Yard work might seem like a low-stakes weekend chore, but beyond mulching flower beds and trimming hedges lies a real risk: back and spine injuries that can last long after the weeds are gone.

Mark N. Hadley, M.D., FAANS, Charles A.

July 22 marks the 12th annual World Brain Day, a global campaign led by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) to promote brain health across all stages of life. This year’s theme, “Brain Health for All Ages,” emphasizes the importance of neurological care from preconception through late adulthood.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to announce that Terri Epting will join the department as director of fiscal affairs, effective Aug. 11.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to welcome Hohyun Cho, Ph.D.

Burt Nabors, M.D., professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurology and director of the Division of Neuro-oncology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Engagement Award from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

James Johnston, M.D., professor and division director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery recently graduated from the UAB Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA). 

UAB Hospital has been reverified as a Level I adult trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) and remains the only ACS-Level I adult trauma center in the state of Alabama. Learn what it takes to meet the rigorous standards set by the ACS.

Andrew Hale, M.D., Ph.D., a neurosurgical resident in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, is the first author of a newly published paper in Science Translational Medicine. The paper defines the “Molecular Hallmarks of Hydrocephalus,” a condition that affects millions worldwide and is the leading reason for childhood brain surgery.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery held its annual Chief Resident Graduation Dinner on Friday, June 20, 2025, at The Florentine, bringing together residents, their families and faculty members for a night of celebration, recognition and reflection.

As summer activities ramp up, so does the risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Assistant Professor Elizabeth Liptrap, M.D., was recently featured during WBRC's “Ask The Doctor” segment to share expert advice on preventing traumatic brain injuries during the summer months. 

Marshall Holland, M.D., MS, assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, served as an invited speaker at the Facial Pain Association’s (FPA) annual meeting this month, marking the organization’s first in-person gathering since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marshall Holland, M.D., MS, assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, recently served as a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota Department of Neurosurgery, where he delivered a grand rounds lecture on a novel application of spinal cord stimulation for modulation of the autonomic nervous system and restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is a rare, but serious, genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessels to form throughout the body. These abnormal vessels bypass much smaller blood vessels, or capillaries, creating direct connections between arteries and veins known as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Brandon Rocque, M.D., M.S., and Andrew T. Hale, M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery recently received individual pilot grants from the Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health (MHIGH). 

Matthew Parr, M.D., Benjamin Saccomano, M.D., and Yasaman Alam, M.D., chief residents in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, recently participated in the Chief Residents Leadership Development Workshop hosted by the UAB Medicine Leadership Development Office.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is excited to announce a new chapter in employee recognition by transitioning from Kudos Corner to UAB’s enterprise-wide Applause platform.

Yanna Brooks, certified medical assistant at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, has been selected for the 2025 Patient Experience Hero Award. She was nominated by Clinic RN team lead, Jessica Wesson for her commitment to patient care and ability to build meaningful connections with patients and colleagues.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to welcome Angelina Unich as an MSHA administrative intern.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to welcome Anna Parker as healthcare management undergraduate intern in the Chair’s Office.

Fothergill at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under ArmourOn March 23, 2025, professional angler Easton Fothergill reeled in a record-breaking win at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour—just 19 months after undergoing emergency brain surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.

Members of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, the Global Alliance for Prevention of Spina Bifida (GAPSBiF) and the UAB mission:brain chapter recently came together with March of Dimes to advocate for a bill that could address a significant health disparity in Alabama’s Hispanic community.

Jianmei Leavenworth, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, recently graduated from the spring 2025 cohort of UAB Medicine’s Leading Advancing Developing (LEAD) program.

The twelfth annual Blazer Bolt for Brain Cancer 5K and Fun Run will be held on Saturday, May 17, at Railroad Park in Homewood, Alabama.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Neurosurgery Leadership Council (NLC) has elected new officers, with Jacquelyn “Jacque” Shaia, J.D., Ph.D., (pictured)  serving as president and Diane Fisher as secretary.

Danny Lee, clinical research administrator II in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, has been named a 2025 honoree for the UAB Values in Action Program (VIP).

Twenty employees in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery have been recognized for their dedication and commitment as part of the university’s annual Service Awards program.

Jianmei Leavenworth, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery and assistant program director at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, has reached a significant milestone with her 50th study published on PubMed.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery proudly celebrates Thank a Resident Day, recognizing the dedication, hard work and sacrifices of our neurosurgical residents.

Anil Mahavadi, M.D., MBA, a neurological surgery resident in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, and Yifei Sun, a medical student at the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, presented at the Annual Meeting of the AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerve.