Neurosurgery residency in Peoria Illinois at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria

Dr. William Taylor, UCSD Neurosurgery teaching the XLIF minimally invasive approach in the microsurgical lab. Pictured in the background from left to right are Dzung Dinh, chief of the spine subsection, Dr. Dan Fassett, spine fellow at Thomas Jefferson under Alexander Vaccaro and Todd Albert, who will be joining us in August 2007. Far right is Todd McCall, neurosurgery resident at University of Utah.

Research is mandatory during the PGY-4 year of training. While many have dedicated time throughout their residency for research, this year is set aside solely for the purpose of research, whether it be clinical or basic science research. The department has a yearly requirement of one publication expected from all residents. Most have completed training averaging ten to over thirty publications and many presentations within the six- year time frame. Residents are given ample opportunity to explore their options and choose their field of interest with support from the faculty members.

With the highly regarded and active faculty in the department, the resident may choose to collaborate and perform extensive clinical and basic science research. Additionally, the department maintains close connections with Bradley University Department of Mechanical Engineering regarding many pediatric projects, including shunt and endoscope design and rapid prototyping of molding helmets for craniosynostosis. The close proximity of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana allows collaboration with the numerous departments and high field 9T magnet for animal studies. The Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology at the School of Medicine at Peoria, headed by Dr. Jasti Rao, has extensive funding through numerous R01 grants for basic science research in mechanisms of glioma and metastatic tumor invasion. Current projects also include stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury utilizing rat models.

The faculty and residents participate in numerous human research protocols for spine disorders, brain aneurysms, brain tumors, radiosurgery, peripheral nerve, and pain disorders. Some investigational pivotal trials include artificial disc, treatment for vasospasm post brain aneurysm rupture, and treatment for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. The department has designated full-time staff to assist residents with clinical research projects from IRB submissions to publications.

Finally, the department’s well-equipped microsurgical lab on the seventh floor of the hospital, as part of the Illinois Neurologic Institute, allows not only for analysis of complex approaches prior to surgery, but has also resulted in many publications over the years. This laboratory has two operating microscopes, the full complement of surgical tools and drills, and a clean and spacious working environment. Many have regarded this resource as key in their residency training.