Eric Thompson, MD, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery for Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL, has been named Chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and neurosurgeon-in-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. His tenure begins Aug. 1.
Dr. Thompson succeeds David Limbrick, MD, PhD, who served as Chief from 2016 – 2023.
“I’m thrilled to announce that Dr. Eric Thompson will be the next Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery,” said Gregory J. Zipfel, MD, the Ralph G. Dacey Distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery and chair of the department of neurosurgery. “Eric is a highly skilled neurosurgeon and a demonstrated leader in the field of pediatric neurosurgery. He brings a strategic vision and under his leadership I know our pediatric division will continue to thrive in both innovation and research. Most importantly, Eric is deeply passionate about caring for our littlest patients and their families.”
“I’d also like to thank Dr. Jennifer Strahle for serving as an excellent Interim Chief. Her steadfast commitment to our department never wavered and I am deeply grateful for her efforts,” said Zipfel.
Dr. Thompson earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his medical degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. He completed his neurosurgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, followed by a fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. His research focuses on pediatric brain tumors, how such tumors (especially medulloblastoma) spread throughout the nervous system, and how novel immunotherapeutic approaches can be leveraged to treat pediatric brain tumors.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead one of the most prestigious and storied pediatric neurosurgery programs in the world,” said Thompson. “It is truly a privilege to join the team at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the Department of Neurosurgery at Washington University. I look forward to expanding the already outstanding pediatric brain tumor program by offering top-notch clinical care and cutting-edge research.
Dr. Thompson spent nine years as a faculty member at Duke University Medical Center before being named the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery for Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL in 2023.
Thompson named Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery
