Stanford Neurosurgery

03/06/2026

REPOST from Stanford Medicine:

If you’ve ever felt like your stomach has a mind of its own, there’s some truth to that gut feeling.

The human digestive system contains hundreds of millions of neurons — more than the entire spinal cord. This “second brain,” called the enteric nervous system, coordinates the movement and digestion of food and communicates with the rest of the body. Yet scientists still know surprisingly little about how it works.

Now, Stanford researchers Todd Coleman, PhD, and Julia Kaltschmidt, PhD, are creating detailed maps of this system to understand how its neurons control digestion and other essential processes — work that could help transform treatment for conditions ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to Parkinson’s disease.

🔗 Read the full story here: https://stanmed.stanford.edu/gut-brain-neurological-connections/.

📸: Misha Gravenor

Stanford professors Todd Coleman and Julia Kaltschmidt team up to examine how the gut’s nervous system springs to life during development

03/03/2026

Sasha Alexander, MS, a clinical research coordinator II at the Stanford University School of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery, is helping ease children’s anxiety ahead of MRIs used in cerebrovascular evaluations.

For many children, advanced imaging can feel overwhelming: the machine is loud, the space is confined, and remaining completely still can be difficult. Alexander's approach relies on preparation rather than reassurance alone.

Through the nonprofit Starlight Children’s Foundation's collaboration with the LEGO Group, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford received 20 LEGO® MRI Scanner models to introduce a play-based kit designed to help children rehearse the experience of an MRI.

Child Life Specialists at Packard Children’s Hospital, who focus on the advocacy for and emotional well-being of hospitalized children, use the model during pre-scan preparation. The sessions are structured but informal, allowing children to engage at their own pace. By the time they reach the imaging suite, the machine is no longer an unknown, and for some patients, that familiarity makes sedation unnecessary.

02/27/2026

To our incredible residents: your dedication, compassion, and tireless commitment to patient care inspire us every day. Thank you for being the heart of our program and the hope for tomorrow's breakthroughs. ❤️

02/26/2026

Join us for the Neurosurgery Masterclass from Stanford Medicine - a premier educational event designed to advance clinical expertise. Please join us for our CME Webinar with Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Dr. Michael Jensen.

This session introduces endoscopic spine surgery for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, focusing on its role in decompressing pathologies such as myelopathy, radiculopathy, and neurogenic claudication. Participants will learn how this minimally invasive approach improves outcomes compared to traditional surgery and supports the treatment of degenerative spinal disorders.

Date/Time: March 26, 2026, 12pm-1pm

Register here:
https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=5&EID=56733

02/24/2026

Stanford University recently highlighted the Stanford Artificial Retina Project in the 2026 Technology Area of Focus on Neuroscience. The project gained recognition for its work in developing a brain–machine interface. 🌟🧠

Individuals with incurable retinal diseases are blinded by loss of cells in the retina, which sends visual information to the brain. The Stanford Artificial Retina Project aims to restore sight by using implanted electrodes to precisely recreate retinal signals. 👁️✨

Read the full story at: https://stan.md/3O73nXF

02/20/2026

Interested in a career in neurosurgery and neurosurgical mentorship? Calling medical students between their 1st & 2nd yr to register today for the Medical Student Summer Research Scholarship in Neurosurgery:
https://med.miami.edu/departments/neurosurgery/medical-student-summer-research-scholarship-in-neurosurgery

02/18/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Moss Zhao, an instructor in Dr. Gary Steinberg's Lab, on receiving the 2025 Pilot Research Grant from the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN)! 🏆 This grant will support his innovative early-stage research aimed at developing new approaches to understanding cerebrovascular disease and improving patient care for vascular brain conditions. 🧠💡 We are proud to celebrate this achievement and Dr. Zhao’s ongoing contributions to translational neuroscience research. 👏 Dr. Zhao extends his gratitude for the department's continued support. 🙏

02/14/2026

Yesterday, our team welcomed Dr. Daniel Sciubba who presented his talk "Integrating clinical and research innovations to provide care for the spinal tumor patient." Dr. Sciubba is the co-director of the Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Northwell Health and the chair of neurosurgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

02/12/2026

Get ready for a meaningful weekend of education, connection, and community at the 2026 National Conference, the nation’s largest patient-focused brain tumor conference.

September 18–20, 2026

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and online

We are proud to share that Michael Lim, MD, Professor and Chair of Stanford Neurosurgery, and Akanksha Sharma, MD, Director of Neuro-Oncology at Sutter Health California Pacific Medical Center, will serve as National Conference Co-Chairs, helping shape a dynamic and impactful experience.

Registration opens in early spring.

Stay tuned for updates: https://bit.ly/ABTA2026NC

02/04/2026

🧠 This World Cancer Day, we stand with patients, families, and researchers in the fight against brain tumors and all forms of cancer.

At Stanford Neurosurgery, our team is committed to advancing innovative treatments and surgical techniques to improve outcomes for patients with brain and spinal cord tumors. From cutting-edge research to compassionate care, we're dedicated to making a difference.

02/02/2026

The Stanford Brain Tumor Center is teaming with Stanford Medicine Children’s Health again to participate in the Northern California Brain Tumor Walk & Race to raise awareness and to provide support to patients and their families.

Date & Location:
Saturday June 13, 2026 at the San Francisco Zoo

We invite you, your family, and friends (all are welcome) to come and join the brain tumor community!

Scan the QR or follow the link for more info:
https://secure.braintumor.org/site/TR/TeamraiserEvents/BayAreaBrainTumorWalk?pg=personal&px=3959889&fr_id=4105

01/27/2026

We encourage you to apply to the 2026-2027 Harris Internship! This is an exciting internship opportunity for high school students interested in neuroscience and neurosurgery.

Interns will have access to weekly Stanford Neurology Grand Rounds, monthly attendance at our High School Neuroscience Journal Club Meetings, and more. The application deadline is February 15th, 2026.

Learn more:
https://med.stanford.edu/neurosurgery/education/JClub/HarrisInternship.html