About

What We Do

The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota and its clinical arm, M Health Fairview Neurosurgery, offer outstanding neurosurgical patient care, excellent neurosurgical education and groundbreaking research into some of the most difficult problems facing neurosurgical patients today.

"I accepted this role because I was moved by the Neurosurgery Department's optimism, ambition, and selfless dedication. I accepted this role because I was inspired by the department's fierce adherence to the highest standards of ethical, clinical, and scientific conduct. I am intently and relentlessly committed to this department's ideals and mission – of educating and cultivating the next generation of neurosurgical leaders, of improving our patients’ lives through advancement and practice of surgeries grounded in rigor and compassion, and of reshaping our collective consciousness through inquiry and knowledge."

- Clark C. Chen, MD, PhD, Head, Department of Neurosurgery

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Education & Training

Resident Neurosurgeons

We have been training residents since 1937 and typically graduate two fully trained neurosurgeons each year. The program has produced outstanding neurosurgeons who have gone on to lead neurosurgical departments across the country.

Medical Students

Medical students at the University of Minnesota have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of neurosurgery.

Research

Our research programs focus on better understanding of complex and difficult neurological diseases, which can lead to more effective future treatments. We have developed a focus on using stem cells to aid recovery from various forms of nervous system injury. Other important research areas include improving and broadening the use of deep brain stimulation, creating new brain tumor therapies, and treating traumatic brain injuries.

Clinical Care

Our neurosurgeons treat issues in adults and children associated with the brain, spine, skull and facial nerves, nervous system (central and peripheral), circulatory system (in association with the brain), and endocrine system.

We use advanced technologies during surgery such as MRI, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and image-guided intracranial endoscopy. We also have access to emerging technologies currently under evaluation including blood-brain barrier disruption and immunotherapy.