Message from the Chair

Jacques Morcos, MD,
FRCS, FAANS
CHAIR

The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School is dedicated to advancing neurosurgical care, education, and research. Our distinguished clinicians and scientists are committed to improving patient outcomes and driving innovation in neurosurgical practice. As part of UTHealth Houston Neurosciences, our mission is to become a premier center for the neurosciences—delivering exceptional patient care, pioneering transformative research, and providing outstanding educational programs for students, residents, and fellows.

We are continually expanding our clinical services and outreach throughout Greater Houston and beyond. Over the next decade, our vision is to establish ourselves as a national and international destination for neuroscience care, supported by collaborative programs and Centers of Excellence specializing in tumors of the brain, pituitary and skull base, cerebrovascular conditions, spinal disorders, cranial nerves and peripheral nerves disorders, functional neurosurgery, neurotrauma, and others. Through unique collaborations, such as the Texas Institute for Restorative Neurotechnologies (TIRN) or the future Center for Neuroscience Innovation and Education (CINE) or our plans to establish advanced training in augmented and virtual reality, and a broad spectrum of fellowships and device development programs, we endeavor to establish ourselves as a premier center for neurosurgical innovation, cutting-edge research, and transformative education.

We are committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our faculty, staff, and trainees, guided by compassion, collaboration, teamwork, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.