Brief History of Neurosurgery at Case Western Reserve
The Western Reserve College was established in 1826, and the medical school was founded in 1843. In 1967, the Western Reserve University joined with the Case Institute of Technology to form the Case Western Reserve University. The School of Medicine at Case Medical Center is among the top 10 institutions nationwide in federal research funding. Although Harvey Cushing, widely recognized as the founder of modern neurosurgery, was born in Cleveland, he never practiced in Ohio. However, he and his family have had key roles in the medical field here in Cleveland. Three generations of his family practiced medicine in the area and were instrumental in the development of Western Reserve College as well as the University Hospitals of Cleveland. Harvey Cushing is buried with family in Lakeview Cemetery overlooking University Hospitals.
Neurological Surgery was first practiced at University Hospitals by George Crile and Elliott Cutler, the latter a former Cushing protégé. Claude S. Beck, who trained under Cushing at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital as an Arthur Tracy Cabot research fellow in 1923, was named the first Professor of Neurological Surgery at Western Reserve University and Lakeside hospital in 1940. Beck practiced a combination of clinical neurosurgery and cardiac research until 1953. A formal professional chair in neurological surgery was endowed by the family of a prominent Cleveland businessman.
Frank Nulsen, MD
The present training program was started by Frank E. Nulsen in 1953. Dr. Nulsen left the University of Pennsylvania where he had been instrumental in developing pressure regulated one-way valves for the treatment of hydrocephalus to head the new Division of Neurosurgery. Dr. Nulsen continued to pursue his interest in the treatment of hydrocephalus at University Hospitals, establishing a large and active program for treatment of children with hydrocephalus and myelodysplasia. He was best known for his dedication to the training and education of young neurosurgeons. There is a strong tradition of former residents and junior faculty continuing on in academic medicine becoming chairmen of their own programs. He held this post until his retirement in 1981, and was followed by Dr. Robert A. Ratcheson.
Robert Ratcheson, MD
Under Dr. Ratcheson’s leadership the Department of Neurological Surgery thrived. In 1991, it was established as a department at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland. The scope of the department was expanded to include now well-established programs in cerebrovascular neurosurgery, including endovascular techniques, neuro-endoscopy and stereotactic surgical techniques. Scholarly activity also increased during Dr. Ratcheson’s tenure.
Warren Selman, MD
Dr. Ratcheson retired in July of 2005 and was succeeded by Dr. Warren R. Selman. Dr. Selman has been a member of the faculty since completion of his residency in 1984. In his tenure as chairman, Dr. Selman has been instrumental in the establishment of the Neurological Institute of which he has been named Director. The Neurological Institute, the first comprehensive center in Ohio, brings together experts from multiple medical disciplines to treat the varied and complex disorders of the nervous system more effectively. Dr. Alan R. Cohen was appointed Residency Program Director in November 2005.
