As the only tertiary care medical center in Vermont, the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine’s Division of Neurosurgery provides comprehensive surgical management of disorders of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. Since the division's establishment in 1948, we have been committed to translating leading-edge research into improved patient care.

Residents

Medical students and neurosurgery residents participate in a variety of research activities and provide care and an array of treatment options for patients who have brain and spinal disease. By facilitating critical thinking, we advance the knowledge needed to treat neurologic disorders and enhance the quality of clinical care.


 

Academic and Clinical Excellence

Surgery

As physicians and scientists, the Division of Neurosurgery faculty brings intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, and fundamental concern to our patients, our trainees, our colleagues, and the communities we serve in northern New England. 

We advance knowledge and innovation, and enhance efficiency through clinical, translational, and biomedical research studies designed to improve the care of patients with neurologic disease. We are dedicated to patient-and family-centric treatment of individuals with neurologic disease, and to developing the next generation of neurosurgical physicians. The UVM Neurosurgery Residency Program if fully accredited by ACGME and committed to training future leaders in the field to be outstanding clinicians, active investigators and experienced educators.


Surgery News

Prikis, Pineda Quoted in WCAX Story on Living Kidney Donors

January 18, 2024 by Lucy Gardner Carson

(JANUARY 18, 2024) Nephrologist Marios Prikis, M.D., associate professor of medicine, and transplant surgeon Jaime Pineda, M.D., assistant professor of surgery, commented to WCAX for a story on living donors for kidney transplants.

Nephrologist Marios Prikis, M.D., associate professor of medicine and medical director of pancreas and kidney transplant programs at UVMMC (left), and transplant surgeon Jaime Pineda, M.D., assistant professor of surgery

(JANUARY 18, 2024) Nephrologist Marios Prikis, M.D., associate professor of medicine, and transplant surgeon Jaime Pineda, M.D., assistant professor of surgery, commented to WCAX for a story on living donors for kidney transplants.

Dozens of Vermonters wait years for kidneys, a process that’s only gotten lengthier. According to the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC), patients on average wait at least two to three years to get a kidney transplant, and in some instances up to seven years.

That’s why doctors are encouraging living donors. Many people may not be aware that the human body, which contains two kidneys, can function perfectly well with just one. Doctors say living donations are better for patient outcomes and have less risk associated with transporting a deceased donor’s kidney from elsewhere.

“It’s thoroughly and strictly investigated, examined for them to be approved. And then similarly the recipient goes through a thorough process,” said Prikis, who is medical director of pancreas and kidney transplant programs at UVMMC. “So both of them and then it’s an elective surgery on an elective day. Both good for the patients but also for the team.”

At UVM, the doctors say 30 percent of their kidney transplants are from living donors, but the goal would be well over 50 percent because a living donor can take years off the wait.

“Our living donors are increasing, but we have a population that probably will be very eager to donate more. And we need many more living donors in our area,” Pineda said.

Officials say 78 patients in the UVM Health Network are currently waiting for a kidney, there were 27 deceased organ donors last year, and there are three scheduled living kidney surgeries this month.

The University of Vermont Medical Center has comprehensive information about becoming a living kidney donor.

Read full story at WCAX-TV