The Division of Neurosurgery at Children's Memorial is marked by high-quality, innovative care, a neurosurgical team whose extensive experience is matched with leading-edge technologies, and a commitment to clinical, translational, and basic science research in a multidisciplinary setting. Members of the division are involved in basic research in cooperation with the neurobiology and the brain tumor research program at the Children's Memorial Research Center.
The division is known world wide for its special expertise in spina bifida, a condition in which an infant's spinal cord is not properly encased by the bones of the spinal column. The Spina Bifida Center is recognized as an international referral center, and the Falk Brain Tumor Center ranks among the top pediatric centers in the world for brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. In fact, data obtained from the Illinois Hospital Association reveals that approximately 70% of all Illinois children found to have tumors of the central nervous system are treated at Children's Memorial Hospital. Two out of the five certified pediatric neurosurgeons in Illinois are based at Children's Memorial.
As a world leader in pediatric neurosurgery and a major center for abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord and in the treatment of brain tumors and epilepsy, the mission and vision of the division is as follows:
- To maintain the high level of care established and to develop innovative treatments for children with brain tumors and congenital malformations utilizing the discoveries uncovered in our research laboratory. This center for basic research has been established for the study of brain tumors and congenital malformations of the spinal cord. The Falk Brain Tumor Center has raised millions of dollars for the study of the biology of brain tumors.
Furthermore, Children's Memorial is the first pediatric hospital in the nation to offer the INTRABEAM™ System, an innovative approach to brain tumor treatment that delivers single, high doses of precisely controlled radiation directly into a brain tumor.
- To provide educational opportunities for fellows, residents, medical students and nurses in the field of pediatric neurosurgery.
- To ensure that all of our patients have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential.