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Awards & Recognitions – June 2026

In the News

Becker’s: 5 Neurosurgeons to Know

Becker’s Spine Review recently named Barrow President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, as one of “Five Neurosurgeons to Know.” In the list, Becker’s highlighted five neurosurgeons who “stand out for their clinical expertise, scientific contributions, and leadership in driving breakthroughs in research, surgery, and academic medicine.” The article recognized Dr. Lawton’s expertise in the treatment of blood vessel malformations in the nervous system as well as his innovative contributions to research and global education.

Becker’s: 10 Spine Surgeons to Know

Tablet shows Dr. Uribe on list of "10 Spine Surgeons to Know"

Becker’s Spine Review recently named Juan Uribe, MD, Chief of the Division of Spinal Disorders at Barrow, as one of “10 Spine Surgeons to Know.” The article recognized Dr. Uribe’s expertise in minimally invasive techniques as well as his leadership on the national and international stages. Dr. Uribe was named President and Chair of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves in 2024.

Becker’s: 15 Neurosurgeons to Know

Tablet shows Dr. Sanai on list of "15 Neurosurgeons to Know"

Becker’s Spine Review recently named Nader Sanai, MD, Chief of Neurosurgical Oncology and director of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow, as one of “15 Neurosurgeons to Know.” Becker’s recognized Dr. Sanai for his expertise in the surgical treatment of brain tumors as well as his leadership in accelerating new therapies for patients with brain cancer. The article also noted that Dr. Sanai is a principal investigator on multiple studies funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute; has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications; and is widely respected for advancing brain tumor surgery, precision medicine, and clinical trial innovation in neuro-oncology.

Fellow, American Headache Society

Jennifer Robblee, MD, a neurologist in the Lewis Headache Center at Barrow, has been named a fellow of the American Headache Society. This distinction recognizes Dr. Robblee’s excellence in and commitment to the headache medicine subspecialty.

Neurosurgery Charity Softball Champions

Barrow Department of Neurosurgery softball team poses for a photo with the championship trophy

For the 11th year, the Barrow Department of Neurosurgery brought home the J. Lawrence Pool Memorial Trophy as champions of the Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament. More than 50 teams from across the United States and Canada convened in New York City’s Central Park for the 21st annual tournament, hosted by Columbia University, to raise funds for the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF) K12 Scholars Program for brain tumor research. NREF is the philanthropic arm of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Teacher of the Year

Dr. Nader Sanai is presented with the Teacher of the Year Award from the graduating neurosurgery residents in 2026

The 2026 Barrow Neurosurgery Residency Program graduates presented Nader Sanai, MD, with the Teacher of the Year Award at their graduation ceremony. The award from the Department of Neurosurgery recognizes Dr. Sanai’s commitment to and leadership in the education of young physicians.

Nurse of the Year

Tom Rowe is presented with the Nurse of the Year Award from the graduating neurosurgery residents in 2026

The 2026 Barrow Neurosurgery Residency Program graduates presented Tom Rowe, FNP, with the Nurse of the Year Award at their graduation ceremony. The award from the Department of Neurosurgery recognizes Tom’s dedication and leadership in consistently ensuring the highest quality of care for Barrow patients and their families.

Surgical Technician of the Year

Mollee Deason is presented with the Surgical Technician of the Year Award from the graduating neurosurgery residents in 2026

The 2026 Barrow Neurosurgery Residency Program graduates presented Mollee Deason, BSN, RN, with the Surgical Technician of the Year Award at their graduation ceremony. The award from the Department of Neurosurgery recognizes Mollee’s dedication and leadership in consistently ensuring the highest quality of care for Barrow patients and their families.

Aster Awards

The Barrow Marketing Department has received four 2026 Aster Awards for excellence in health care advertising:

AZ Business Magazine: 100 Best Doctors

Portraits of the following doctors: Michael Lawton, Frederick Marciano, Francisco Ponce, Randall Porter, Marwan Sabbagh, Nader Sanai, Jeremy Shefner, Jay Turner, Juan Uribe. Text: AZ Business Magazine's 100 Best Doctors for 2026

Nine physicians from Barrow Neurological Institute are among Az Business magazine’s “100 Best Doctors in Arizona for 2026.” AZ Big Media compiled this list in collaboration with industry experts to spotlight medical excellence, help patients find top care, and elevate health care standards across the state. The following Barrow neurologists and neurosurgeons made this year’s list:

Barrow 2026 Graduation

Illustration of the brain and spine,w ith the text: Congratulations, 2026 Barrow graduates!

Barrow Neurological Institute is wrapping up another academic year and honoring the latest graduates of its training programs in neurosurgery, neurology, neuroradiology, neurologic physical therapy, and research. View the full list of graduates and read their reflections here.