2025 Wrapped: Our Year in Review
For many of us, the new year serves as a time for both reflection and intention: What have we accomplished over the past year, and what do we envision for the year ahead? While it’s virtually impossible to capture all of our memories and milestones of the past 12 months here, we’ve compiled some highlights. From empowering patient stories and cutting-edge research developments to awareness campaigns and professional education projects, we’re proud of our demonstrated commitment to excellence in the neurosciences. Here’s to another year of Minding What Matters Most™.
Our Top Stories
Milestones & Accolades
Newsweek Ranks Barrow No. 15 Globally, No 10. Nationally for Neurosurgery
Newsweek released its 2026 list of the “World’s Best Specialized Hospitals for Neurosurgery,” naming Barrow as No. 15 globally of the 125 hospitals ranked. Barrow has held the No. 10 spot nationally for the past four years.
Barrow Neuro-Rehabilitation Continues Ascent in U.S. News Rankings
U.S. News & World Report again named Barrow as one of the country’s “Best Hospitals for Rehabilitation.” At No. 32 for 2025-26, the Institute climbed two spots from last year and five spots from the previous year.
Barrow Neurosurgery Base Camp Launches 4th Season, Highlighting “Traits of Greatness”
What makes a great neurosurgeon? Barrow Neurological Institute tackles this question in the highly anticipated fourth season of Barrow Neurosurgery Base Camp, which features interviews with Barrow neurosurgery faculty and trainees, as well as special guest faculty. At the time this list was compiled, the first five episodes of season four of had collectively amassed 2,160,701 impressions and 6,951 hours of watch time.
Barrow Neurosurgery Residency Retains No. 1 Doximity Ranking
Doximity released its 2025-26 Residency Navigator, naming the Barrow Neurosurgery Residency Program No. 1 in the country based on reputation. The ranking factors in nominations, satisfaction surveys, and objective public data.
Newsweek Names Barrow a Top Hospital in US for Neurological Care
Newsweek again named Barrow one of “America’s Best Hospitals for Neurological Care.” To create the second annual list, the media organization surveyed medical professionals and hospital managers and reviewed public data.
Barrow President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, Receives Prestigious Dacey Medal
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Cerebrovascular Section selected Barrow President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, for the 2025 Ralph G. Jacey, Jr. Medal for Outstanding Cerebrovascular Research.
Newsweek Names Barrow Spine Surgeons Among Leading Dotors in US
For the second consecutive year, Newsweek named Juan Uribe, MD, and Jay D. Turner, MD, PhD, as two of the country’s top spine surgeons, based on procedure performance data, online survey results, and peer quality-of-care assessments.
St. Joseph’s, Home of Barrow, Earns National Stroke Quality Award
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, home to Barrow Neurological Institute, earned the 2025 Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award with Target: Stroke™ Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.
St. Joseph’s, Home of Barrow, Named a Top Major Teaching Hospital in US
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, home of Barrow Neurological Institute, was among Premier’s 100 Top Hospitals for 2025. St. Joseph’s earned the No. 5 rank in the 20 Top Major Teaching Hospitals category, maintaining the stop spot in Arizona and climbing eight positions nationwide from 2024.
Barrow Helps Expand Access to Cochlear Implants, Speech Therapy for Arizonans
Shawn Stevens, MD, and Carolyn Abraham, MS, CCC-SLP, CLT, were among the champions of Senate Bill 1741. Signed into law in June, the bill allows adults with AHCCCS to receive cochlear implants and outpatient speech therapy services.
Barrow Global Reaches Latin America With Partnerships in Panama, Paraguay
Following the success of Barrow Global Neurosurgery’s work in East Africa, the team explored partnerships to improve access to neurosurgical care in Latin America. Barrow Global Neurology is expected to join in the future.
Patient Stories
Barrow Patient Reclaims Retirement After Scoliosis Surgery
Suzanne McFerrin of Arizona shared her story of getting back to travel after a complex spine surgery for scoliosis at Barrow. At age 72, she said her back hasn’t felt this good in 40 years.
Lisa’s Hemorrhagic Stroke Story: From Ruptured Aneurysm to Remarkable Recovery
Lisa experienced a ruptured aneurysm while in a rural area of Arizona. Thanks to her husband, the first responders, and her teams at Barrow, she made a remarkable recovery.
One Year Later: First Neuralink Implant Patient Shares Story
In January 2024, Noland Arbaugh underwent neurosurgery at Barrow Neurological Institute, becoming the first person to receive Neuralink’s N1 Implant as part of the PRIME Study. This video chronicles Noland’s journey and shows how his life has changed since he received the brain-computer interface (BCI) device.
The Moreno Twins’ Story: Cochlear Implants for Hearing Loss
After years of struggling with their hearing but not receiving answers, Maria-Regina and Maria-Renata Moreno underwent life-changing cochlear implant surgery at Barrow. (Video | Article)
Neuro-Rehab Patient Regains Independence After 70-Foot Snowboarding Fall
Izzy Sinisalchi, a 20-year-old from Arizona, relearned how to walk and talk at the Barrow Neuro-Rehabilitation Center, after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a 70-foot snowboarding fall.
Barrow Patient Trials BCI, Robotic Arm in CONVOY Study
Alex Conley, who has a cervical spinal cord injury, was the second patient to undergo neurosurgery at Barrow to receive Neuralink’s N1 Implant as part of the PRIME Study. Now, also enrolled in the CONVOY feasibility trial, Alex was the first to use the brain-computer interface (BCI) device to control an assistive robotic arm.
Father Beats Medulloblastoma, a Rare Brain Cancer in Adults
At age 31, Joshua Zahn learned he had a medulloblastoma. Thanks to the world-class care at Barrow, his strong support system, and his own determination, he overcame his aggressive tumor.
Patient Back in the Swing of Things Following Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Nicholas Aretakis was diagnosed with a herniated disc after returning from a golf trip with back pain. Thanks to endoscopic spine surgery with Juan Uribe, MD, Nicholas is pain free. (Video | Article)
Geoff Oldfather: Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor
When Geoff Oldfather’s essential tremor progressed to the point where he was struggling with everyday tasks, such as buttoning his shirt and feeding himself, his neurologist in Tucson referred him to Barrow neurosurgeon Francisco Ponce, MD. Geoff became the 100th patient to undergo MR-guided focused ultrasound at Barrow and described the results as “a miracle.”
Park Ranger, Author Navigates Wild Terrain After Glioblastoma Diagnosis
Jeff Muse is undergoing a clinical trial at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow for recurrent glioblastoma, providing hope to him, his family, and others with this brain tumor diagnosis.
An 8-Year, Cross-Country Journey to Spinal Cord Cavernous Malformation Surgery
After nearly a decade of searching for answers, Sabrina Mancini traveled from Connecticut to Barrow to undergo surgery with Michael T. Lawton, MD, for her rare vascular abnormality.
Research
Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Awards Grant to Barrow Team for VR Training
Juan Uribe, MD, and his team in the Sonntag Spine Center Virtual Reality Laboratory received a research grant from SMISS to develop VR simulation for endoscopic spine surgery.
National Institutes of Health Funds Multi-Institutional Study of Abstract Reasoning
With the support of an R61 grant from the NIH, Andrew Yang, MD, and his collaborators are using SEEG data from patients with epilepsy to better understand human cognition.
DoD Funds Study of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Parkinson’s
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) awarded $3 million to a team of researchers, led by Barrow Neurological Institute, to delve into the underlying cause of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. Barrow scientists Fredric Manfredsson, PhD, and Ashley Stokes, PhD, are two of the four principal investigators who received the Parkinson’s Synergistic Idea Award.
Clinical Trials at Barrow Neurological Institute: Fueling Progress, Delivering Hope
In honor of Clinical Trials Day on May 20, research staff discussed the importance of clinical research and the types of opportunities available at Barrow and the Ivy Brain Tumor Center.
Michael J. Fox Foundation Funds Study of Anxiety in Parkinson’s
Fredric Manfredsson, PhD, and his collaborators at Binghamton University in New York received a grant from MJFF to study whether accumulation of alpha-synuclein disrupts amygdala function.
Ambient TCE Exposure Suggests Link to Parkinson’s Disease Risk Nationwide
A pioneering study led by the Department of Neurology at Barrow and published in the journal Neurology®, identified a potential link between ambient trichloroethylene (TCE), a chlorinated solvent, and Parkinson’s disease nationwide. Brad Racette, MD, was the senior author.
Barrow Researchers Receive Grant from State Health Department for Stroke Research
Tomoki Hashimoto, MD, and Artak Tovmasyan, PharmD, PhD, received an Arizona Biomedical Research Centre grant to test a compound for secondary injury after ischemic stroke treatment.
Barrow, MSU Researchers Receive SPARK NS Grant Funding for Gene Therapy Project
Fredric Manfredsson, PhD, is part of a project (“A Disease-Modifying Gene Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease for Multimodal Patient Benefit”) that was selected for a 2025 SPARK NS research grant.
Barrow Study Examines Geographic Ties Between Dementia, Cardiometabolic Disease
A “substantial number” of U.S. dementia cases could be eliminated by reducing cardiometabolic conditions, according to a Barrow study in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
Barrow Researcher Receives Grant to Study Neuronal Communication in ALS, FTD
Rita Sattler, PhD, MSc, received a grant from the Robert Packard Center for ALS to study how astrocytes contribute to synaptic dysfunction in ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
Our Top Photo Galleries
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Expansion and Upgrades
We upgraded our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) at Barrow, positioning the unit as one of the largest and most technologically advanced EMUs in the country. Now housing 16 dedicated beds, the adult EMU at Barrow is the largest in the state of Arizona. Additionally, thanks to our new and unparalleled video wall, we can now monitor up to 48 patients simultaneously, equipping us for tele-EEG services.
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology 40th Anniversary
George Prigatano, PhD, formed the Department on May 1, 1985 after being recruited by the Institute’s first Chair of Neurology, Dr. Joseph White.
Second Biannual Barrow C9orf72 FTD/ALS Summit
The event brought together 80 national and international leading scientists, clinicians, and stakeholders to advance our understanding of C9orf72-associated neurodegeneration.
48th Annual Barrow Neuroscience Symposium
For the 48th year, we hosted the Barrow Neuroscience Symposium. This event aims to gather experts from around the country and world who share a common goal of advancing the knowledge and practice of medicine in neuroscience.
Lawton-Tanikawa West-East Vascular Neurosurgery Course: “The Last Samurai”
The course provided neurosurgery trainees and vascular neurosurgeons with intense instruction in complex cerebrovascular pathology and advanced surgical techniques.
Juan Uribe, MD, Performing Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery involves the use of an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a light and small camera at the end—to visualize and repair problems through a tiny incision.
Barrow Global Visit to Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Tanzania
Barrow Global completed another visit to our partnering hospital in Tanzania, East Africa. Highlights from the visit included Barrow President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, equipping a microscope with a custom mouthpiece; neurocritical care specialist Patrick Crooks, MD, collaborating with perioperative and neurosurgical care teams; and local media outlets interviewing the KCMC and Barrow teams.
Graduation Ceremonies
Neurosurgery, neurology, and neuroradiology trainees celebrated the completion of their programs at special ceremonies with their colleagues and families.
Our Multiple Sclerosis Program hosted its annual MS Empowerment Summit, where people with MS and their care partners learned about navigating life with the disease.
Our Top Infographics
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke: BE FAST
In observance of Stroke Awareness Month, we shared the signs and symptoms of a stroke in English and Spanish. View the graphics to learn more.
For Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, we compared normal age-related changes with those that may be a sign of dementia. View the graphics to learn more.
Epilepsy is often misunderstood, despite the fact that one in 26 people will develop the neurological condition. View the graphics to learn about epilepsy and our services.
Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month
Because head and neck cancers are complex, treating them takes a village. View the graphics to learn more about these cancers and our multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team.
In observance of ALS Awareness Month, we provided information about the disease and the Gregory W. Fulton ALS and Neuromuscular Disease Center at Barrow. View the graphics.
While MS and NMOSD are both autoimmune and demyelinating, the cellular events underlying them are not the same—and neither are their treatments. View the graphics.
SEEDS for Success: Managing Migraine
Lifestyle management is a component of care for migraine. In observance of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, we discussed “SEEDS for Success” with a series of graphics.
The SCI Wellness Clinic is part our esteemed Neuro-Rehabilitation Center. As we honored SCI Awareness Month, we shared more about this unique clinic in a series of graphics.
Top Mentions
- Core Memory: Brad Smith Becomes First Patient With ALS to Receive Neuralink Brain Implant (Michael T. Lawton, MD; Francisco Ponce, MD; Lori Wood, RN, MSN-L, CPHN)
- Wall Street Journal: What to Know About Chemicals and Parkinson’s Disease (Brad Racette, MD, FAAN)
- Forbes: Brains, Gains, and Growing Pains: Inside Mount Sinai’s BCI Crystal Ball (Michael T. Lawton, MD)
- NPR: The Story of Two Marines Who Developed the Same Rare Brain Condition (Michael T. Lawton, MD)
- Fox News: Living Near a Golf Course is Linked to Parkinson’s Risk in New Study as Some Cite Limitations (Barrow Neuro Analytics Center)
- JAMA Network: Golf Courses and Parkinson Risk (Barrow Neuro Analytics Center)
- U.S. News & World Report/HealthDay: Dementia Tied to Heart, Metabolic Diseases (Brad Racette, MD, FAAN)
- MLB: Honoring Late Wife, Hazen Tireless in Fight to Bring Awareness to Brain Cancer (Nader Sanai, MD)
- SELF: 6 Habits Neurologists Swear By to Keep Their Brains Sharp (Ayushi Chugh, MD, FAAN)
- GOLF: New ‘Spine Lab’ in Arizona Will Aim to Eliminate Golfers’ Back Pain (Randall Porter, MD; Scott Kreiner, MD)
- Medscape: Refractory, Intractable, Resistant: Consistent and Hopeful Headache Definitions Matters (Jennifer Robblee, MD)
- RLS Foundation: RLS Foundation Certifies Barrow Neurological Institute as a Quality Care Center (Nicki Niemann, MD)
- AZ Big Media: 50 Arizona Businesses to Watch in 2025
- Az Business magazine: The 100 Best Doctors in Arizona for 2026 (Michael T. Lawton, MD; Francisco Ponce, MD; Randall Porter, MD; Nader Sanai, MD; Jeremy Shefner, MD, PhD; Jay D. Turner, MD, PhD; Juan Uribe, MD)
- 12 News: Arizona Cardinals Honor Local Breast Cancer Survivor (Glynnis Zieman, MD, MPH, FAAN, FAHS)
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Brain Surgery Helps Ease Arizona Man’s Parkinson’s Tremors (Francisco Ponce, MD)
In Case You Missed It…
When you receive a neurological diagnosis, it matters where you get your care. Learn what makes Barrow Neurological Institute a global leader in neurology and neurosurgery.
In a new video, members of our Department of Neurology faculty weighed in on what makes neurology training at Barrow a unique experience. They acknowledged the Department’s breadth of subspecialty clinics, ample opportunities for research, commitment to health equity, and collegial environment.
“Barrow On The Brain”: A Limited Series Podcast from Barrow Neurological Institute
We launched a new limited-series podcast to explore the mysteries of the nervous system through real stories and expert insights. Hosted by Barrow Chief Neurosurgery Resident Mark Pacult, MD, “Barrow On The Brain” brought listeners complex topics in neuroscience in a way that’s relatable, understandable, and deeply human. Lend an ear wherever you listen to podcasts.