University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Assistant Professor Jakub Godzik, M.D., MS, has been promoted to associate professor.
Prior to joining the Department of Neurosurgery in 2021, Godzik earned his medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine and completed his neurosurgical training at the Barrow Neurological Institute and through the San Diego Spine Fellowship Program.
Godzik is highly trained in all areas of neurosurgery but specializes in complex spinal reconstruction, such as scoliosis, and advanced surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery, robotics and endoscopic spine surgery.
During his time at UAB, Godzik has pioneered the use of virtual reality in surgical planning and training, significantly enhancing the educational landscape for residents in the Department of Neurosurgery’s training program and participated in multi-institutional studies to further the use of extended reality across the patient care spectrum.
James Markert, M.D., MPH, James Garber Galbraith Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery and Department of Neurosurgery professor, commended Godzik's promotion, noting, “Dr. Godzik embodies the spirit of innovation we value so highly at UAB. His work not only elevates patient care, but also pushes forward the frontiers of neurosurgical education and research.”
Godzik’s primary research focus is on improving patient outcomes following complex spinal surgery, particularly through understanding the patient experience, and all elements that contribute to a patient doing well. He has been a prolific contributor to scientific literature and his work has resulted in numerous invited presentations at national and international organized neurosurgical conferences and expert panels.
"It is an incredible honor to be part of the UAB faculty and provide care to the Birmingham community. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be where I am, surrounded be so many incredible physicians, brilliant business and thought leaders both at UAB and in the Birmingham area. This institution and this city are truly unique, and I have no doubt they will both be major regional and national leaders."
As an associate professor, Godzik will further both his research and clinical practice while continuing to mentor the next generation of neurosurgeons.