Expert hands, timely hope

By Ginger O’Donnell
WashU Medicine’s Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery is home to the latest innovations in neurosurgery and neurotechnology to address complex brain tumors. Eric C. Leuthardt, MD, performed a groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure in 2010 that uses an MRI-guided laser to target cancer cells deep in the brain without damaging the surrounding tissue. It now benefits patients like Scott Keifer, an attorney, devoted husband, and father of three. See how Keifer was transformed by Leuthardt’s expert, life-saving care following a life-threatening diagnosis: leaving WashU Medicine healthy and tumor free within 24 hours of his cutting-edge treatment.
“There is not a day that goes by that I don’t appreciate still being around. And that wouldn’t have been possible without WashU Medicine.”
Scott Keifer, brain-tumor survivor


From WashU to DARPA
In her first year of high school, Alissa Ling, AB ’18, started volunteering more than 10 hours a week at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. There, she first learned about emerging rehabilitation devices — like brain-controlled prosthetic arms — that offered soldier amputees a rare and vital return to mobility.
A new era in mental health research
Eric Lenze, BA ’90, MD ’94, leads the Department of Psychiatry at WashU Medicine, which has a long history of international excellence in research, education, and patient care.
The healing power of neuroscience
Physician-scientist Michael Avidan, MBBCh, leads WashU Medicine’s Department of Anesthesiology, a world leader in anesthesiology research, education, and patient care.