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When it comes to the complexities of the brain, spine and nervous system, only one medical specialist is equipped to answer the call: the neurosurgeon. But what exactly does it take to become a neurosurgeon, and what is involved in the role?

On Sept. 3, 2024, Jasmine Thum, M.D., will join the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery as an assistant professor.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery welcomes Christen Press, MSN, CRNP, Eric Kidd and Jessica Schweikart (pictured left to right.)

Brandon Rocque, M.D., MS, professor in the University of Alabama Department of Neurosurgery Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, recently served as an invited faculty lecturer at the 2024 International Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery (ISPN) Education Course. This year’s event took place in Yerevan, Armenia, from June 23 to 25.

In a remarkable display of innovation and collaboration, the UAB mission:brain team was named one of the top 10 finalists in the mission:brain Foundation’s 3rd Annual Global Virtual Hackathon, which took place from June 28-30, 2024.

As the summer season continues, and families and friends gather at lakes, oceans and pools, awareness of the potential spinal injuries associated with water sports is crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday.

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.

Mark Harrigan, M.D., professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, recently collaborated with the Seattle Science Foundation to deliver a comprehensive lecture on blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI).

Michael Feldman, M.D., a pediatric neurosurgery fellow in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, is leading efforts to reduce spina bifida rates in Alabama's Hispanic community through folic acid fortification of corn masa flour.

Michael Franks, MS, a graduate research assistant in the lab of University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Associate Professor Jianmei Leavenworth, M.D., Ph.D., has received the 2024 Jacob Baker NextGen Scholar Award for his project, "Stem-like Memory NK cells Contribute to Improved Outcomes in Oncolytic Virotherapy of Glioblastoma."

The neurosurgery service line at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has been recognized once again as one of the top neurosurgery providers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-2025 Best Hospital rankings.

Jianmei Leavenworth, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery has been awarded a pre-R01 grant from the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her project, titled “Prognostic Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Cancer,” may have significant implications for the future of cancer immunotherapy.

Mark N. Hadley, M.D., FAANS, University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Charles A. and Patsy W. Collat Endowed Professor of Neurosurgery, was the distinguished guest lecturer at the Fourth Annual Advances and Innovations in the Management of Spine Disorders Symposium, hosted by the University of Connecticut UConn Health Department of Neurosurgery.

In a step towards accelerating their early clinical skills, Wilson Fisher, M.D., Tucker Oliver, M.D., and Jovanna Tracz, M.D., all first-year residents in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, recently participated in the Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS) Intern Boot Camp Course.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery welcomes Cassandra “Cassie” Shoemaker as an administrative office specialist IV. Shoemaker joins the department with more than 17 years of clerical experience in various settings within the medical field.

Jovanna Tracz, M.D., a first-year neurosurgery resident in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, has been elected to the Women in Neurosurgery (WINS)Resident Executive Committee.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery welcomes Leslie Lance as an administrative project specialist. Lance will begin her new role on July 15.

Andrew T. Hale, M.D., Ph.D., a neurological surgery resident in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, has been recognized as a Civitan Emerging Scholar for 2024-2025 by the Civitan International Research Center for his pioneering work in the field of hydrocephalus.

Eleven providers in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery have achieved an impressive milestone, receiving a Medallia Combined My Score greater than 99% for the past 12 months, ending in May 2024.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery held its annual Chief Resident Graduation Dinner on Friday, June 21, 2024, at The Florentine, bringing together residents, their families and faculty members for a night of celebration, recognition and reflection.