University of Wisconsin–Madison

Department of Neurological Surgery

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
A UW Med Flight helicopter flies above the University of Wisconsin-Madison

A UW Med Flight helicopter flies above the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Capitol Building

The Wisconsin State Capitol building and Monona Terrace at night.

UW Health

An aerial photograph of the UWHealth medical campus.

Neurological Surgery department group photo of faculty, residents, and research staff

 

Neurosurgery News

6th annual Wisconsin Primary CNS Malignancy Symposium

Spine Oncology Symposium – Visiting Professor Mark Bilsky, MD

16th annual Spine Symposium and Surgical Skills Lab

HYBRID GRAND ROUNDS – Dec. 03, 2025 Dr Siler

Dr Resnick Honored Guest Speaker at CNS

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Events

2026 Neurological Surgery Journal Club


Please Welcome John-Victor El Khoury, MD, MSc!

John-Victor El Khoury recently earned his MD from Saint Joseph University of Beirut, where he also completed a master's degree in Neuroscience. During medical school, he was actively involved in neuroscience research, contributing to both basic science and translational research projects.
John-Victor is joining the Dr. Bermans Iskandar Laboratory, where he looks forward to continuing his passion for neuroscience research and pursuing a career in academic neurosurgery.
Outside of medicine, John-Victor enjoys chess, soccer, table tennis, and cooking. He looks forward to contributing to the department while continuing to grow as a physician and researcher.

Ebling Library Book Club

The Ebling Library/CHASM Book Club is offering a discussion of “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande on Aug. 20 at noon via Zoom: Riveting, honest, and humane, the book shows that the ultimate goal is not a good death but a good life – all the way to the very end. To register and request a free paperback copy (limited quantity), visit the Book Club website.



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Make A Gift

Jenny Kray

The UW Resident Experience

Watch these videos to get a glimpse of what it is like to be a UW Neurological Surgery resident!

The Resident Experience

Residency Program

Robert J. Dempsey, MD (right) gives a hands-on surgical demonstration to our PGY 1 resident, Niall Buckley, MD.

Grand Rounds

Dr. Steinmetz with residents and faculty

Neurosurgery Update

Message from the Chairman

Dr. Robert J. Dempsey
Dr. Robert J. Dempsey

Welcome to the website for the University of Wisconsin Department of Neurological Surgery. In this website you will learn about our department, which is dedicated to providing the very best clinical neurosurgical care for the many disorders of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, as well as the blood vessels which support them. You will learn about our work on disorders such as:

  • brain tumors
  • stroke
  • brain hemorrhages from aneurysms (congenital or acquired abnormalities)
  • spinal cord injuries or degenerations of the spinal and peripheral nerve disorders
  • pediatric and congenital disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems
  • degenerative disorders of the brain and spine

Read more…

Mission Statement

A W crest emblem is seen on the Field House from inside of Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Oct. 6, 2012. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW-Madison)

 

The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Wisconsin provides outstanding care and treatment for patients with brain, spine, and peripheral nerve diseases, disorders, and injuries; advances neuroscience knowledge through basic and clinical research; and trains students, residents, and fellows.