Clinical Programs

The Department of Neurosurgery at Rush University Medical Center offers a five-year, post-MD training program approved by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

The residency program at Rush trains great neurosurgeons. It does so because we offer a plethora of surgical opportunities, a strong intellectual foundation, a robust research program, unparalleled technology and attention to personal as well as professional growth.

The program covers the following areas:

Cerebrovascular & Endovascular Surgery
This section provides comprehensive training in microsurgery for intracranial and brachiocephalic vascular disease, as well as the full array of endovascular procedures.
View clinical program photos

Epilepsy
The Rush Epilepsy Center has one of the largest referral bases and clinical volumes in the Midwest. Residents receive exposure to both current and investigational medical and surgical treatments for epilepsy.

Functional Neurosurgery
This section deals with movement disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease and dystonias with both ablative and deep brain stimulation techniques. Research projects include neurotransplantation and testing of neurotrophins for neurodegenerative disease.

Neuro-oncology
The section of neuro-oncology enjoys state-of-the-art surgery facilities, including image-guided technology and stereotactic radiosurgery capabilities. Surgery for skull base tumors is done in collaboration with ENT and Plastic Surgery.

Peripheral Nerve
Residents receive training in standard peripheral nerve procedures, as well as brachial plexus reconstruction and tumor removal.

Pediatric Neurosurgery
The Department of Neurosurgery is working with Rush Children's Hospital to develop an innovative, comprehensive service line for pediatric neurosurgical cases. Through our relationship with the Rush Craniofacial Center, residents have exposure to reconstructive surgery for craniofacial and craniosynostotic deformities.

Spine
This section offers the complete spectrum of care for spinal disorders including endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery.
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Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Through a required rotation in radiosurgery, residents are exposed to an unparalleled array of technology, including the Gamma Knife, the Peacock intensity modulation system and the X-Knife modified linear accelerator.

Trauma
During rotation at Lutheran General Hospital, residents are exposed to a wide variety of head and spine injuries. Intensive care treatment includes intracranial pressure monitoring with emphasis on ventilatory management. In addition, a large volume of tumors are surgically treated utilizing intra-operative MRI.