First TOPS Procedure at WashU Medicine

Expanding motion-preserving spine care We are proud to announce that Dr. Brenton Pennicooke recently performed the very first TOPS (Total Posterior Spine) procedure within the BJC system by a WashU Medicine provider. The procedure, performed at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, offers a motion-preserving alternative to traditional spinal fusion. This milestone represents an important step in […]

Dr. Eric Leuthardt Receives Olin Distinguished Alumni Award

Neurosurgeon, inventor, and entrepreneur recognized for leadership, innovation, and impact across disciplines We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Eric C. Leuthardt on receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from Olin Business School! This award honors WashU Olin graduates who have achieved distinction in their careers and exemplify the highest standards of leadership, progressive thinking, integrity, commitment, courage, […]

Leadership Insights from Admiral Winnefeld

Faculty, residents, and community leaders gather for an inspiring exchange on leadership, innovation, and real-world impact. The Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery recently hosted an extraordinary leadership event, bringing together faculty, alumni, colleagues, and members of the St. Louis community for an afternoon of meaningful conversation and leadership insights. Admiral James “Sandy” Winnefeld, former Vice […]

WashU Neurosurgery Welcomes Dr. Alex Michael

WashU Welcomes Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon The Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery at WashU Medicine is pleased to announce that Alex P. Michael, MD, FACS, has accepted a full-time faculty appointment and will join the department this July. Dr. Michael is a board-certified neurological surgeon with advanced training in both neurosurgical and orthopedic techniques, allowing […]

Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery ranks No. 3 nationally in NIH Funding

Latest NIH rankings highlight the department’s national leadership and the strength of its top-funded investigators. The Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery at WashU Medicine has ranked #3 nationally in NIH funding among all neurosurgery departments in the country. Three of our Principal Investigators are ranked in the top 15 nationally in NIH funding among neurosurgery […]

WashU Neurosurgery Welcomes Dr. Tyler Lazaro to Faculty

WashU Welcomes Vascular Neurosurgeon The Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery at WashU Medicine is pleased to announce that Tyler Lazaro, MD, has accepted a full-time faculty position in our department. He will begin this summer as a vascular neurosurgeon and will establish a laboratory focused on ischemic neuroprotection. Dr. Lazaro is a dual-trained vascular neurosurgeon […]

WashU Neurosurgery Welcomes Dr. Derek Li to Faculty

WashU Welcomes Brain Tumor Surgeon–Scientist The Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery at WashU Medicine is thrilled to announce that Derek Li, MD, has accepted a full-time faculty position in our department. Dr. Li will begin this summer as a brain tumor surgeon–scientist. Dr. Li earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and his medical […]