History of Barrow Neurological Institute
- 19501954
Seeds of a Partnership
Charles Barrow, a coal magnate, donates a electroencephalography (EEG) machine to St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Sisters of Mercy.
- 1958
Barrow Neurological Institute Founded
Charles Barrow, a coal magnate, made an initial donation of $500,000 to found Barrow Neurological Institute after Dr. John Green extended the life of his wife, Julia, who had a malignant brain tumor. He made the donation in the name of his father, William H. Barrow.
- 19601961
Barrow Gets a Home
Construction begins on the state-of-the-art Barrow Neurological Institute building. The building now houses the Heart and Lung Tower of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. The photo above was taken at the new building’s dedication in 1962.
- 1962
Barrow opens its doors
Sept. 23, 1962: Barrow opened its doors to patients with one neurosurgical operating room and 52 beds. It was one of only three neuroscience institutes in the entire country. It had five divisions: neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neurobiology, and neuropathology.
- 19701972
Level 1 Trauma Center
In 1972 Barrow and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center were designated as Arizona’s first Level 1 Trauma Center.
- 1975
CT Scanner
Barrow Installs 1st CT Scanner in Phoenix
- 1979
Neurorehabilitation Center Launched
The center has continued to expand ever since.
- 19801983
Dr. Robert F. Spetzler Joins Barrow
In 1986, Dr. Spetzler would succeed Dr. John Green as Director of Barrow Neurological Institute.
- 1983
Refining Cardiac Standstill Procedure
Dr. Robert Spetzler and Dr. Joseph Zabramski refine this radical procedure, which involves inducing hypothermia, stopping the heart, and removing blood from the patient, allows neurosurgeons to treat previously inoperable lesions in the brain.
- 1985
BNI Quarterly
Dr. Robert Spetzler established the BNI Quarterly, the official journal of Barrow.
- 1986
Dr. John Green Retires
Dr. John Green Retires as director of Barrow and is succeeded by Dr. Robert Spetzler.
- 1987
America’s Brain Trust Event
Barrow celebrates its 25th anniversary by sponsoring the America’s Brain Trust event. The forum consisted of President Gerald Ford, Vice President Walter Mondale, and Henry Kissinger.
- 1987
Papal Visit
Pope John Paul II Visits Barrow and St. Joseph’s. Barrow was the only hospital visited by the Pope on his tour of the United States.
- 1988
First Lady Nancy Reagan
First Lady Nancy Reagan dedicates the Dr. Loyal and Edith Davis Neurological Research Laboratory. Nancy Reagan’s father, Dr. Loyal Davis, was one of the first neurosurgeons at Barrow.
- 1989
“Internal Decapitation”
Dr. Volker Sonntag Successfully Treats “Internal Decapitation.” Barrow and Dr. Volker Sonntag make international headlines with the successful reattachment of the skull of a boy whose skull was severed from his spine.
- 19901992
Thoracoscopic Spinal Surgery
Dr. Curtis Dickman Pioneers Thoracoscopic Spinal Surgery. Dr. Dickman devises a method of operating on the spine using endoscopic tools through small incisions in the chest.
- 1994
First Celebrity Fight Night Held
The first annual Celebrity Fight Night is held. The star-studded event has raised funds for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow since its inception.
- 1997
The Champ Teams with Barrow
The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute is founded.
- 1997
Neuroscience Research Tower Opens
A $40-million Neuroscience Research Center, now known as the Marian H. Rochelle Neuroscience Research Center, opens on the Barrow Campus.
- 1999
Cavernous Malformations
Barrow researchers, led by Dr. Joseph Zabramski and Dr. Eric Johnson, identify the gene that causes the inherited form of cerebral cavernous malformations.
ONWARD…
To advance the knowledge and practice of medicine in neuroscience through basic and clinical research, education of medical professionals, and innovation in clinical techniques and technology.