Dr. Thompson described as “Servant Leader” in the field of Neurosurgery by Dr. Gregory Zipfel
Congratulations to Eric M. Thompson, MD, on being installed as the T.S. Park, MD, Chair in Pediatric Neurosurgery. Dr. Thompson is a pediatric neurosurgeon-scientist and Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. He also holds appointments in the Departments of Pediatrics and Anatomy & Cell Biology, as well as a Graduate School appointment in the Cancer Biology Program at WashU. At WashU Medicine, he serves as Chief of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Division and Co-Director of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program. Dr. Thompson is also the Neurosurgeon-in-Chief and Co-Director of the Neuroscience Service Line at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
In his introductory remarks, Chair Gregory J. Zipfel, MD, reflected on the qualities that make Dr. Thompson a remarkable influence on the department. He spoke of Dr. Thompson’s quiet strength, deep experience, and perfectionist approach to clinical care, noting how these traits set a high standard for those around him. Dr. Zipfel added that he was not only an effective leader but, above all, a true “servant leader”—a title he reserves for those who consistently put the team before themselves.
Dr. Thompson’s research focuses on harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer, especially through innovative treatments like vaccines and immune-based therapies. One of his major projects is a vaccine called PEP-CMV, which is designed to treat pediatric brain tumors by targeting a common virus called CMV, which is found in about 80% of people. The vaccine started as a mix of proteins but was later simplified to a single piece for clinical testing, now known as the PRiME Study. Dr. Thompson highlighted the importance of having a strong, adaptable, and innovative team, especially when challenges arise — like when the trial was temporarily paused and required adjustments. Despite early setbacks, the work paid off, and their results were published in 2025.
Ultimately, Dr. Thompson advises that in the field of clinical trials and life, one must be prepared for the unknown and maintain a forward-moving momentum, encapsulated by his mantra: “You never know until you try” and “Keep moving forward.” This shared mentality between Dr. Thompson and Dr. Park makes him an excellent fit for this prestigious professorship. Congratulations again to Dr. Thompson, who genuinely embodies not only the collaborative spirit essential to advancing pediatric neurosurgery and cancer research, but also the relentless dedication and servant leader qualities championed by Dr. T.S. Park, that drive the mission of Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
