Neurosurgical Research Programs

Integrative Research in the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases and Injury of the Brain and Spine

Department of Neurological Surgery Research Mission

The Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine is a community of neurosurgeons and scholars dedicated to (1) generating new knowledge on the prevalence and impact of diseases and injury of the brain and spine; (2) developing and optimizing techniques and technology that enhance the safety and effectiveness of treating these diseases; and (3) elucidating mechanisms of neurosurgical diseases with the aim of explaining, predicting and modifying their behavior. The Department is committed to a philosophy of integration and collaboration, translating basic knowledge from various fields of science and engineering into novel discoveries for the benefit of patients and society, and the development of future neurosurgical leaders committed to continued scientific innovation.

Statement by the Department Chairman

Neurological Surgeons deal with some of the most catastrophic and disabling conditions facing human beings. These conditions range in scope from head and spinal injury, to stroke (hemorrhagic and ischemic), to neoplasms of the nervous systems and its supporting structures, and to degenerative conditions of the brain, spinal cord, and the spinal column. This broad spectrum of illness levies an enormous impact on society with lost years of productivity and family life, and on our economy due to these losses and the costs of catastrophic care and chronic maintenance for survivors. Fundamental to the mission of the Department of Neurological Surgery is that it is our responsibility to ensure that future generations of physicians will have better weaponry with which to attack these diseases. While our research energies and resources will be committed to the broad subspecialties of cerebrovascular disease, neuro-oncology, spine disease and functional and restorative neurosurgery, we will focus our work in to three fundamental areas:

Outcomes science
Technology development and assessment
Basic mechanisms of neurological disease

We are utilizing cross campus initiatives to ensure that we have the resources needed to accomplish these goals and to ensure that we capitalize on our enormous human resources and capabilities. We must prevent geographic factors inherent in the Northwestern faculty structure from interfering with desired and critical linkages and synergies. Alliances have formed, and collaborative ideas have been generated to fulfill our mission. The specific focus of our programs is in complete alignment with the strategic vision of the Feinberg School of Medicine and its research initiatives. In addition, each focus in its own way is completely aligned with the mission and vision of our partner hospitals. With commitment, perseverance, collaboration, and careful use of available resources, our vision will be realized.

Statement by the Vice-Chairman for Research and Program Development

Diseases and injuries of the human brain and spine are life-altering events like no others, and account for leading causes of disability and death. Yet they present a vastly untapped frontier for scientific innovation and the application of technology to alleviate the burden of these ailments. The Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine is a powerhouse of clinical credibility and intellectual talent committed to scientific discovery and innovation. Building on a reputation of clinical excellence, it comprises surgeons and scholars who are leaders in each of the fields of neurological surgery. It interfaces with world-class research facilities, core resources and scientists on three campuses. In each of the neurosurgical subspecialties, several scholars represent an unmatched critical mass, tackling every aspect of diseases and injuries to the brain and spine with breadth and depth. The Department includes faculty at various stages of career development, dedicated to creating and disseminating new knowledge. All are committed to a philosophy of integrative neuroscience, exploring and applying varied tools of scientific inquiry to the benefit of patients, and to the development of future leaders who will import and integrate new concepts and techniques into the field of brain and spine surgery. Our research mission is based on the simple premise that basic knowledge in science and engineering has yet to find its fullest potential for the benefit of patients suffering from debilitating diseases and injuries of the brain and spine.

Return to top