Jo Marie Gellerman
(520) 626-7219
October 30, 2009
G. Michael Lemole, Jr., MD, a leading authority on skull base surgery, has been appointed associate professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona Department of Surgery.
In his previous position at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dr. Lemole headed the UIC Skull Base Multidisciplinary Program. He also served as co-director of the Chicago CyberKnife™ Radiosurgery Center at Advocate Christ Medical Center.
As the new chief of neurosurgery at the UA Department of Surgery and University Medical Center, Dr. Lemole will bring in new faculty that can expand the department’s vascular and endovascular, skull base, epilepsy, spine, and trauma capabilities. His focus will be on creating multidisciplinary teams of surgeons and specialists who will collaborate to offer the full range of leading-edge surgical, radiosurgical, and medical treatments for patients with brain and spine disorders.
Dr. Lemole’s clinical interests include diseases of the cranial base, or skull base, where all of the critical blood vessels and nerves enter or exit the skull. Among the most delicate and complex areas of the human body, skull base diseases include both malignant and benign tumors, as well as congenital and traumatic anatomical defects.
“In many instances we can observe benign, asymptomatic tumors,” explained Dr. Lemole. When tumors show signs of growth or interfere with the function of the brain or nerves, then surgery may be required.”
“Whenever feasible we will employ minimally invasive approaches through the nasal passages. Less accessible tumors often can be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery. Working with multiple specialties including neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and oculoplastic surgery, we can reach virtually all areas of the brain and skull base using advanced skull base techniques. A multidisciplinary team ensures that patients receive the highest degree of specialized and comprehensive care available,” he said.
Dr. Lemole received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his residency in 2002 in neurological surgery at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. At Barrow he completed fellowships in Complex Spinal Surgery and Cerebrovascular/Skull Base Surgery.
He has generated more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, and 18 book chapters. He serves on the editorial board of the journal Skull Base, An Interdisciplinary Approach. He is a member of several medical societies, including American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and North American Skull Base Society.
“We are immensely pleased that Dr. Lemole has joined our team to lead the Division of Neurosurgery,” said Rainer Gruessner, MD, professor and chairman, UA Department of Surgery. “His expertise and experience in skull base surgery will be invaluable to us as we expand neurosurgical services and continue our promise of delivering the best care possible to our patients.”
UA College of Medicine
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