Providence, RI - Brown University Health announces the appointment of Theresa Williamson, MD, MPH, as Director of the Center for Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Spinal Surgery and Director of the Center for Innovative Neurotechnology for Neural Repair (CINNR).
Dr. Williamson, a neurosurgeon and bioethicist, specializes in spine disorders as well as brain and spinal trauma. Her appointment reflects Brown University Health’s continued commitment to advancing cutting-edge care and equitable access to neurotechnology for patients across the region.
Prior to joining Brown Health, Dr. Williamson served as Chair of the Surgical Ethics Working Group at the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics, Director of the Neurotech Justice Accelerator at Mass General Brigham, and Director of the Minimally Invasive Spine Service at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). In a joint effort between Brown University Health and MGH, Dr. Williamson will continue to lead the Neurotech Justice Accelerator, a Dana Center Initiative, fostering collaboration between clinical care, bioethics, and technology innovation.
Dr. Williamson’s extensive background in both neurosurgery and bioethics will strengthen the research and innovation underway at CINNR, where her leadership will focus on improving access to neurotechnological advances for patients in need.
“My goal is to make sure that all patients have access to neurotechnologies and procedures that can improve their quality of life,” said Dr. Williamson. “To do this, we must be able to both connect with individuals and improve systems of care.”
Her research explores how patients across diverse communities make decisions regarding neurosurgical interventions, aiming to deliver precision technologies that are both cost-effective and outcome driven. Dr. Williamson has also mentored more than 50 undergraduate and medical students conducting research at the intersection of neuroscience, ethics, and society.
“I see CINNR as a space where we can bring patients of all backgrounds together with technological expertise and innovation to find new ways to treat spinal cord injury, pain, and neurotrauma,” Dr. Williamson added.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Williamson to Brown University Health and the Department of Neurosurgery,” said Ziya L. Gokaslan, MD, FAANS, FACS, Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Neurosurgeon-in-Chief at Brown University Health. “Her expertise in minimally invasive and endoscopic spinal surgery, combined with her nationally recognized leadership in surgical ethics and equitable access to emerging neurotechnologies, brings a unique and timely perspective to our clinical and research missions. Dr. Williamson’s commitment to ensuring that the most advanced treatments are available to all patients aligns closely with our values and priorities as an academic health system. We look forward to the impact her vision and energy will have on our spine program, CINNR, and the communities we serve.”
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