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. Three of the six
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.