Nationally-Recognized Neurosurgeon Dr. Julian Bailes to Lead NorthShore University HealthSystem Department

EVANSTON, Ill., Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) welcomes nationally-known neurosurgeon Julian E. Bailes, M.D., as the new Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery and Co-Director of the NorthShore Neurological Institute. Dr. Bailes' expertise is in neurovascular disease and he will also continue his extensive research in traumatic brain injury.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Bailes join NorthShore," said Mark R. Neaman, President and CEO of NorthShore. "His leadership in neurosurgery and dedication to research on the dangers of head injuries and concussions enhance NorthShore's ongoing commitment to advance medicine and science."

Dr. Bailes is a recognized leader in the field of neurosurgery and the impact of brain injury on brain function. He has been instrumental in the understanding of the clinical evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive degenerative disease found in individuals who have been subjected to multiple concussions and other forms of head injury. Dr. Bailes also is a founding member and director of the Brain Injury Research Institute, which focuses on the study of traumatic brain injuries and their prevention.

"Research indicates a clear link between brain injuries and various debilitating neurological disorders, such as CTE and other forms of dementia," said Dr. Bailes. "At NorthShore, I plan to continue researching the consequences of brain injuries with the hope of developing therapeutic interventions that can inhibit the progression of the disease and improve outcomes for patients."

Dr. Bailes previously served as the Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University School of Medicine where he specialized in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of cerebrovascular disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Since 1994, he has been a neurological consultant to the NFL Players' Association (NFLPA), which has supported research on the effects of head injuries on professional athletes. He is the Medical Director of the Center for Study of Retired Athletes based at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Dr. Bailes has over 100 scientific publications concerning various aspects of neurological surgery, including three books on neurological sports medicine, and performs editorial duties for a number of medical journals. Dr. Bailes has been honored as one of the nation's best surgeons for eight consecutive years in U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Doctors" and "America's Top Surgeons."

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 9,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including a 700+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 75 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in outcomes research and clinical trials. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the primary philanthropic entity of NorthShore. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore's ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including cancer, heart, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity, pediatrics and neurosciences. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the only one in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.

SOURCE NorthShore University HealthSystem