The 42nd Annual J. Garber Galbraith, M.D., Scientific Session and Lecture was held Oct. 3 in the Marnix E. Heersink Conference Center.
In 1954, James Garber Galbraith, M.D., made history by establishing the first Division of Neurological Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, then known as the Medical College of Alabama. He laid the foundation for what is now the Department of Neurosurgery’s enduring culture of growth and compassionate care
Each year, the department gathers to honor Dr. Galbraith’s dedication to his science, his patients and his work. The Galbraith Lecture is delivered annually by a distinguished guest neurosurgeon who has made significant contributions to the field. The Scientific Session highlights the research and achievements of current and former neurosurgical residents, culminating in a dinner for faculty, residents and guests.
This year’s Galbraith Lecturer was Richard W. Byrne, M.D., chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Florida. A leader in both clinical and academic neurosurgery, Byrne is widely recognized for his more than 25 years of experience in brain tumor surgery. Before joining Mayo Clinic in April 2024, he served for 18 years as chair and medical director of the Department of Neurosurgery at Rush University. He has also held leadership roles in several professional societies, including the Neurosurgical Society of America and the Society of Neurological Surgeons.
The two-day event began with Neurosurgery Grand Rounds on Thursday, Oct. 2, at UAB’s Lyons-Harrison Faculty Office Tower, where faculty and residents attended Byrne’s first lecture, “The Evolution of Neurosurgery Education.”
On Friday, Oct. 3, the Scientific Session opened with remarks from James Markert, M.D., MPH, the James Garber Galbraith Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery. Nicole Bentley, M.D., served as master of ceremonies for the event, guiding the day’s presentations and introducing this year’s speakers. The session concluded with Byrne’s keynote Galbraith Lecture, “Artificial Intelligence in Neurosurgery.”
The day closed with a reception, dinner and presentation of resident research awards at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
2025 Winners:
Garber Galbraith, M.D., Research Prize
Griffith R. Harsh III, M.D., Research Prize
Richard B. Morawetz, M.D., Research Prize
Stephen Mahaley Jr., M.D., Research Prize (Translational Research Prize)
Click here to see pictures from the event.
