School of Medicine

A Legacy of Innovation, Leadership, and Service

Since its origins at Charity Hospital in the 1930s, LSU Neurosurgery has grown into one of the nation's distinguished academic neurosurgery programs. Through decades of clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and unwavering commitment to education, the department has helped shape the future of neurological surgery while serving the people of Louisiana and the Gulf South. 

         

Timeline of Excellence

1931: LSU School of Medicine Founded

The LSU School of Medicine was established in New Orleans, laying the foundation for generations of physician training and biomedical advancement.

 

1939 - 1948: Gilbert C. Anderson, MD, Founding Chief of Neurosurgery

Dr. Gilbert C. Andereson became the first Chief of Neurosurgery at LSU. A founding member of the Harvey Cushing Society - known today as the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). He helped establish neurosurgical care and education in New Orleans. 

1940s - 1960s: Building the Foundation

Neurosurgical care at Charity Hospital expanded through the efforts of dedicated community neurosurgeons and surgical faculty, creating the foundation for a fully academic neurosurgery program. 

1967: A Transformational Year

LSU recruited two future giants in neurosurgery:

Peter J. Jannetta, M.D.

• Arrived as Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery
• Established the framework for a modern academic neurosurgery program

David G. Kline, M.D.

• Began a career that would ultimately transform LSU Neurosurgery into a world-renowned institution.

1971 - 2006: The Kline Era

Following Dr. Jannetta's departure to the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. David Kline became Chief of Neurosurgery. 

Under Dr. Kline's leadership:

• LSU became a global leader in peripheral nerve surgery
• More than 300 scientific publications were produced
• The textbook Nerve Injuries became a classic reference in the field
• More than 70 peripheral nerve fellows were trained
• 36 neurosurgical residents graduated from the program 
• Dr. Kline earned designation as a Boyd Professor, the LSU System's highest academic rank

2005: Resilience Through Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina dramatically altered healthcare delivery across New Orleans. Despite unprecedented distruptions, LSU Neurosurgery remained committed to patient care, resident education, and academic excellence while helping rebuild the region's  healthcare infrastructure. 

2006 - Present: Modern Growth and Innovation

Dr. Frank Culicchia became Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery following Dr. Kline's retirement. A graduate of Tulane School of Medicine and fellowship-trained cerebrovascular neurosurgeon, Dr. Culicchia assumed leadership during the department's post-Katrina rebuilding period. 

Under his leadership, LSU Neurosurgery has:

• Expanded regional clinical partnerships
• Strengethened resident education and training opportunities
• Enhanced collaboration with West Jefferson Medical Center and University Medical Center New Orleans
• Continued growth in patient care, research, and academic excellence

Dr. Culicchia has been recognized nationally for his contributions to neurosurgery, including recognition as a top neurosurgeon by U.S. News & World Report, New Orleans Magazine Top Doctor honors, and CityBusiness Healthcare Hero recognition. 

 

From Charity Hospital to a world-renowned academic neurosurgery program, LSU Neurosurgery has shaped generations of surgeons and transformed countless lives. Today, LSU Neurosurgery continues its mission of deliveryimg world-class patient care, advancing scientific discovery, and training future leaders in neurosurgical surgery. Guided by nearly a century of innovation and service, the department remains committed to shaping the future of neurosurgery for Louisiana, the Gulf South, and beyond. 

For more information on the history of LSU School of Medicine, click here.