![\"outdoor](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/240223-Onyiuke-Simon-Bulsara-407x272-1-300x200.jpg\")
Almost seven years ago is when Dr. Ketan Bulsara arrived from Yale<\/a> to build the UConn Health Division of Neurosurgery as its chief. He continued to build on the foundations created by Dr. Richard Simon<\/a>, chief of staff and the first operating neurosurgeon at UConn Health, and Dr. Hilary Onyiuke<\/a>, founder of the Comprehensive Spine Center and now vice chair of clinical affairs in the Department of Neurosurgery.<\/p>\n \u201cThis change recognizes the amazing growth of neurosurgery at UConn Health, its depth of clinical excellence, and the establishment of a successful neurosurgery residency program<\/a>,\u201d says Dr. Andrew Agwunobi<\/a>, UConn Health CEO and executive vice president for health affairs. \u201cAll of this occurred under the leadership of Dr. Ketan Bulsara, who will continue to lead what is now the department. It also reflects our support for excellence and the growth on the horizon.\u201d<\/p>\n Only 2% of U.S. hospitals offer residency training in neurosurgery.<\/a><\/p>\n Bulsara<\/a> is internationally renowned for his expertise in the most advanced neurosurgical interventions. He is on a short list of neurosurgeons in the world with dedicated dual fellowship training in skull base\/cerebrovascular microsurgery and endovascular surgery. He has trained with pioneers in neurosurgery nationally and internationally, and has been a contributor to many national and international guidelines and standards.<\/p>\n His many accolades recognize Bulsara\u2019s clinical and scientific contributions in cranial, spine, and peripheral nerve surgery. In 2024 alone, he was elected to membership of the American Academy of Neurological Surgery<\/a>, was inducted into Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society<\/a>, elected as chair of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons Joint Section of Cerebrovascular Surgery<\/a>, and invited by The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services to serve a second term as an advisor to its Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Committee.<\/p>\n \u201cThe pioneering work of Dr. Richard Simon followed by the steady leadership of Dr. Hilary Onyiuke laid the foundation for creating this department,\u201d Bulsara says. \u201cWe are truly fortunate that they have continued to play a pivotal role and helped guide us to this landmark achievement.\u00a0It is also truly an honor and a privilege for me to work with and learn from all our talented and motivated faculty and staff who embody the excellence of UConn Health and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Bulsara-Ketan-JGelineau-7569-240x300.jpg\")