Jeffrey P. Blount, M.D., MPH, professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, assumed the role of director of the Global Neurosurgery Program, effective October 1.
Blount succeeds Professor of Neurosurgery James Johnston, M.D., who now serves as the director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery.
Blount brings extensive experience to the role, along with a strong commitment to global neurosurgery. Throughout his career, he has focused on improving the care and treatment of pediatric neurosurgery patients worldwide, earning recognition as a leader in the field.
"This is well-deserved for Dr. Blount, who has put so much of his time and energy in caring for patients as a neurosurgeon, but also in the interest of public health," said James Markert, M.D., MPH, James Garber Galbraith Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery and Department of Neurosurgery professor. "It's unusual for a neurosurgeon to have such potential global impact, in addition to the day-to-day impact Jeff makes on individual patients and their families’ lives. We are very proud of his perseverance and dedication."
Prior to being named director of the Global Neurosurgery Program, Blount admirably led the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery as its inaugural director from 2018 to 2024. Blount also serves as medical director for the Comprehensive Spina Bifida Program at Children’s of Alabama, where he led the development of a pre-natal spina bifida clinic and was instrumental in establishing the UAB Transitional Spina Bifida Clinic.
Blount participates in the full spectrum of pediatric neurosurgery but has particular interest in the surgical treatment of epilepsy, spina bifida, transitional care in spina bifida and public health issues in pediatric neurosurgery.
His primary research focus is on global health and the prevention and intervention of spina bifida. His work has resulted in more than 100 papers on various topics in pediatric neurosurgery, several research grants and multiple invited presentations at national and international conferences.
As co-founder of the Global Alliance for Prevention of Spina Bifida (GAPSBiF), Blount’s efforts were transformative in the organization’s successful petition of the World Health Organization to adopt resolution 76.19, which calls for countries to implement large scale food fortification to combat micronutrient deficiencies that lead to neural tube defects, like spina bifida. His work advocating for folic acid supplementation has the potential to positively impact the lives of 250,000 babies each year, globally.
Blount earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester before completing his neurosurgical training at the University of Minnesota and dedicating three years to providing care in the U.S. Navy at the Naval Medical Center San Diego. To further his expertise in pediatric neurosurgery, Blount then completed a fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Under Blount’s leadership, the Global Neurosurgery Program will remain dedicated to fostering excellence in neurosurgical practices across borders, empowering healthcare professionals and trainees and advancing patient care globally.
James Johnston, M.D.
As Johnston transitions into the role of division director, he remains committed to serving patients and contributing to the work of the division in a new capacity. He will remain an active contributor to the Global Neurosurgery Program.
With Johnston’s guidance, the Global Neurosurgery Program has aimed to achieve health equity for all people in need of neurosurgical care through education, collaboration and advocacy. The program has seen success in building multidisciplinary, advanced clinical programs in neuro-oncology, epilepsy, craniosynostosis, neurotrauma, hydrocephalus and spina bifida.