The Department of Neurosurgery at RUSH University Medical Center is dedicated to excellence in neurosurgical education. Through our team of sub-specialized neurosurgical faculty, adjunct faculty, and administrative and research staff, we offer a comprehensive curriculum, an abundant operative experience, research and academic opportunities, and a firm foundation for future success. Our clinical activities cover all fields of neurosurgery giving each resident a broad surgical education. Our elective and research experience gives our residents time to develop subspecialty academic interests and pursue innovation through research throughout their career.
This last year was the busiest surgical year the Department of Neurosurgery has ever had RUSH maintains one of the top market shares in the 8-county region in spinal surgery, neuro-oncology and general neurosurgical cases. RUSH has 10 clinically ranked programs in the US News and World Report Survey and is ranked #2 in the nation for quality by Vizient.
Our academic and research missions continue to grow each year. The members of the RUSH Department of Neurosurgery are participating in over 30 clinical trials and/or basic science projects, over 25 academic projects, and 2 first-in-human studies. In 2020, we were awarded 2 NIH grants.
Our training program continues to thrive. The RRC has approved a complement of 18 total accredited residents, utilizing 3 - 2 - 3 - 2 - 3 - 2 - 3 annual schedules. RUSH has CAST (Committee on Advanced Surgical Training) approved fellowships in spinal surgery, neuroendovascular surgery, and stereotactic and functional neurosurgery. The Department has strengthened its affiliation with John H. Stroger Hospital, involving a collaboration as the primary academic partner of the Stroger Division of Neurosurgery This partnership has been developed with the intent to enhance the interaction of our departments over the next few years. In the spirit of the larger institutional RUSH/Stroger academic affiliation, we plan to offer more subspecialty clinical services and improve the educational experience for neurosurgery residents. RUSH University Medical Center Neurosurgery residents also have an outstanding rotation at Chicago Lurie Children’s Hospital and Lutheran General Hospital.
Over the past 5 years, RUSH residents have routinely attained top fellowships, and most have gone on to accept primary academic positions across the US. Recent graduates in the past 5 years are now on faculty at UCSF, University of Tennessee, Case Western, University of South Florida, University of South Carolina, RUSH (2), Loma Linda, and University of Cincinnati.
I thank each member of the department for their hard work and support. As a team, we offer an excellent experience in operative neurosurgery, a firm background in neuroscience, a commitment to innovative research, and a dedication to professionalism. Our goal at RUSH is to train tomorrow’s leaders in neurosurgery
Vincent C. Traynelis, MD
Professor and Interim Chairman
Department of Neurosurgery
Rush University Medical Center