Associate Professor Brandon Rocque, M.D., and Neurosurgery Resident Jacob Lepard, M.D., presented an update on their project, “Incidence and Risk Factors of Pediatric Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida in Vietnam” in March.

Rocque and Lepard presented to the UAB Sparkman Center for Global Health, who provided funding to the research team in 2019. The center–which aims to enhance global health equity and social justice through public health knowledge and capacity–began a pilot funding program in 2019 for internal UAB grant applications that propose research projects, public health practice and global health & development projects.

According to Rocque and Lepard, Vietnam has a relatively large proportion of surgeons to population size; however, there is a small number of surgeons who specialize in pediatric neurosurgery. The duo has identified and partnered with these neurosurgeons across the country to share knowledge, specifically about pediatric hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

Rocque and Lepard hope to build upon this initial study of these conditions in Vietnam, and in return, will reciprocally share successful treatment options.