In 1954, James Garber Galbraith, M.D., established the Division of Neurosurgery within the Department of Surgery in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, creating a culture of growth and compassionate care that is still present within the now-Department of Neurosurgery at UAB. In honor of Galbraith's achievements and contributions, the UAB Department of Neurosurgery is proud to present the 41st Annual J. Garber Galbraith, M.D., Scientific Session and Lecture on November 8, 2024.
The Galbraith Lecture is given annually by a guest neurosurgeon who has made significant contributions to the field of neurosurgery at large, while the Galbraith Scientific Session features the research and achievements of both past and present UAB neurosurgery residents. The lecture and scientific session also culminate in a dinner held each year for UAB Department of Neurosurgery faculty, residents and guests.
The 42nd Annual J. Garber Galbraith, M.D., Scientific Session and Lecture
Grand Rounds: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Galbraith Lecture: Friday, October 3, 20245
Talk title coming soon.
Registration opening soon.
Galbraith Lecturer
Rich W. Byrne, M.D.
Chair, Department of Neurosurgery | Mayo Clinic Florida
Richard W. Byrne, M.D., is a nationally recognized neurosurgeon with more than 25 years of surgical experience and expertise in all types of brain tumor surgery. In April 2024, he joined Mayo Clinic Florida as chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery. Prior to this role, he served for 18 years as chair and medical director of the Department of Neurosurgery at Rush University. Throughout his career, Byrne has held leadership positions in numerous professional societies, including president of the Neurosurgical Society of America and director of the American Board of Neurological Surgery. He is the current president of the Society of Neurological Surgeons. His extensive clinical experience, commitment to advancing the field and contributions to organized neurosurgery distinguish him as a respected leader in the neurosurgical community.
Sponsored for CME credit by UAB Division of CME.
The University of Alabama School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Alabama School of Medicine designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 4.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The University of Alabama School of Medicine is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
2024 Winners
Garber Galbraith, M.D, Research Prize
Griffith R. Harsh III, M.D., Research Prize
Richard B. Morawetz, M.D., Research Prize
Stephen Mahaley Jr., M.D., Research Prize (Translational Research Prize)
Previous Lectures










