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). This can lead to serious health issues, including internal bleeding and complications in vital organs like the lungs, brain, spine, liver and gastrointestinal tract.

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.

The twelfth annual Blazer Bolt for Brain Cancer 5K and Fun Run was held Saturday, May 17, at Railroad Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Despite the thunderstorms that rolled in early Saturday morning, racers still showed up, participated and made the event a success.

Brain tumor symptoms vary widely and can often resemble other common health conditions. Understanding the risks, symptoms and treatment options can help lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

Fourteen UAB chief residents recently completed the Chief Residents Leadership Development Workshop. The program, presented by the UAB Medicine Leadership Development Office, was held on May 9, 2025.

Future physicians at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are exploring— through a unique course — how personal values, beliefs and spirituality can influence patient care.

Danielle Godin has been named advanced practice provider (APP) supervisor for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery.

Danielle Thomason, manager of ambulatory services for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, will graduate in May with a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

The UAB Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health proudly announces the fourth cohort of pilot grant awardees. Three innovative projects have received pilot funding to encourage collaboration between UAB investigators and international partners, tackling critical global health challenges. Award recipients were notified on April 22. Congratulations to the 2025 selected teams!

Five faculty members in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery have been recognized as 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctors, a prestigious honor that celebrates physicians nationwide for clinical excellence and peer recognition.

On April 28, 2025, Jasmine Thum, M.D., M.S. assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Biomedical Engineering, hosted a peripheral nerve education course for trainees at UAB. The event offered residents in-depth lectures and anatomic demonstrations of peripheral nerve anatomy, pathology, diagnostic techniques and surgical approaches.

At UAB, we are proud to be home to one of the most comprehensive brain tumor programs in the region and part of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center—Alabama’s only NCI-designated cancer center.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery welcomes Brandy Carrichi, MBA, as operations administrator.

The Center for Neuroengineering and Brain-Computer Interfaces (CNBCI) under the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine hosted its third annual NeuroGateways Symposium on April 10-11 at the UAB Alumni House.

Andrew Hale, M.D., Ph.D., a neurological surgery resident in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery, has been selected to join the Neurosurgeon-Scientist Training Program (NSTP), an initiative from the Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS).