UAB Department of Neurosurgery professor Thomas Staner, M.D., recently authored a book titled "A Neurosurgeon's Journey with Patient Vignettes."

With more than 40 years of neurological experience in conditions of the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, Staner is one of a few neurological specialists in the country who is board certified in both neurosurgery and neurology. He has a special interest in complex spine disorders, as well the more common problems of stenosis and spondylolisthesis.

Staner began his neurosurgical residency at the University of Wisconsin in 1973 but took time off to serve as Lieutenant Commander at the Naval hospital in Portsmouth, Va. During this time, he also performed electrodiagnostic studies (EMGs) in surrounding hospitals. Upon completing his Naval service, Dr. Staner completed his neurosurgical residency in December 1978.

He began practicing in the Birmingham area in January 1979. Staner was the first to use the operating microscope for all neurosurgical procedures in Alabama, and has practiced minimally invasive surgical techniques since. He was one of the founders of the Outpatient Diagnostic Center in 1980. He is the founder of UAB Greystone Neuroscience Center in 1994.

Staner's book describes the journey of a young man becoming a neurosurgeon. When finally, he accomplishes his dream, the story proceeds to describe a career unwittingly shaped by the many patients he encountered, some quite unbelievable, some quite humorous, and some with great pathos. Now a senior, he reflects on how his patients made him who he is today and the events and procedures that challenged him. 

Department of Neurosurgery Associate Professor Patrick Pritchard, M.D., describes his experience reading Staner’s book.

"A few months ago, I was searching Amazon for a textbook, and I came across Dr. Staner’s book. I have Kindle access so I downloaded the book for free and read it on a flight back from Chicago,” said Pritchard. “I enjoyed it! I even reviewed it on Amazon. Tom recounts his path on training to become a neurosurgeon and events in his practice here in Birmingham. Many of us have or will experience similar events."

This book can be purchased on Amazon and is also available on Kindle.