Dear Colleague, 
 

It is my pleasure to highlight some of the exciting accomplishments at the 2025 Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and recent milestones within the UC San Diego Department of Neurological Surgery. 
 

This year, our faculty, residents, and students made a strong showing at CNS in Los Angeles, giving talks, presenting research, winning awards, and helping educate the future leaders of our specialty. These achievements underscore the strength of our UC San Diego neurosurgery ecosystem, where innovation drives both patient care and scientific discovery. 
 

We are also excited to welcome three new faculty members to the department, Jillian Plonsker, MD, Arvin Wali, MD, MAS, and Brian Hirshman, MD, all recent graduates of our training program. Dr. Plonsker joins Rady Children’s Hospital, Dr. Wali joins our faculty as assistant clinical professor of neurological surgery, and Dr. Hirshman serves as clinical instructor at Palomar Medical Center. Their expertise and dedication strengthen our clinical, research, and educational missions. 
 

Neurosurgery is a team sport. I am glad for the opportunity to specifically celebrate and spotlight our OR teams. We heard from patients who reminded us why our operating room team is so vital. Their testimonials highlighted the expertise, empathy, and teamwork that enable neurosurgeons to deliver the safest most effective care. 
 

In a powerful show of support for brain cancer research, the Anders Family Foundation, led by Valerie Anders in honor of patient Carl Nuffer, established the Anders Family Brain Cancer Research Fund with a $1 million gift to advance glioblastoma research and the Brain Tissue Bank. Very few people, in the challenging moments of a cancer diagnosis, immediately think of helping others facing similar circumstances. Carl is that rare, inspiring individual, pushing us toward better answers for this unrelenting illness. It is the courage of patients like him that will ultimately drive meaningful progress. 
 

Lastly, as we enter the holiday season, we wish everyone a joyful and restorative time with family and friends and thank you for your continued dedication and support to advancing our specialty. 

Our Chair Alexander Khalessi, MD, MBA and Chair of Washington Committee delivered the Washington Committee update at CNS. The update included how the Washington Committee continues to lead organized neurosurgery’s efforts on critical policy, regulatory, and legislative priorities that shape how we care for patients and advance our specialty. 

UC San Diego medical student Serajh Esmail (MS4) won Best Peripheral Nerve Abstract for his research exploring how electrode design can optimize nerve regeneration, advancing the development of more precise and effective bioelectronic interfaces. These insights could ultimately lead to improved recovery and functional outcomes for patients with peripheral nerve injuries. 

A neurosurgeon doesn’t operate alone. Our department hosted an OR appreciation event where we heard from patients whose uplifting testimonials remind us why our OR team matters. Our OR staff’s expertise, empathy, and teamwork empower them to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients. 

We announced a new leadership structure within our department. These new roles reflect the nationally recognized expertise and dedication of our faculty to ensure we continue to develop groundbreaking treatments and deliver world-class patient care. 

We are proud to welcome Jillian Plonsker, MD, Arvin Wali, MD, MAS, and Brian Hirshman, MD, to our team! All three are graduates of the UC San Diego Department of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Plonsker joins us at Rady Children’s Hospital, Dr. Wali at UC San Diego Health, and Dr. Hirshman is a clinical instructor at Palomar Medical Center.  

The neurosurgical team led by Joseph Osorio, MD, at UC San Diego Health performed the world’s first anterior cervical spine surgery using a fully personalized implant, designed with AI and 3D printing for a patient’s unique anatomy. This breakthrough enables more precise alignment, fewer complications, faster recovery, and a future in which every implant is tailored to the individual.

Our Resident Alex Tenorio, MD, PGY-5, shared insights from his year as a White House Fellow with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, reflecting on the intersection of medicine, leadership, and policy. His talk highlighted the unique perspective of a neurosurgeon navigating the political landscape to improve care for our nation’s veterans. 

Our Neurosurgery Research Group meetings have seen fantastic participation! These gatherings connect medical students with residents and faculty, offering mentorship and exposure to the latest in neurosurgical research and clinical innovation. If you are a medical student interested in our research group, please reach out!

We had a fantastic time at Family Day in the Center for the Future of Surgery, where families joined in pumpkin carving, endoscopic bell pepper exploration, and neurosurgery demos. These experiences not only bring our department community together but also help spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of neurosurgeons. 

The Sanford Stem Cell Institute Town Hall, hosted by Alexander Khalessi, MD, MBA,  Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, and Frank Furnari, PhD, united leaders in neuroscience, oncology, and stem cell research to discuss glioblastoma (GBM). The panel highlighted cutting-edge discoveries and collaborative efforts aimed at advancing GBM understanding and treatment, offering hope to patients and families. 

In honor of patient Carl Nuffer, the Anders Family Foundation, led by his mother-in-law, Valerie Anders, has made a $1 million gift to establish the Anders Family Brain Cancer Research Fund in the Department of Neurological Surgery. The fund will advance glioblastoma research and the Brain Tissue Bank, offering new hope to patients and families. 

The UC San Diego Department of Neurosurgery “Brainiacs” Team proudly participated in the second annual Head for the Cure 5K Run/Walk in San Diego. In partnership with our department, the event raised more than $81,000 to support brain cancer research. These funds will help advance innovative studies and improve outcomes for patients and families affected by brain tumors.

You may opt out of receiving fundraising information for UC San Diego Health by contacting us toll-free at 1-800-588-2734 or by emailing optout-hsdev@ucsd.edu. Your treatment or payment will not be affected by your choice to opt out of a fundraising communication.

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