A Message from the Director

The Department of Neurosurgery at The Neurological Institute of New York builds on a proud and distinguished tradition to provide the highest quality resident training. The Neurological Institute of New York was founded in 1909 as the first dedicated neurological hospital in the United States. The program is affiliated with Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, the oldest medical school in the United States. Columbia has provided the finest specialized training for several generations of neurologists and neurosurgeons. The training of neurosurgery residents is one of our highest priorities and we take pride in each resident’s long term success.

Embodied in this comprehensive training is a philosophy dedicated to proficient clinical and surgical skills, academic achievement and leadership development. Our faculty is dedicated to the training of neurosurgery residents who will become future leaders in the field. Residents are encouraged to develop their clinical, research, teaching and leadership skills to become comprehensive neurosurgeons who will make future contributions to this dynamic profession. Clinical training is organized as advanced graduate medical education with an emphasis on devotion to patient care and comprehensive training by subspecialists in every area of neurosurgery. The clinical service is resident-centered with chief residents having authority over daily organization of operating room and patient care services. Our clinical volume is biased towards complex tertiary referrals within subspecialized fields. The program cultivates a collegial and professional atmosphere with a strong emphasis on individual career guidance. Subspecialists are available to mentor residents in any specific field of interest or in general activities.

Research opportunities are abundant with productive departmental laboratories in neuro-oncology, neurovascular, epilepsy, neurodevelopment, peripheral nerve and spine. A strong neuroscience research program facilitates interaction with the Columbia Neuroscience program hosting a range of talented collaborators, including Nobel prize winners. Additional opportunities are available outside of the department for other neurologically associated interests. The culmination of the program is to maximize each resident’s potential, optimize their clinical and academic skills and allow them to become the next generations’ leaders in neurosurgery.

Jeffrey Bruce, M.D.
Program Director, Neurological Surgery