Association’s (FPA) annual meeting this month, marking the organization’s first in-person gathering since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marshall Holland, M.D., MS, assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, recently served as a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota Department of Neurosurgery, where he delivered a grand rounds lecture on a novel application of spinal cord stimulation for modulation of the autonomic nervous system and restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is a rare, but serious, genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessels to form throughout the body. These abnormal vessels bypass much smaller blood vessels, or capillaries, creating direct connections between arteries and veins known as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This can lead to serious health issues, including internal bleeding and complications in vital organs like the lungs, brain, spine, liver and gastrointestinal tract.
Brandon Rocque, M.D., M.S., and Andrew T. Hale, M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery recently received individual pilot grants from the Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health (MHIGH).
Matthew Parr, M.D., Benjamin Saccomano, M.D., and Yasaman Alam, M.D., chief residents in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, recently participated in the Chief Residents Leadership Development Workshop hosted by the UAB Medicine Leadership Development Office.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is excited to announce a new chapter in employee recognition by transitioning from Kudos Corner to UAB’s enterprise-wide Applause platform.
Yanna Brooks, certified medical assistant at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, has been selected for the 2025 Patient Experience Hero Award. She was nominated by Clinic RN team lead, Jessica Wesson for her commitment to patient care and ability to build meaningful connections with patients and colleagues.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to welcome Angelina Unich as an MSHA administrative intern.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to welcome Anna Parker as healthcare management undergraduate intern in the Chair’s Office.
The twelfth annual Blazer Bolt for Brain Cancer 5K and Fun Run was held Saturday, May 17, at Railroad Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Despite the thunderstorms that rolled in early Saturday morning, racers still showed up, participated and made the event a success.
Brain tumor symptoms vary widely and can often resemble other common health conditions. Understanding the risks, symptoms and treatment options can help lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
Fourteen UAB chief residents recently completed the Chief Residents Leadership Development Workshop. The program, presented by the UAB Medicine Leadership Development Office, was held on May 9, 2025.
Future physicians at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are exploring— through a unique course — how personal values, beliefs and spirituality can influence patient care.
Danielle Godin has been named advanced practice provider (APP) supervisor for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery.
Danielle Thomason, manager of ambulatory services for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, will graduate in May with a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
The UAB Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health proudly announces the fourth cohort of pilot grant awardees. Three innovative projects have received pilot funding to encourage collaboration between UAB investigators and international partners, tackling critical global health challenges. Award recipients were notified on April 22. Congratulations to the 2025 selected teams!