Education, Research, & Innovation
The Foundation of Exceptional Clinical Service for Today and Tomorrow
Dear Colleagues & Friends,
I hope that you and your family are doing well. Over the last decade, pioneering breakthroughs in neurosurgery, such as focused ultrasound incisionless treatment for essential tremor, endovascular thrombectomy for severe strokes, and robotic-assisted minimally invasive spine surgery, have exemplified the power of research and innovation, greatly benefitting patients worldwide.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to developing the most minimally invasive therapies that yield the best clinical outcomes and patient experiences. The pages that follow demonstrate our commitment to the U-M Department of Neurosurgery to be a major contributor to the teams and therapies of tomorrow.
Expanding Neurosurgical Services Across
Michigan
In the past 24 months, our team has grown substantially, adding 11 neurosurgeons, 2 neurocritical care physicians, and 2 research scientists. We are committed to delivering highquality, comprehensive neurosurgical care, not only to the Ann Arbor community but also to the broader mid-Michigan regions. A significant development is the establishment of a U-M Department of Neurosurgery clinical service at UM HealthSparrow in Lansing. This includes the recruitment of 4 neurosurgeons and dedicated outpatient and inpatient staff to bolster UM Health-Sparrow’s Comprehensive Stroke Center. Additionally, our Pediatric Neurosurgery team provides monthly clinics there. We are also focused on developing a robust neurocritical care program at UM Health-Sparrow, leveraging our esteemed faculty and ongoing recruitment efforts. These efforts are part of our mission to advance neurosurgical care across Michigan.
Education
Our Senior and Chief Residents participate in Leadership Academy courses, equipping them with essential skills to lead future teams. Dr. Altshuler has been instrumental in creating a U-M-based Neurosurgery Cadaveric Course, providing our Residents with invaluable hands-on (cadaveric dissection) learning on a bimonthly basis. Dr. Suresh Maggee leads a bimonthly journal club, aimed at discussing the clinical and translational science that drives neurosurgical clinical practice. Drs. Todd Hollon and Richard Keep have led efforts to teach grant writing, thus allowing residents with firsthand experience in the grant application process. Dr. Jody Stern is leading didactics and simulations for more effective communication in clinical practice. He is also leading outpatient clinical education for Residents. Our clinical footprint including our services at UM Health-Sparrow have allowed us to increase surgical volume by 1,000 cases. We are working to incorporate the clinical experiences at UM HealthSparrow into our neurosurgical training. These opportunities combine clinical and surgical expertise with leadership and communication skills, positioning our residents as future leaders in neurosurgery.
Research and Innovation
Dr. Matt Willsey has joined us to lead our braincomputer interface-related clinical trials, further bolstering our AI in Neurosurgery Program. With Dr. Koduri’s recruitment (starting July ’25), we continue our storied Crosby Labs, aimed at Hemorrhagic Stroke Research. Dr. Todd Hollon’s foundational contributions to AI use in neurosurgery has been awarded the Drs. Novello and QuiñonesHinojosa Research Professorship in Neurosurgery. In addition, we initiated an annual Brain Cancer Care and Research symposium to highlight the great work being done by our scientists and clinicians as well as to catalyze collaborative scientific efforts. With the establishment of the Brain Cancer Research Symposium, we are on a collaborative mission to form a comprehensive brain tumor center, focused on improving patients’ lives.
Philanthropy
Our pursuit of excellence in education, research, and innovation requires the support of the community. Philanthropic support provides the foundation for performing high-risk, high-reward research and the training of future leaders. I want to highlight the numerous donors who contributed to the Dr. Lynda Yang Lectureship, which allowed us to continue to enhance our Peripheral Nerve and Brachial Plexus Program. Additionally, the selfless contributions of Drs. Novello and Quiñones-Hinojosa have established a research professorship, which we have awarded to Dr. Todd Hollon for his transformative work integrating AI in neurosurgical care.
Gratitude
Thank you for your continued support and for making a difference in neurosurgical care. We invite you to explore this newsletter and anticipate sharing more developments in our upcoming biannual Innovate newsletter—look out for volume 2 in the months ahead. Through research, education, and innovation, we aim to contribute to a better tomorrow.
THANK YOU!
Aditya S. Pandey, MD
JULIAN T. HOFF PROFESSOR OF NEUROSURGERY CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF NEUROSURGERY UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Education
Chief Resident Graduates 2024
We graduated two residents last year, Sravanthi Koduri and Mike Strong. The chief dinner was at the Ann Arbor City Club on June 15, 2024. Don Tomford hosted a party at his house the evening prior and we had an honored guest speaker, Anthony (Tony) Asher who trained in our program from 1989 to 1995, who gave a talk at the formal dinner on Saturday night.
The two graduates are off doing fellowships this year as follows:
Sravanthi Koduri, MD
Trained 2017–2024
Endovascular Fellowship, Thomas Jefferson University, 2024–2025
Michael Strong, MD, PhD, MPH
Trained 2017–2024
Spine Fellowship, Columbia, 2024–2025
New Neurosurgery Residents 2024
Emre Kiziltug, MD
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Yale School of Medicine
GRADUATE SCHOOL: N/A
UNDERGRADUATE: Duke University
HOMETOWN: Izmir, Turkey
WHY NEUROSURGERY: Since very early on, I’ve been captivated by the enigma of the human brain and driven to understand its intricate workings. During my medical school neurosurgery rotation, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand how this field harnesses cutting-edge innovation to address complex clinical challenges. The combination of these elements, along with the immediate gratification from hands-on patient care and seeing the direct impact of surgical interventions, made me realize that neurosurgery was the only option for me.
WHY U-M? Last year, I completed a one-month rotation at Michigan Neurosurgery and had an amazing time. The supportive, family-like culture, commitment to excellence, and groundbreaking clinical and research work made U-M my clear choice.
HOBBIES OR INTERESTS: Soccer, cooking, traveling, beach, exploring new restaurants, college football.
CLINICAL INTERESTS: Leveraging big data and computational methods in neuro-oncology and functional neurosurgery.
GRADUATE SCHOOL: N/A
MD
MEDICAL SCHOOL: University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
UNDERGRADUATE: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
HOMETOWN: Grand Rapids, MI
WHY NEUROSURGERY: Throughout medical school, I found myself drawn to opportunities to improve the lives of patients in big ways. Coupled with an empathy for patients with neurologic illness, a fascination with the art of surgery, and a desire to emulate the dedication and compassion shown by my neurosurgery mentors, the choice to pursue neurosurgery was clear to me.
WHY U-M? When thinking about residency, I wanted to be in a place that would not only help me to become a good surgeon, but a compassionate one as well. The way folks here at Michigan treated patients, one another, and their own selves stood out to me, and convinced me that this was a place where I could grow as a surgeon, a professional, and an individual.
HOBBIES OR INTERESTS: Cooking, travel, making music, playing and watching sports
CLINICAL INTERESTS: Pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery, bioethics.
Johan (John) Lee,
Resident Honors, Awards, & Presentations 2024
Holste
• Oral presentation at the AANS meeting
• Oral presentation at the AANS/CNS pediatric section meeting
Joshi
• Oral presentation at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/CNS Spine section meeting
• Winner of the Charles Kuntz Scholar Award from the Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
• Oral presentation at the Michigan Association of Neurological Surgeons (MANS)
° Winner: First place presentation
• Interactive poster presentation at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) meeting
• Co-chair (elected position) of the membership subcommittee of the CNS Resident Committee
• Member of the Social Media Committee for the AANS/CNS Spine Section
• Selected (1 of 2 US residents) to attend the European Association of Neurological Surgery (EANS) Spine Course Resident Exchange Program in Prague, Czech Republic
Lee
• Oral presentation at the American Society for Bioethics meeting
Lam
• Poster presentation at the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN) meeting
• Poster presentation at the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN)
• Oral presentation at the WSSFN
• Poster presentation at the Society for Neuroscience (SFN) meeting
Linzey
• Presenter for the Interesting Spine Case Discussions on the Seattle Science Foundation (SSF) virtual event
McVeigh
• Oral presentation at the AANS/CNS pediatric section meeting
Mortazavi
• Oral presentation at the Society for Neuro Oncology (SNO) meeting
Muhlestein
• Oral presentation at the American Society for Peripheral Nerve (ASPN) annual meeting
• Oral presentation at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) meeting
• 2024 Peripheral Nerve Paper of the Year: In August, co-chief resident, Dr. Muhlestein was notified by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons that her paper entitled “Impact of timing of peripheral nerve surgery on shoulder, forearm, and elbow recovery in neonatal brachial plexus palsy” was selected as the 2024 Peripheral Nerve Paper of the Year. She was invited to present her award-winning work at the 2024 CNS Annual Meeting in Houston, TX in September.
70
TOTAL NUMBER OF RESIDENT PUBLICATIONS FOR THE YEAR
Ogunsola
• Oral presentation at the MANS annual meeting
• Digital presentation at the CNS annual meeting
• Presenter for the Interesting Spine Case Discussions on the Seattle Science Foundation (SSF) virtual event
Saleh
• Oral presentation at the North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) meeting
Tripathy
• Oral presentation at AANS meeting
• Poster presentation at the Society of Neuro Oncology/American Society of Clinical Oncology (SNO/ASCO) meeting
• Interactive poster presentation at the CNS meeting
• Interactive poster presentation at the SNO meeting
Ward
• Oral presentation at AANS meeting
• Poster presentation at the AASFN meeting
• Presenter for the Interesting Spine Case Discussions on the Seattle Science Foundation (SSF) virtual event
Zaki
• E-poster presentation at the AANS meeting
• Oral presentation at the CNS meeting
• Mini-oral presentation at the CNS meeting
• Oral presentation at the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) meeting
Leadership Academy
The alumni of Michigan’s Neurosurgery Residency Program have a distinguished tradition of leadership, with graduates who have risen to prominent positions at institutional and national levels. Many of our alumni serve as Department Chairs, Deans, and leaders within major organizations such as the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. In recognition of this legacy, we have developed a leadership curriculum designed to equip residents with the skills and insights needed to excel in these roles. Initially targeted at senior-level residents, this curriculum focuses on cultivating leadership capabilities. Over time, we aim to expand the program to engage residents throughout their training, ensuring that all our graduates are well-prepared to assume leadership positions both within neurosurgery and the broader medical organizations. Some of the topics covered thus far in the Leadership Academy include:
1 Defining responsibility and creating accountability for the team, presented by Dr. Thomas Schermerhorn, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery.
2 The art of providing feedback and guiding behavioral change, presented by Dr. Oren Sagher, William F. Chandler Collegiate Professor of Neurosurgery and Associate Chair.
3 The art of effective mentoring, presented by Dr. Justin Dimick, Department of Surgery.
4 Leadership styles and understanding the mission, vision, and sustainable competitive
5 Advantage, presented by Dr. Aditya Pandey, Professor and Department Chair.
6 Grant preparation, presented by Dr. Todd Hollon, Department of Neurosurgery.
U-M Resident Research Symposium 2024
The 11th annual Neurosurgery Resident Research Symposium was held Friday April 19, 2024. Dr. Rajiv Midha (University of Calgary), who was also the 2024 Elizabeth Crosby Visiting Lecturer, was the guest speaker. Ayobami Ward (PGY-5) won the Crosby Basic Science award and Sravanthi Koduri (PGY-7, Chief Resident) won the Chandler Clinical Research Award. Thirteen residents gave presentations during the daylong event held in the South Lecture Hall, Med Science II.
2024 Visiting Professors
EDGAR KAHN
VISITING PROFESSOR
Mohammad Ali
Aziz-Sultan, MD, MBA, Harvard Medical School — “Purpose and Neurosurgery”
ELIZABETH CROSBY
VISITING PROFESSOR
Rajiv Midha, MD, MSc, FRCS(C), FAANS, FCAHS, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine — “Advances in Nerve Repair: Experimental to Clinical”
JAMES TAREN
VISITING PROFESSOR
2023 Charles Y. Liu, MD, PhD, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine — “Neurorestoration: A New Synthesis (Replace, Replace, Optimize)”
JOAN VENES
VISITING PROFESSOR
Mark Proctor, MD, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School — “Contemporary Management of Craniosynostosis”
JULIAN T. HOFF
VISTING PROFESSOR
2024 Daniel M. Prevedello, MD, MBA, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — “Limits of Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches”
Jaimie M. Henderson, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine — “Brain-Computer Interfaces for Restoration of Motor Function and Communication” and “Deep Brain Stimulation for Traumatic Brain Injury: A Phase I Study”
Amgad Hanna, MD, University of Wisconsin — “This Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve, Why is it So Hard to Find and Fix?” and led a “Peripheral Nerve Dissection Handson Lab.”
GRAND ROUNDS VISITING LECTURERS
Resident Suite
In August 2024, the Neurosurgery Residency Program unveiled a newly renovated resident suite in the Med Inn building, designed to enhance both productivity and well-being. The new suite includes private offices for the chief residents, fellows, and the program administrator, providing dedicated spaces for focused work and collaboration. A well-appointed kitchen and comfortable lounge area offer residents a welcoming environment to relax and recharge. Situated with views of the medical center courtyard, the space is decorated with Michiganbranded artwork, creating a sense of institutional pride. Its central location provides convenient access to patient care areas, while also offering a peaceful retreat for residents to decompress during their demanding days and nights. Early feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the room’s functionality, comfort, and the sense of community it fosters.
Fellows
We had two fellows during the 2023–2024 academic year:
Eshan P. Dowalti, MD, completed an endovascular neurosurgery fellowship (2023–2024) under Dr. Pandey. Dr. Dowalti is now completing an open cerebrovascular and skull base fellowship at Northwell Health in NY set to graduate in June 2025. His academic interests include resident education, clinical research, trials, and device innovation. He has authored over 80 peer-reviewed papers focused on endovascular, skull base, open vascular, neuro-oncology, and neuro critical care, including 5 publications during his time at U-M.
Rameez Ali Merchant, MBBS, completed a neurocritical care fellowship (2022–2024). During his fellowship, Dr. Merchant developed a deep expertise in managing complex neurocritical care cases, which has significantly enhanced his approach to patient care. The fellowship provided him with invaluable skills to proactively address critical neurological conditions and to refine his clinical judgment. Dr. Merchant is now an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Missouri, where he leads the Neurocritical Care ICU at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. His fellowship training continues to influence his practice, enabling him to provide high-quality care and mentoring to the next generation of neurocritical care professionals.
New Fellow
Please welcome Dr. Rachel Hunt as our next Neurointerventional surgery fellow. Rachel grew up in New Mexico. She began her career as a Neuro ICU nurse at the University of New Mexico Hospital where she was quickly inspired to go back to school and pursue medicine. She moved to Michigan to attend the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. While in medical school, she spent a year at the National Institutes of Health as a research fellow, where she studied the neurophysiology of decision making. Rachel completed her residency in neurosurgery at Henry Ford Health in Detroit. She has a strong interest in hydrocephalus and emerging endovascular treatments for CSF-related disorders.
Medical Education Awards 2024
JULIAN T. HOFF TEACHING AWARD
This award is given annually to a junior faculty member with an exemplary record for teaching residents.
Kevin Chen, MD
MAX PEET RESIDENT TEACHING AWARD
This award is given annually to a resident who has distinguished themselves in the arena of teaching other residents and medical students. In 2024, the department recognized two winners:
Michael Strong, MD, PhD, MPH and Sravanthi Koduri, MD (PGY-7 Chief Residents)
FRIENDS OF NEUROSURGERY AWARD
This annual award recognizes a faculty member outside of our department who is instrumental in teaching our neurosurgical residents.
Garrett Brink, BSN, RN (ED Nurse)
MCGILLICUDDY RESIDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award honors a resident who exhibits exemplary leadership in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Sravanthi Koduri, MD (PGY-7 Chief Resident)
Medical Students
The department enjoyed another highly successful year for medical students in 2024. While medical student education, subinternships, and the Match are consistently high priorities, this year also saw significant outreach to early medical students, those involved in research, and participants in multidisciplinary courses.
This summer, 20 subinterns from leading medical schools across the country and around the world rotated at U-M. The department expanded our outreach efforts to M1s and M2s. These initiatives include the First Neurosurgery Meet and Greet session, increased clinic and OR shadowing, and support from the AANS U-M Medical Student Chapter. The Meet-and-Greet was a highly successful event for M1s and M2s to connect with faculty and learn about neurosurgery as a career and the training process. The AANS Medical Student Chapter succeeded the U-M Neurosurgery Interest Group. Joey Linzey, now a PGY6, led this transition during his time as a U-M medical student. The current President, Samir Harake, has been a strong ally in our medical student outreach and recruitment initiatives.
Lastly, our multidisciplinary courses within the Department of Neurosurgery complement the Neurosurgery Subinternship and the Neurosurgical ICU Subinternship. The most popular course is the Multidisciplinary NeuroOncology course, although some students have participated in the Multidisciplinary Cerebrovascular Rotation. These unique rotations combine experiences across different departments and are highly rated.
Edgar A. Kahn Award in Neurosurgery
The Edgar A. Kahn Award for Excellence in Neurosurgery was established in 1985 by neurosurgery alumni to honor the legacy of Dr. Kahn, who was the heart and soul of our department for many years. A pioneer in nuclear medicine scans for localizing brain tumors, Kahn was department chair from 1926–1969. This esteemed award is presented annually at commencement to a graduating medical student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in both clinical and laboratory settings. The recipient exemplifies the highest standards of excellence and dedication in the field of neurosurgery, reflecting the values and commitment that Dr. Kahn instilled in his trainees.
In 2024, the award was bestowed upon Johan (John) Lee, recognizing his exceptional contributions and achievements during his medical education. As part of the award, John was invited to attend a grand rounds conference where he was presented with a certificate and a monetary award of $250.
Undergraduate Students
The Ramnath Fellowship is a highly competitive and sought-after opportunity for U-M undergraduate students that are from underrepresented populations in the neurosciences. Winners receive a month-long shadowing experience with neurosurgery faculty, residents, and medical students.
2024 WINNERS OF THE RAMNATH AWARD
Sana Sharba
Angelina Hamati
Saran Nimmagadda
Maria Lopez-Linares
Riya Zaveri
Amulya Setlur
Clinical and Research Initiatives
Advancing Excellence in Brain Tumor Care
Journey to Developing a Comprehensive Brain Center of Excellence
This year has been marked by significant achievements that demonstrate our unwavering commitment to advancing brain tumor care and research. We earned the Specialty Care Designation for Brain Tumors, which prioritizes the acceptance of transfers from outside hospitals. This is a U-M internal designation granted by U-M executive leadership. We also hosted our impactful Brain Tumor Research & Care Symposium, bringing together worldrenowned scientists to foster future research and innovation. Furthermore, we expanded our Multidisciplinary Clinic, providing comprehensive, one-stop care that enhances treatment efficiency and coordination.
In addition, we proudly joined the QOD Tumor Registry and the QOD Tumor Committee for Outcomes Research (CORe). The QOD Tumor Registry aims to collect high-quality, real-world data on tumor care to enhance clinical outcomes and guide evidence-based practices. Our involvement in the CORe Committee will provide dedicated leadership and resources to deliver QOD-Tumor-based research and ensure ongoing feedback to inform quality tools and initiatives within the registry. These milestones are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team as we continue to push the boundaries of brain tumor care and research.
UM Health-Sparrow Neurosurgery Program
In late 2022, Sparrow Health System joined the University of Michigan Health as a key part of our expanding statewide system of care. A strategic priority for our new system is stabilization and development of local clinical programs that will help keep care closer to home. As a critical piece of that strategic priority, our team began providing neurosurgical care at the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinic in Lansing in August of this year. This initiative is the result of dedicated efforts from Michigan Medicine leadership, the Department of Strategy, and UM Health-Sparrow.
As part of this endeavor, we have recruited four neurosurgeons—Dr. Michael Karsy, Dr. Badih Daou, Dr. Nasser Yaghi, and Dr. Omar Qahwash—to serve the mid-Michigan community through a partnership with Michigan State University Health via the Neuro Care Network. Our team began offering neurosurgical services on August 5, 2024, and aims to deliver comprehensive care while enhancing neuroscience education and research at both UM Health-Sparrow and the University of Michigan Department of Neurosurgery in Ann Arbor.
This achievement would not have been possible without significant contributions from many individuals. Dr. David Miller, President of the University of Michigan Health System, and Dr. Margaret Dimond, President of the University of Michigan Regional Health System, recognized the necessity for a comprehensive neurosurgical service in Mid-Michigan. The Department of Strategy, led by Dr. Scott Flanders, Keith Dickey, and Travis Souza, provided a detailed assessment and roadmap for implementation.
Dr. Denny Martin, President of UM Health-Sparrow, played a key role by providing infrastructure and operational guidance. Dr. Greg Thompson, Don Tomford, and Meghan Glabach worked tirelessly on recruitment and ongoing support for the team. Dr. Thompson will also guide the development of a cranial neurosurgery program, while Dr. Jacob Joseph will lead efforts to establish a comprehensive spine program at UM Health-Sparrow. Additionally, our pediatric neurosurgery team, led by Dr. Hugh Garton, will gradually introduce pediatric neurosurgical services. Drs. Thompson, Joseph, and Kazemi will provide onsite support to expand and enhance neurosurgical services at UM Health-Sparrow.
Expansion of Services to Brighton and Chelsea
Having the option of expanding neurosurgical services to Brighton (top image) has been very popular with patients, especially given that a high number of patients live north of Ann Arbor, and the ease of access to Brighton facilities, especially with parking. Members of the Department have been performing routine peripheral nerve cases, as well as minimally invasive spine cases at Brighton for the past year. Much of our patient population tends to be medically complex, and some of these patients require care at the Ann Arbor campus, but overall, Brighton has been an important endeavor for members of the department to serve Michigan residents.
Dr. Jacob R. Joseph has been integral to leading efforts in developing the department’s clinical activity in Chelsea, Michigan (bottom image). His hard work and leadership have allowed members of the department to, for the first time, perform lower acute spine cases at the Chelsea Hospital.
Clinical and Research Initiatives
Dr. Lynda Yang Lectureship
Organizers Don Tomford, Cindy Nack, Aditya Pandey, and Yamaan Saadeh hosted the inaugural Dr. Lynda Yang Lectureship on November 15, 2024, in the Danto Auditorium, to honor Dr. Yang’s legacy (1957–2022) as a world-renowned peripheral nerve neurosurgeon who served 18 years in the department.
Throughout the afternoon event, the stories and memories shared painted a beautiful picture of the profound influence Dr. Yang had on everyone. A common theme that emerged was her commitment to “paying it forward,” a lesson she instilled in so many of us. The aim of the event was to honor Dr. Yang’s spirit of generosity and mentorship, which was successfully accomplished in the remarks of 14 speakers, which included her colleagues, collaborators, and former students.
‣ Read more about Dr. Lynda Yang’s experience: https://bit.ly/L-Yang
‣ Read Dr. Yang’s obituary in the Journal of Neurosurgery: https://bit.ly/JNS-Yang
Clinical and Research Initiatives
Brain Tumor Research and Care Symposium
The inaugural Brain Tumor Research and Care Symposium held on September 17, 2024, was a resounding success, bringing together over 100 participants—more than 60 attending in person and the rest joining virtually. The event featured insightful talks from some of the field’s leading experts, including Dr. Fred Lang, Dr. Dan Orringer, Dr. HerveyJumper, Dr. Maria Castro, and Dr. Pedro Lowenstein, who shared their groundbreaking research in brain tumor treatment and care.
A highlight of the symposium was the pitch competition, in which eight research proposals were submitted, and six were selected to present to a panel of esteemed judges: Dr. Lang, Dr. Orringer, and Dr. Hervey-Jumper. After careful deliberation, three winning proposals were awarded funding, each receiving a share of $100,000 to advance their research.
In addition to the research presentations, the symposium featured a Quality Improvement (QI) initiative, with the QI Selection Committee awarding Wendy Schrader, funding to support a brain tumor support group for the next 10 years. This initiative aims to provide long-term emotional and practical support for brain tumor patients and their families.
Overall, the event fostered a collaborative environment for researchers, clinicians, and support professionals, and successfully advanced the conversation around brain tumor care and innovative treatments.
Kelsey Fearer organized and ran the event with the help of Administrative Fellow, Ellen Graves.
BIBC Brain Cancer Symposium
The BioInnovations in Brain Cancer (BIBC) program successfully hosted its 2nd biannual Brain Cancer Symposium on December 6–7 at U-M’s Kahn Auditorium. The event aimed to foster collaboration among scientists, engineers, physicists, bioinformaticians and physicians, with a focus on bridging the gap between brain cancer biology research, cutting-edge technological advancements and the implementation of new technologies to the clinical arena. The ultimate aim is to implement investigator-led Phase 1 clinical trials at our institution and collaborating centers throughout the USA. The symposium was planned to foster interactions and launch new collaboration aiming to improve the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
The BIBC symposium was organized by Dr. Pedro Lowenstein, and Dr. Maria Castro from the Department of Neurosurgery at the Medical School and Dr. Stephen Schwendeman and Dr. Anna Schwendeman from the College of Pharmacy. The event featured two distinguished keynote speakers: Dr. Ben Deverman from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, “Human Transferrin receptor binding AAVs enable efficient brain-wide gene delivery”, and Dr. Stuart A. Grossman from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, “Crucial Hurdles Impending Progress in the Treatment of High-Grade Gliomas”.
A total of 23 abstracts were submitted to the Symposium, from which 7 were selected to deliver short talks to 125 registered participants, sharing their insights and contributing to the ongoing discussions in the field of brain cancer research.
We would like to express our gratitude to our sponsors for their support: the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Waters, Akoya Biosciences, Lipoid, Gamma Tile, and the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Welcome New Faculty
Faculty
Michael Cloney, MD, MPH, joined the department in July as an Assistant Professor. Originally from Chicago, he completed his undergraduate degree in biophysics, master’s in public health, and Medical Doctorate at Columbia University. He returned to Chicago for neurosurgery residency at Northwestern University, where he developed interests in spine surgery and critical care. During residency, he dedicated six months to spinal deformity surgery and completed an enfolded fellowship in neurocritical care. He later completed a CAST-accredited spine fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He has numerous peer-reviewed publications on spine surgery outcomes, spinal deformity, and spine trauma, particularly atlantoaxial fractures. He uses his MPH training to apply epidemiological perspectives to neurosurgical research and inform his work as a CNS Guidelines Fellow. He has presented nationally and internationally and earned the AANS/ CNS Spine Section Kuntz Scholar four times. Dr. Cloney is actively involved with the AANS, CNS, as well as the AANS/CNS joint sections on (1) Spine and (2) Neurotrauma and Critical Care. His surgical interests include neurotrauma and complex spine surgery, with a focus on spinal deformity and atlantoaxial pathology. Academically, he aims to develop systematic approaches to studying these conditions to refine treatment. Outside of the operating room, he will collaborate with the neurocritical care team as a neuro-intensivist.
Eva L. Feldman, MD, PhD, joined the U-M Neurosurgery faculty in September as a professor, but she has long been a mentor and supporter of the neuroscience community at Michigan Medicine. She holds the titles of James W. Albers Distinguished University Professor and the
Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology, with tenure in the Department of Neurology. She directs the NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies and the ALS Center of Excellence at Michigan Medicine. Annually listed in Best Doctors in America, she is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and American Academy of Physicians, and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Clinically, she has elevated the Pranger ALS Clinic to national prominence and made seminal contributions to peripheral neuropathy, including the widely used Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Her research in neuropathy and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer’s disease have advanced the field. Supported continuously by NIH funding for over three decades, she has shepherded many research initiatives into early clinical trials, including a Phase I/II trial of intraspinal stem cell therapy in ALS which was performed in close collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery. Dr. Feldman served as principal investigator of the University of Michigan’s T32 Clinical and Basic Neuroscience Training Program, which has supported eight neurosurgical trainees during their two-year research rotation. She is also the primary mentor for Dr. Kevin Chen, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery.
Badih Junior Daou, MD, joined the department in September as a Clinical Assistant Professor as part of the department and UM Health-Sparrow partnership. He earned his medical degree from the University of Balamand (Lebanon), completed a cerebrovascular/endovascular research fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University, and completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of Michigan (2015–2023). During his residency training, he also completed an enfolded endovascular fellowship at the University of Michigan. After residency, he completed the prestigious neuroendovascular fellowship at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ under
the mentorship of Dr. Felipe Albuquerque. Dr. Daou has performed research on the management of cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and stroke. His collaborative clinical outcomesbased research has led to more than 80 peerreviewed neuroscience publications. He will focus on contributing to the UM Health-Sparrow cerebrovascular and stroke teams. His ability to perform microsurgery and endovascular procedures is unique and will further strengthen our cerebrovascular/stroke program at UM HealthSparrow. In addition, he hopes to continue his research focused on improving cerebrovascular care through large database studies as well as collaborative clinical outcomes projects.
Michael Karsy, MD, PhD, MSc, FAANS, joined the department in September as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Operations and Quality at UM HealthSparrow. Previously, he was on the faculty at Drexel University College of Medicine and the University of Utah, the latter where he completed his neurosurgery residency, fellowship in complex spine surgery, and masters of bioengineering in medical device development. Dr. Karsy specializes in neuro-oncology and skull base pathologies, with a focus on endoscopic and minimally invasive approaches. He also has a strong interest in spine management, including minimally invasive spine surgery and spine tumors. His research centers on the molecular characterization and targeted therapy of skull base pathologies, and he is involved in multi-institutional research collaborations. He aims to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce surgical complications by integrating advanced techniques and technology. Dr. Karsy has authored over 190 publications, 11 book chapters, and a surgical textbook. He has served as a co-investigator and principal investigator in multiple clinical trials related to neurosurgical trauma, critical care, and neuro-oncology. Passionate about education, he mentors medical students, residents, and fellows
both locally and nationally. Active in organized neurosurgery, he is involved with the North American Skull Base Society and is board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.
Noojan Kazemi, MBBS, joined the Department as Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Director of Spine Clinical Operations –Neurosurgery in June. Dr. Kazemi earned his medical degree from the University of Sydney and completed his neurosurgery residency at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Royal Melbourne Hospitals. He undertook a twoyear research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic focusing on imaging for epilepsy surgery, and he completed further fellowship training in complex spine surgery at the University of Washington and in minimally invasive spine surgery at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute in Seattle. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Director of Spine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Kazemi is dedicated to teaching and was formerly the chair of the Critical Literature Evaluation and Research course for the Royal College. He holds leadership roles in the Society of Minimally Invasive Spine (MIS) Surgery and the North American Spine Society. His clinical specialties include spine and peripheral nerve surgery, focusing on minimally invasive techniques for spinal deformity, degenerative conditions, and spinal tumors. He has refined several MIS procedures, including prone lateral surgery and spinal shortening osteotomy for tethered cord. His academic interests include developing MIS approaches to optimize clinical outcomes and improving OR ergonomics for better patient outcomes and surgeon wellness.
Jody Stern, MD, returned to Michigan Medicine in May as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery. He earned his BA in History, Doctor of Medicine, and completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of Michigan. Following his residency, he completed a fellowship in spinal surgery at the Hospital St. Vincent de Paul in Paris. Dr. Stern has had a highly successful career with Vanguard Brain and Spine Specialists and holds five patents related to anterior cervical plating systems. Committed to lifelong learning, he has participated in the Harvard Palliative Care Education and Practice program. At U-M, he will focus on the evaluation and management of spine patients in the outpatient setting, aiming to teach residents the art of outpatient evaluation and surgical decisionmaking. Additionally, he plans to develop three programs to enhance patient and provider wellness: communication training for neurosurgical trainees and advanced practice providers based on the VitalTalk platform, in collaboration with Palliative Care faculty; the integration of Palliative Care in the Neuro-ICU to support patients and families during neurosurgical health crises; and a program in surgical ergonomics to promote surgeon safety and career longevity through education, innovation, and advocacy.
Matt Willsey, MD, PhD, returned to Michigan in September as an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Biomedical Engineering. Previously, Dr. Willsey completed his neurosurgery residency and (simultaneously)
a PhD in biomedical engineering at U-M. He left Ann Arbor to complete a one-year, post-graduate appointment as a clinical instructor/fellow in stereotactic/functional neurosurgery and epilepsy at Stanford. During his fellowship, he conducted research in the neural prosthetics translational lab. His research has culminated in several high-
impact publications, including his article in Nature Communications that introduced the state-of-theart brain decoding in brain computer interfaces, as well as having articles in Nature Biomedical Engineering, and Neuron. He is interested in braincomputer interfaces, computational neuroscience, and neuromodulation (deep brain and spinal cord stimulation) and has received many awards for academic achievement, including, most recently, the Provost Neuroscience Scholar from the Michigan Neuroscience Institute. His clinical interests include epilepsy, deep brain stimulation, trigeminal neuralgia, neuro-oncology, and MR-guided focused ultrasound.
Nasser Yaghi, MD, joined the department in August as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Neurosurgical Oncology at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow in Lansing. Dr. Yaghi earned his BS from Texas A&M University and Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor College of Medicine. He completed neurosurgery residency at Oregon Health and Science University, followed by a fellowship in neurosurgical oncology at the Barrow Neurological Institute. His clinical focus includes the resection of benign and malignant brain tumors, particularly those in the eloquent cortex that require intraoperative language and motor mapping. He has a strong research interest in glioma immunotherapy, having previously worked in the laboratories of Dr. Amy Heimberger at MD Anderson Cancer Center, supported by an HHMI grant, and Dr. Mark Gilbert at the National Institutes of Health. Recently, he developed expertise in early-phase clinical trials for drug development at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center.
Timothy J. Yee, MD, returned to the department in September as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Adult Neurosurgery Spinal Deformity Program at Michigan Medicine. He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he received the Charles and Phyllis Lowe Merit Scholarship and graduated with Alpha Omega Alpha honors, Academic Distinction, and Distinction in Research. After completing his neurosurgical residency at Michigan, during which he earned the Academic Excellence Award and the Max Peet Resident Teaching Award, he pursued a yearlong fellowship in complex spinal reconstruction and minimally invasive spinal surgery at the University of California-San Francisco before returning to Ann Arbor. His practice focuses on treating adult spinal deformity, complex spinal disorders, and degenerative spinal pathology. His research examines clinical and radiographic outcomes following spinal deformity surgery, functional outcomes after lumbar spondylolisthesis surgery, and the development of protocols to optimize postoperative recovery. His work has been published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, Neurosurgery, and Neurosurgical Focus, and he has presented at national and international conferences. Dr. Yee has received the Donald O. Quest Award, the Stewart B. Dunsker Award, and the Kuntz Scholar Award from the AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves.
Faculty Recognitions & Awards
Dr. Neena I. Marupudi, M.D., M.S., FAANS
Was elected as the Scientific Program Chair for the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons (ASPN) Annual Meeting for 2025 for the 48th Annual ASPN Meeting, January 26–31, 2025 in Aruba.
Dr. Eva Feldman
• Published ~45 peerreviewed publications
• Was featured in National Geographic
• Won the Sheila Essey Award for her work in ALS from the American Academy of Neurology, American Brain Foundation, and ALS Association
• Won a collaborative $15 million grant from the American Heart Association to study the connection between heart and brain health
• Her Managing Director, Stacey Jacoby (Ph.D.) won a Research Staff Recognition Award from U-M’s Office of the Vice President of Research
• Published “Living With ALS” with the National Academies of Science, Engineering & Medicine
Dr. Kevin Chen
• Was named one of the inaugural Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Emerging Scholars
• Was awarded grant for his work studying stem cells and Alzheimer’s disease through a Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award from the National Institute on Aging (K08AG084902-
Dr. Maria Castro Grants
Received funding for two major grants as co-lead principal investigator.
• Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
° 2-year grant “Investigating Mechanisms of Recurrence after Immune Gene Therapy in G34-Mutant Pediatric High-Grade Glioma” (PIs: Dr. Castro, Dr. Lowenstein, and Dr. Murasko)
• Ian’s Friends Foundation
° 2-year grant “Therapeutic Implications of Exploiting Senescence in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas” (PIs: Dr. Castro and Dr. Murasko)
Publications
Co-authored 10 peer-reviewed publications, two of which were journal cover articles (with Dr. Lowenstein; Advanced Science and Trends Cancer) covering diverse topics ranging from modeling glioma dynamics to epigenetic reprogramming in pediatric gliomas.
Talks
Delivered 13 talks—2 as keynote speaker, 5 internationally, with a focus on glioma biology, with a strong focus on epigenetic reprogramming, the immune microenvironment, and therapeutic implications in glioma research.
01A1). The title is “Mapping and modeling inhibitory interneurons in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: novel strategies to reverse neural network dysfunction”
• Dr. Chen and Dr. Feldman published 3 papers together in Neurotherapeutics, Annals of Neurology, and Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
Dr. Pedro Lowenstein
Grants
Received funding for a major grant, one of which he is co-lead principal investigator.
• Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
° 2-year grant “Investigating Mechanisms of Recurrence after Immune Gene Therapy in G34-Mutant Pediatric High-Grade Glioma” (PIs: Dr. Castro, Dr. Lowenstein, and Dr. Murasko)
Publications
Co-authored 6 peer-reviewed publications, two of which were journal cover articles (with Dr. Castro; Advanced Science and Trends Cancer) on gliomas’ physical properties and immunotherapy.
Talks
Delivered 10 talks, 1 internationally, addressing the use of novel therapeutic strategies for addressing challenges in glioma research and treatment (i.e., gene therapy, liquid crystal organization).
Dr. Wajd Al-Holou
Dr. Wajd Al-Holou, director of the Brain Tumor Microenvironment lab (https://al-holou.lab.medicine. umich.edu), was recently awarded the very prestigious NIH K08 Award, which will help to support some of the very critical work in his laboratory studying malignant brain cancers. His lab studies the intersection of spatial biology, genetics, cutting-edge therapeutics, and patient care and is focused on identifying new insights into these tumors and developing new treatment options. On the clinical side, Dr. Al-Holou who also serves as the co-director and co-founder of the Michigan Medicine Multidisciplinary Brain Tumor Clinic (M3BTC), has expanded access to this clinic to twice per week by teaming up with amazing clinicians within Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology, and NeuroOncology.
Postdoc
Safiulla Syed, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Al-Holou’s Brain Tumor Microenvironment Lab received the 2025 ChadTough (Defeat DIPG Foundation) Fellowship Grant for a project titled “Targeting mechanisms of treatment resistance in diffuse midline glioma,” which will be overseen by mentors Dr. Al-Holou and Dr. Rehemtulla (Radiology).
Dr. William (Chris) Fox, a 2010 graduate of our neurosurgery residency program, was appointed as Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. Dr. Fox is also an associate professor in the May Clinic College of Medicine and Science, a position he has held for 5 years.
Alumni News
For more alumni news, check out Medicine at Michigan, https://bit.ly/U-M-med, a magazine for alumni and friends of Michigan Medicine.
Dr. Steven L. Giannotta, a 1972 graduate of the U-M Medical School and 1978 graduate of our neurosurgery residency program, retired as chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Keck Medicine of the University of South Carolina on June 30, 2024, after 20 years in that position.
Dr. Kevin Owen Lillehei, a 1985 graduate of our neurosurgery residency program, retired as Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Colorado Ansxhutz Medical Campus, a position he held for 18 years.
Dr. Nathan R. Selden, a 1999 graduate of our neuosurgery resident program, was appointed as Dean of the Oregon Health & Science University’s (OHSU) School of Medicine in June ’24. As Professor of Neurosurgery and Mario and Edith Campanga Chair in pediatric neurosurgery, he has been at the OHSU for 24 years.
In Memoriam
David Kline, MD, U-M neurosurgical residency alumnus (1964–1967) passed away (1934–2024) at the age of 89. After completing a yearlong surgical internship at U-M, Kline stayed to complete a residency in general surgery; he left the university briefly in 1962 to complete residency at the Walter Reed General Hospital and Institute of Research while holding the rank of Captain in the Army Medical Corps during the Vietnam War, before returning to complete his neurosurgery residency. At the Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Kline had a storied and lengthy 35-year career as Head of the Department of Neurosurgery.
Dr. Cheerag Upadhyaya, a 2009 graduate of our neurosurgery residency program, was selected as Chair Elect of the Scoliosis Research Society’s (SRS) Health Policy Committee and will be appointed as Chair in 2026.
Andrew “Andy” Youkilis, MD, alumnus of our neurosurgery residency program (1996–2003), passed away (1968–2024) at the age of 56. After leaving U-M, Dr. Youkilis was a practicing neurosurgeon in Missouri, spending 18 years at St. Luke’s Hospital. In 2023, he became an associate professor of neurosurgery at the University of Missouri-Columbia. His research interests included GPS technologies in the treatment of chronic regional pain syndrome.
Staff News
Peggy Hoag Staff Excellence Award
The Peggy Hoag Staff Excellence Award, established in 2018, is an annual award for a staff member who has demonstrated outstanding service and performance. Named after a staff member who gave 45 years of outstanding service to Michigan Medicine, 39 of which were in the Department.
In 2024, the department honored two outstanding staff members with the The Peggy Hoag award: Heather Revels, Executive Assistant, and Marti Cotner, Administrative Specialist.
Welcome New Staff
Mariana Grohowski, PhD, MS, Senior Editor, Grohowski joined the department in January, replacing Tom Cichonski. Grohowski lives in the upper peninsula and has 16 years’ experience in college-level writing and scholarly publication.
Outpatient Team
The outpatient team welcomed new members in 2024, including:
David Favot, NP, in new APP. Focusing on cerebrovascular and stroke care.
Jennifer Hatch has been with Michigan Medicine for two and a half years, first at Mott working as a Patient Services Associate. Jennifer joined the department in February ’24. She will be working with Dr. Sagher and Dr. Heth.
Toni Howson, PA, has joined the outpatient spine APP team. Howson was previously part of the inpatient team for two years.
Amanda Romijn, NP, became the Outpatient Cranial APP focusing on brain tumor care. Amanda has been practicing since 2014, almost three years as the lead of our inpatient neurosurgery team here at Michigan Medicine. She has over 10 years of experience managing patients with brain tumors.
Michelle Mallory, AGACNP, joined our APP team in the outpatient neurosurgery spine clinic. Michelle graduated from University of Michigan with her master’s in 2019. She has been practicing as an APP in neurosurgery for the past 4 years, most recently, on our inpatient team. She also brings with her experience from the inpatient neuro critical care setting at UM Health-Sparrow. Prior to that she was a RN for 7 years on our neuro units.
Heather Revels
Marti Cotner
Mariana Grohowski
Jennifer Hatch
David Favot
Toni Howson
Michelle Mallory
Amanda Romijn
Carrie Lint, NP became APP manager this year. Lint has practiced as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for 25 years, specializing in neurosurgery. She has extensive experience in ICU, OR, inpatient and outpatient settings. Lint has been with at Michigan Medicine for several years, but before coming to Michigan Medicine, she worked at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and St. John Hospital.
Inpatient Team
We have new members of the inpatient team to welcome in 2024:
Veliña Fulton, RN, joined the inpatient Neurosurgery APP team full-time in January ’25. She has been an RN since 2009 and practicing at Michigan Medicine since 2018.
Kaelyn Chambless, NP
Gabrielle Russell, NP
Elena Darby, NP
Jordan McPike, PA-C
Garrett Williams, DNP, ADACNP-BC, joined us as an Acute Nurse Practitioner in November ‘24. Previously, he was a neurosurgery NP at Corewell Health - Royal Oak for 2.5 years. In graduate school, he helped develop the outreach component of the first LGBTQ+ health fellowship at UW’s School of Medicine and interned with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to create dementia-friendly communities.
Welcome to Laura Stouffer as Clinical Information Analyst Intermediate. The Clinical Outcomes team uses data to improve patient care, with a focus on degenerative spine disease and brain tumors. By abstracting and analyzing data, we gain valuable insights that drive improvements in treatment outcomes, such as reducing surgical site infections and minimizing opioid prescriptions at discharge.
Call Center
Stephanie Starr
Danielle Tharp
Kimberly Osborne-House
Princess Frye became an Administrative Manager in Neurosurgery and Orthopadeics and had two new PSAs join the team: Chinedu Ozor and Kimberly Hagbloom
Rachel Anderson is the new Clinic Manager in pediatrics.
Retirement
Tom Cichonski
After 25 years of service at the University of Michigan Medical School, 12 of which were in Internal Medicine, 7 in Orthopadeic Surgery, and 7 in Neurosurgery, Senior Editor, Tom Cichonski retired in January. In retirement, Tom is looking forward to walking, biking, camping, nature photography, home maintenance, and tackling unread issues of the New York Review of Books.
Veliña Fulton
Garrett Williams
Carrie Lint
Philanthropy News
The Joseph R. Novello & Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa Research Professorship Fund
On a chilly winter day in January 2023, the University of Michigan Medical School received a special gift that would not only mark a profound legacy but also set a course toward innovation in neurosurgery.
The Joseph R. Novello, M.D., and Alfredo QuiñonesHinojosa, M.D., Research Professorship Fund was established, a lasting tribute woven together by the lives and passions of two remarkable individuals. Joseph Novello, M.D. (1941–2023), affectionately known as “a friend to all,” was a man of many talents. Throughout his 50-plus-year career in the DC area as a psychiatrist, specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents, he touched the lives of many as a well-loved radio personality, accomplished author, and community member. Born and raised in Ohio, he defied geographical allegiances to become a devoted Michigan Wolverine, completing his psychiatric training at the University of Michigan Medical School in 1966. His journey continued as a flight surgeon with the Navy, instilling in him a profound sense of service and community dedication.
His life took an unexpected turn, leading him to seek medical treatment at Mayo Clinic Florida. There, he met Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, a luminary in the field of neurosurgery. Born in Mexicali, Mexico, Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa’s path was one of determination and resilience, rising from his humble beginnings to become Chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery at Mayo Clinic Florida, the William J. and Charles H. Mayo Professor of Neurosurgery, and a practicing neurosurgeon specializing in spine tumors, motor and speech mapping, and the treatment of pituitary tumors and minimally invasive approaches to skull-based tumors.
Dr. Novello was deeply touched by the care he received from Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa and inspired by his visionary nature. He saw him as more than just a surgeon; Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa demonstrated himself as a relentless researcher, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of brain tumor treatment. His commitment resonated with
Novello, who wanted to support innovative research, honor the remarkable work of neurosurgeons, and leave a legacy.
Through the establishment of the Novello Professorship, Novello and Quiñones-Hinojosa envisioned a future where neurosurgeons at Michigan Medicine could pursue the cutting-edge research necessary to transform patient care. This professorship is not merely an accolade; it is a call to arms for those committed to scientific progress—a tool for driving knowledge forward that will ripple across generations of trainees, colleagues, and patients.
Tragically, just four months after the gift agreement was signed, Dr. Joseph Novello passed away. Yet, his vision and passion live on through this professorship.
As of March, pending regental approval, Dr. Todd Hollon, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, will be seated as the inaugural holder of the Joseph R. Novello, MD and Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, MD
Research Professorship. Dr. Hollon’s innovative work in artificial intelligence in neurosurgical treatment and his dedication to mentoring and clinical care align seamlessly with the vision laid out by Novello and QuiñonesHinojosa, serving as a living embodiment of both men’s aspirations and generosity.
Through the Novello Professorship, Dr. Novello’s spirit will endure. This professorship will enable talented neurosurgeons to follow their curiosity, driving research that could one day lead to revolutionary treatments for brain tumors. It is a legacy built on admiration and hope, ensuring that Michigan remains at the forefront of medical advances and patient care—goals that resonate with both Novello and Quiñones-Hinojosa.
Meet Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa
Watch him on TEDx: https://bit.ly/4ifpwwh
Discover gifting opportunities for the Department of Neurosurgery at medschool.umich.edu/departments/ neurosurgery/about/giving
Dr. Todd Hollon
3552 Taubman Health Care Center
1500 E. Medical Center Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5338
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Jordan B. Acker, Michael J. Behm, Mark J. Bernstein, Paul W. Brown, Sarah Hubbard, Denise Ilitch, Ron Weiser, Katherine E. White, Santa J. Ono (ex officio)
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Marschall S. Runge, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, Dean
Steven L. Kunkel, Ph.D., Executive Vice Dean for Research
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Debra F. Weinstein, M.D., Executive Vice Dean for Academic Affairs
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© 2025 Regents of the University of Michigan
DEPARTMENT OF NEUROSURGERY
3552 Taubman Health Care Center ◼ 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5338
734-936-7010 ◼ medschool.umich.edu/departments/neurosurgery
