Philanthropic support enables ideas to be developed and tested in early studies, which can lead to researchers leveraging that support into grants. Our faculty conduct research into the full spectrum of neurosurgical disorders, including brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and neurovascular disorders, and spinal cord injury and disease. Investing in research can support the translation of innovative new ideas from the bench into clinical practice more quickly.

James G. Galbraith Chair in Neurosurgery
Holder: James M. Market, M.D.

Charles A. and Patsy W. Collat Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery
Holder: Mark N. Hadley, M.D.

Griffith R. Harsh Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery
Holder: Winfield S. Fisher III, M.D.

Other endowments:

• M. Stephen Mahaley, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., Endowed Award in Neurological Surgery Research

• Neurosurgery Endowed Research Fund

• Dr. Evan Zeiger, Jr., Endowed Faculty Scholar for Neurosurgery

• Mark Hadley, M.D., Endowed Support Fund for Neurosurgery Resident Education

• Yancey Gillespie, Endowed Faculty Scholar in Neurosurgery

Looking to create a new endowment? Contact Jennifer Philpot, Director of Development, at jlphilpot@uabmc.edu. 

Supporting research and education allows UAB Neurosurgery to provide an expert training experience and help attract many world-class resident 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.

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.

Through research, we solve problems, offer more options to patients, and create innovation. By supporting the funds below, you are not only contributing to programs at the forefront of science but you are discovering new care options for patients.

Brain Tumor Research
UAB Neurosurgery is a leader in brain cancer research. Your gift will help our team conduct multi-disciplinary research to improve the understanding of brain tumors and create new treatment options for our patients.

Pediatric Neurosurgery
The Pediatric Neurosurgery Fund enables research purposed to help children suffering from neurosurgical diseases. Your gift will help the pediatric neurosurgery team develop treatments with potential to improve outcomes in children.