Press Release

UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute Named a Top 100 Neuroscience & Spine Program

Feb. 3, 2025

UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute has been recognized among the nation’s top 100 neuroscience and spine programs by Becker’s Hospital Review for excellence in patient care, research, and innovation.


UC Health is proud to announce that the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute has been recognized as one of the nation’s top 100 neuroscience and spine programs by Becker’s Hospital Review, a leading healthcare publication.

This prestigious recognition underscores the Institute’s unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, innovative surgical techniques, and groundbreaking research. Becker’s evaluated hospitals and health systems nationwide, spotlighting programs with exceptional patient outcomes, robust research initiatives, and pioneering clinical trials.

“This recognition underscores the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute’s dedication to advancing neuroscience care through innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered excellence," said Joseph Broderick, MD, director of the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and professor of neurology and rehabilitation at the UC College of Medicine. “By combining cutting-edge research with multidisciplinary expertise, we are improving patient outcomes while shaping the future of neuroscience and spine care on a national scale.”

The UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute is home to over 125 world-class physicians dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, pioneering transformative research, and shaping the future of neuroscience through education. Our specialists play pivotal roles in national organizations, setting care standards, driving medical innovation, and advancing neuroscience on a global stage.

For decades, the Institute has been a beacon of hope for patients and healthcare providers alike. The neurosurgery team includes 13 fellowship trained subspecialty neurosurgeons, a nationally recognized neurocritical care program, and a highly skilled team of neurologic nurses. From treating routine conditions to tackling the most complex cases, the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues to raise the bar on neurosurgical care delivery.

The UC Health Back, Neck, and Spine program has consistently earned recognition for its visionary leadership, innovative treatments, and commitment to improving the lives of patients with neurological and spinal conditions. The UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute has pioneered new programs such as the region's first Awake Spine Surgery Program for those with high risks of undergoing general anesthesia along with the University of Cincinnati Multidisciplinary Optimization of Spine Health (UC-MOSH) Program, a patient-centered collaboration of over 10 specialties to optimize outcomes in spine care, along with innovative clinical research such as genotype-guided opioid therapy to improve pain management personalized to the patients’ unique biology.  The program has also received accolades from U.S. News & World ReportNewsweek, and Healthgrades for its outstanding care and groundbreaking achievements.

“Being recognized among the nation’s top spine programs is a testament to the relentless dedication of a truly multidisciplinary team at UC Health with a singular mission to enhance the care patients receive," said Joseph Cheng, MD, associate director of the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Neurosurgeons at the institute work within an integrated team of physicians and healthcare professionals, collaborating through weekly tumor board meetings, multidisciplinary clinics, and rounds. This unique approach enables personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. With more than 2,700 neurosurgical procedures performed annually, UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute continues to set the standard for comprehensive, patient-focused care.

As Cincinnati’s No. 1 preferred provider for neuroscience care (NRC Health, Market Insights, Cincinnati-Middletown, FY24), UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute remains a leader in advancing neurosciences throughout Greater Cincinnati and across the country. 

x