A Message from Paul M. Katz, MD 
Chair, Department of Neurology
Professor, Neurology

Dear Colleagues, Patients and Friends:

In the spectrum of modern medicine neurology has and will occupy a place of prominence. Because of rapid changes in demographics in this country and in the rest of the industrial world, the burden of neurological diseases are on the increase. It is estimated that by the end of the first quarter of this century the number of patients with neurological illnesses will double. Temple University’s Department of Neurology, in accordance with its historical mission, has accepted past and present challenges. Temple Neurology has played a pioneering role in neurological care, including the first minimally invasive neurosurgery and the invention of the first human stereotaxic surgical apparatus in the U.S. The earliest stereo-encephalotomies were performed at Temple University Hospital. Former Neurology Chairman, Dr. Milton Alter, is considered one of the founders of neuroepidemiology and is honored by the American Academy of Neurology with a fund established in his name.

It is with this rich history that the current Department of Neurology at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University has taken on the challenges posed by the environment of modern medicine. In addition to adhering to our basic mission of excellence in patient care, acquiring and disseminating knowledge, we strive for innovation in all spheres of medicine and neurosciences. Our physicians are committed to providing state-of-the-art care for stroke and neurological intensive care; epilepsy; multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunologic diseases; neuromuscular diseases, neuro-oncology, as well as general neurology.

Our faculty is also dedicated to providing the highest quality of training to our residents and medical students. Over the past five years interest in neurology by Temple students has grown exponentially. Membership in the local chapter of SIGN (Student Interest Group in Neurology) has tripled in the last couple of years, resulting in Temple’s medical students pursuing careers in neurology at an unprecedented rate. The neurology residency program at Temple is fully accredited by the ACGME. We have graduated competent neurologists, many of whom have gone on to prestigious academic positions as well as entering into private practice.

Our goal in the Department of Neurology is to continue rising to the challenges of an ever changing healthcare system. These challenges include providing exceptional patient care, being on the forefront of technology and conducting research to add to our knowledge of neurologic diseases. Achieving these goals will allow us to continue training the nation’s future neurologists to rise to challenges of the future.

Sincerely,

Paul M. Katz, MD