Welcome to the Department of Neurosurgery, Brain and Spine at USF Health
It is my privilege to lead a department dedicated to advancing the science and practice of neurosurgery while delivering exceptional, patient-centered care. At USF Health, we are committed to excellence across our tripartite mission: clinical care, research, and education. We strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the patients and communities we serve.
Our team brings together highly skilled neurosurgeons, clinical researchers, basic scientists, and educators who are united by a shared purpose: to push the boundaries of innovation while maintaining the highest standards of compassion and integrity.
From complex brain and spine procedures to cutting-edge research initiatives, we are proud to be at the forefront of neurosurgical advancement.
A central priority of our department is the education and training of the next generation of neurosurgeons. We are deeply committed to cultivating future leaders in the field by providing a rigorous, comprehensive training environment grounded in mentorship, innovation, and clinical excellence. Our trainees benefit from diverse clinical exposure, access to pioneering research, and the guidance of nationally recognized faculty dedicated to their growth and success.
We also recognize the importance of collaboration within our institution and beyond. By partnering across disciplines and engaging with our community, we continue to expand access to advanced neurosurgical care and contribute to discoveries that shape the future of medicine.
Thank you for your interest in our department. Whether you are a patient, trainee, collaborator, or visitor, we welcome you and look forward to working together to advance the field of neurosurgery.
Harry van Loveren, MD
Genshaft and Greenbaum Endowed Chair
Chair, Department of Neurosurgery, Brain and Spine
Genshaft and Greenbaum Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery
The Genshaft and Greenbaum Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery was established through a transformative $3 million philanthropic gift from USF President Emerita Judy Genshaft and her husband, Steve Greenbaum, to the USF Health Department of Neurosurgery, Brain and Spine. Created to recognize the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Harry van Loveren, the endowment provides enduring support for the department’s chair, ensuring sustained investment in faculty excellence, innovative research, resident education, and emerging technologies. Through this lasting investment, the endowed chair strengthens the department’s ability to remain at the forefront of clinical innovation, academic excellence, and patient care for generations to come.
Neuroscience Institute
Promoting and supporting interdisciplinary neuroscience research, clinical care, and education at USF Health and Tampa General Hospital through collaborative partnerships, innovative research initiatives, exceptional patient care, and comprehensive educational programs that advance the institution's mission while improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
Neurosurgery Achievements
$3M Gift Establishes Endowed Chair
A $3 million gift from Judy Genshaft and Steve Greenbaum to the University of South Florida Health Department of Neurosurgery establishes the Genshaft and Greenbaum Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery
$3M Gift Establishes Endowed Chair
How Focused Ultrasound Helped Tremor Patient Reclaim His Life
After years of living with essential tremor that disrupted both daily tasks and his golf game, retired engineer David Colman found relief through a non-invasive focused ultrasound procedure at Tampa General Hospital. Under the care of Dr. Yarema Bezchlibnyk, the treatment used targeted sound waves to precisely address the area of the brain causing his tremor, resulting in immediate improvement with no incisions and minimal recovery time.
How Focused Ultrasound Helped Tremor Patient Reclaim His Life
Chronic Back Pain to Spine Surgery
Dr. Puya Alikhani, Medical Director of the Spine Surgery Program at Tampa General Hospital and USF Health, outlines the characteristics that make a patient an appropriate candidate for spine surgery and provides an overview of the surgical options available.