June 2024

NEUROSCIENCES

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DREW A. SPENCER, MD, 17’ GMER

What drove your decision to specialize in neurosurgery? 
My journey into neurosurgery was rooted in an early fascination with science and medicine. At a very young age, I looked up to doctors and was interested in being one myself. The surgical field appealed to me due to the immediate impact it has on patient outcomes. It wasn’t until medical school that neurosurgery captivated my interest. I became fascinated with pathology — the mystery of the brain, the breadth of the field, and the inherent challenges and the continuous learning it requires solidified my choice.
 
Could you elaborate on your clinical interests within neurosurgery? 
As a general neurosurgeon, my clinical practice encompasses a broad spectrum of neurosurgical procedures including cranial and spine procedures. I also enjoy the detective work involved in figuring out what’s wrong with my patient and how to solve the problem. I really enjoy treating patients with brain and spine tumors, which came from working alongside Matt Lesniak, MD, during my residency. It’s the instant gratification of removing the tumor and seeing the profound impact it has on a patient’s life that provides a profound sense of fulfillment.
 
What influenced your interest in these specific areas of neurosurgery? 
My residency experience was uniquely shaped by a diverse group of mentors at both Loyola, where I started my residency, and Northwestern Medicine, where I ended my residency. Influential figures at Loyola and James Chandler, MD, Tyler Koski, MD, Matthew Tate, MD, and Matthew Potts, MD, at Northwestern Medicine have left an indelible mark on my approach to patient care. Their collective wisdom and passion for healing have been instrumental in molding my care philosophy and how I practice medicine every day. Watching how excited they are about their work even after years of practice is an inspiration to do better every day.
 
Post-residency, what factors contributed to your decision to join the faculty at Northwestern Medicine? 
The decision to remain at Northwestern Medicine was heavily influenced by the mentorship of Michael Caron, MD, and the collaborative culture within the institution. I have the opportunity to work alongside experts in every nearly every subspecialty and learn from them and apply those learnings in the work I do. Being able to work across multiple sites while maintaining a connection to the academic hub, coupled with access to extensive resources available at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, made Northwestern Medicine an ideal professional home.
 
As a faculty member, what are your aspirations for the neurosurgical program, and what initiatives are you spearheading at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital? 
At Palos Hospital, our primary objective is the continued expansion of the neurosurgery department. From its inception three years ago, we’ve established a comprehensive program that includes a fully functioning OR and OR staff. Our current focus is on extending our services to meet the growing patient demand in the south suburbs and further developing our practice to provide exceptional neurosurgical care. Through my role as chief of Neurosurgery in the south suburbs, I’m also dedicated to enhancing patient care through improved outcome and quality metrics, striving for efficiency in treatment to minimize hospital stays and optimize healthcare delivery.
 
Can you recount a memorable experience from your training that continues to influence you? 
A memorable experience from my training was the loss of a co-resident during our chief year, a constant reminder of how fortunate I am to be in this position and the preciousness of the opportunities I have. Additionally, reconnecting years later with patients who I treated is incredibly rewarding, reinforcing the impact we can have on restoring their quality of life.
 
How do you balance your demanding professional life with your personal role as a father? 
Balancing the responsibilities of a neurosurgeon with being a father to four children requires disciplined compartmentalization. While my work remains a priority during professional hours, at home, my focus shifts entirely to my family, ensuring that my role as dad is fulfilled with the same dedication I apply to my patients.
Drew Spencer, MD, chief of Neurosurgery at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.

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