A Life in Spinal Neurosurgery


Eight members joined to form the BNA neurosurgical group at Barrow Neurological Institute in 1983. When this photo was taken in the mid 1980s, Barrow Neurosurgical Associates had expanded.	This photo was taken shortly after BNA came together. Dr. John Green, second from the left, next to me, was the founder and first director of BNI, which opened in 1962. Robert F. Spetzler, at far right, first row, took the helm in 1986.	Demonstrating early instrumentation techniques in the emerging field of spinal neurosurgery in the mid 1980s. By the end of the decade, a turf war would break out over who should perform such surgeries, neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons.	X-ray of cervical instrumentation.
Microscopes have evolved considerably since I first performed surgeries in the 1970s, in terms of optics, illumination and maneuverability.	At my desk in the early 1990s, a time when BNI became a major player in neurosurgery, both nationally and internationally.	Every profession has its gags. This brain cap was a favorite of mine.	Channeling Descartes to illustrate a talk I gave on how to locate the pineal gland. I was fascinated that Descartes regarded the pineal gland, a tiny organ in the center of the brain, to be the principal seat of the soul and the place in which all our thoughts are formed.
Robert F. Spetzler (on left) and I pose with a graduating resident at an annual ceremony at the Phoenix Country Club in the 1990s.	The surgical team that worked on TJ: Robert Spetzler (at right) drained off the blood clot pressing against the boy’s brain stem, while I reconnected his occiput to his spine using a new fusion technique. Behind and between us is pediatric neurosurgeon Hal Rekate.	A post-op x-ray showing the instrumentation I devised to reattach the skull to the spine.	With my patient T.J., the boy who underwent groundbreaking surgery after his head was detached from his spinal column in a bicycle-truck accident.
With T.J. and his family. He was dubbed the “Miracle Boy.”	Another scene in the operating room.	This photograph gives you an idea of the sophistication and array of instruments required in modern neurosurgery. I am controlling the microscope by biting down on a mouth clamp.	When I met Henry Kissinger (at left) at BNI’s twenty-fifth anniversary in 1987, he told me I had a thick German accent.
A singular talent of mine.	The BNI Chiefys enjoying our first championship win in the annual playoffs in New York. Thirty-two teams of neurosurgeons from across the country compete each year.	I took great pleasure in coaching the Chiefys. Our team name, derived from “Chief,” was a term applied to all doctors, residents, and fellows at BNI.	Success in surgery depends on laser-like focus and precision, as well as stamina.
A light moment during the celebration of my thirtieth anniversary at BNI.	With the Vice President of Taiwan. Being part of the global expansion of neurosurgery and lecturing and teaching internationally has been supremely rewarding.	Having established the spine fellowship at Barrow in 1988, and then overseeing it for twenty-two years, I trained thirty-six fellows, most of whom have gone on to positions at academic institutions around the country. I was humbled when the fellows formed the Sonntag Society in the early 1990s.	With Robert F. Spetzler, just before my retirement.
A courtyard leading to the Sonntag Academic Pavilion at Saint Joseph’s Hospital.	During a humanitarian trip to Tanzania, where I taught, examined patients, and performed surgeries.	The talented media staff at BNA provided endless amusement with their contributions to presentations. “Volk the Hulk” was inspired by my famous if good humored rivalry with Robert F. Spetzler, aka “Superman.”