Department of Neurosurgery Opens Fund in Memory of Founding Chair, David F. Jimenez, MD
The Department of Neurosurgery is sad to share the news that David F. Jimenez, MD, Founding Chair for the Department of Neurosurgery, Long School of Medicine, and internationally renowned Pediatric Neurosurgeon, passed away at his home in El Paso, Texas on May 25th, 2023.
Dr. Jimenez was a pioneer in minimally invasive cranial surgery, especially endoscopic craniosynostosis surgery in infants. His work was transformational and changed standards of care across the world. He published over a hundred publications and numerous books, with his latest in 2022 titled: Endoscopic Craniosynostosis Surgery: An Illustrated Guide to Endoscopic Techniques 1st Edition.
Neurosurgery at UT Health San Antonio was a division of General Surgery, and the founding Chair was Dr. Jim L. Story in 1967 at the Robert B Green Hospital in downtown San Antonio. Later, in 2003, the Division of Neurosurgery closed and the residency program was closed. At this time, Dr. Jimenez, was serving as Chair of Neurosurgery in Missouri and was recruited to San Antonio. One of his requirements in his recruitment was to reorganize Neurosurgery into its own independent department. Indeed, this was agreed upon by the School of Medicine and, in 2004, Dr. David Jimenez became the Inaugural Chair for the Department of Neurosurgery, paving the way for future success.
Under his leadership from 2004-2016, a number of strategic initiatives were accomplished. One of his first tasks as Chair and Program Director, was to reopen and re-credential the residency training program. This was accomplished in 2005 with approval for one resident slot per year, for a total of seven residents. Over the years, this grew to seventeen total residents, with enfolded spine and neuro critical care fellowships. Dr. Jimenez was able to grow the department, develop a dedicated Neuro Critical Care program, and expand Neurosurgery care throughout the community, leading to the first stroke center certification in San Antonio.
Dr. Jimenez left a lasting impact on the lives of his patients, their families, and the history of our institution. We hope you will join us in celebrating his life and legacy. In memory of his accomplishments and impact on the Department of Neurosurgery, Long School of Medicine, the department has opened a permanent fund for Advancement and Educational Support for the Neurosurgical Residency Program, the “Dr. David F Jimenez Educational Fund.”
If you would like to contribute to this fund, please follow the link below and select it from the designation dropdown menu:
https://makelivesbetter.uthscsa.edu/neurosurgery