Dr. Craig van Horne Named Chair of Neurosurgery

Following the excellent and long-tenure of leadership by Phillip A. Tibbs, MD, the UK College of Medicine has announced Craig G. van Horne, MD, PhD, as the new chair for the department of neurosurgery effective Dec. 1.

Dr. van Horne graduated from the University of Colorado School of Medicine with his medical degree and a PhD in pharmacology. After graduation, he completed his residency training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston where he was chief resident and later was named the co-director of neurosurgical movement disorders. In 2011, Dr. van Horne joined the University of Kentucky College of Medicine as an associate professor and most recently served as professor and vice chair.

During his tenure with the College of Medicine, Dr. van Horne has been active across all spectrums of the mission.

Beyond his successful track record of clinical care which earned him the recognition of Top Doctors in America, he is a valued mentor and educator for medical students, graduate students, and residents. As a result of these efforts, he received the Outstanding Teaching Award in the neurosurgery resident program two years in a row.

Dr. van Horne is also an active researcher who is nationally and internationally recognized expert, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. His research focuses on innovative surgical treatment strategies for Parkinson’s disease. Along with Greg Gerhardt, PhD, and Randal Voss, PhD, he was recently named a co-principal investigator of the Brain Restoration Center – an Alliance Research Initiative team that will study nerve regeneration.

In this new role as chair, Dr. van Horne will work in concert with College of Medicine leadership to optimize retention and recruitment, promote and continue strong educational activities across our spectrum of learners, and work with other chairs and center directors to develop interdisciplinary research.

Join us in thanking Dr. Tibbs for his years of service and the search committee for their dedication to identifying the most qualified candidate. And join us in congratulating Dr. van Horne for this outstanding accomplishment.