Brandon Rocque, M.D., MS, professor in the University of Alabama Department of Neurosurgery, served as the keynote speaker at the Sixth Annual Margaret Hackett Family Program Symposium on May 24, 2024.

The symposium, which brought together experts in the field of congenital central nervous system (CNS) anomalies, was hosted by the University of Chicago at the Knapp Center for Biomedical Discovery.

Rocque's lecture, "Chiari Surgical Success: Predicting Who Will Benefit," provided valuable insights into the significant research conducted at UAB over the past decade. His presentation focused on determining which patients are most likely to benefit from Chiari surgery, as well as understanding the natural history of Chiari malformation in patients who do not exhibit typical symptoms. 

Rocque, a pediatric neurosurgeon, has specialized expertise in hydrocephalus, spina bifida and Chiari malformation, among other neurosurgical conditions. His extensive knowledge and experience have made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of these complex conditions, benefiting patients and advancing the field of pediatric neurosurgery.

The Margaret Hackett Family Program at the University of Chicago is devoted to the comprehensive care and improved outcomes of patients with congenital CNS anomalies. The program was established through a generous donation by Raynelle and Bill Hackett in gratitude for the care their daughter, Margaret, received from University of Chicago Medicine Neurosurgeon David Frim, M.D., Ph.D.