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We are Brain and Spine

At Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, patients benefit from an environment in which leading edge experts in subspecialty medicine and clinical research have come together to pursue a unique, patient-first approach to brain, spine and nerve care.

Our Practice

Everything you think, feel and do is connected to your brain and spine-the you inside you. Healing and protecting that unique you is what inspires us at Goodman Campbell. As one of North America’s largest and most progressive neurosurgical practices, our expertise includes a full spectrum of adult and pediatric brain, spine and nerve care. We are able to treat all conditions and traumatic injury, including brain aneurysms, subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke, brain tumors, complex spinal disorders, degenerative disease, spinal tumors, traumatic injuries and back and neck pain.

Our Mission

The mission of Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine is to be the leader in advancing the health of adults and children with neurosurgical disorders by providing comprehensive, compassionate and superior care in a state-of-the-art environment of healing, teaching and discovery.

Integrity

We will conduct ourselves professionally and ethically toward all.

Respect

We value the worth, quality and importance of all individuals and treat them with consideration and appreciation.

Teamwork

We cultivate an environment of cooperation, collaboration and unity among all team members.

Excellence

We pursue the highest quality and continuous improvement in everything we do.

Balance

We foster an environment that values a healthy work-life balance.

Communication

We value open, honest and timely interaction.

Sustainability

We will utilize all of our resources wisely in order to ensure our longevity.

Our Philosophy

The healthcare professionals of Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine are actively changing lives by uniting the discipline’s clinical, research and academic missions. We want you to feel confident that you will receive prompt attention and precise care, and we will keep an open and constant exchange of information. Ours is a model of collaborative care where we surround every problem with possibilities and perspectives. Together, our sub-specialized physicians, steadfast researchers and dedicated team of healthcare professionals approach each case with a strong desire and unique capability to do what is best for our patients.

doctor viewing x-rays

Our History

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine grew out of the Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group, which was established in 1970 by Drs. Julius Goodman and John Russell. Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group gained national recognition as one of the largest and most highly respected neurosurgical practices in North America. It was one of the earliest promoters of sub-specialization. Over the decades, our patients have benefited from the increased experience of neurosurgeons who are dedicated to caring for particularly difficult conditions. Other large groups have subsequently embraced and replicated this approach. In order to provide a comprehensive program for neurological conditions, interventional pain management and interventional neuroradiology, specialists joined the group and have been adding highly subspecialized care since the 1990’s.

Comprehensive care of the brain and spine through integrity, skill and teamwork have been hallmarks of our practice since its inception. We understand the need to keep pace with the constant changes in healthcare practice and delivery, as well as the need to quickly adopt new technologies and innovations that may benefit our patients. The underlying concept has been simple: determine what we need to do to produce the best results.

This approach has made our practice responsible for many firsts in the State of Indiana, including:

  • First microscopic surgery for herniated lumbar disc
  • First transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumor
  • First use of intraoperative angiography for aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and carotid-cavernous fistulas
  • First use of a computerized surgical navigation system
  • First successful use of hypothermic circulatory arrest for a giant brain aneurysm
  • First nonsurgical endovascular coiling of a brain aneurysm
  • First non-operative treatment of brain tumors and malformations by stereotactic radiosurgery

Along with surgical excellence utilizing cutting-edge technology, we understand we must be leaders in our field by providing education to our colleagues at a national level; publishing our results and techniques; training fellows, residents, medical students and staff; and participating in national and international clinical investigational studies and quality outcome registries. Our practice originally funded the Think First program for the prevention of brain and spinal cord injuries in school-aged children, and the The Neurosurgery Foundation at Goodman Campbell continues to provide support for education and research.

Our physicians have been consultants to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis Colts, National Football League, Indiana Pacers, Indiana University, Purdue University and many collegiate and high school athletes, and routinely have been recognized as Top Docs in Indianapolis Monthly. Two Goodman Campbell physicians and one nurse have been awarded the Indiana Business Journal’s (IBJ) Healthcare Hero award, and two physicians were honored to be included in the IBJ’s 40 under 40.

Today’s members of Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine are proud to build on the tradition of advanced clinical excellence and patient-centered service that was established by our original members 50 years ago.

  • 1970’s

    -1970 Dr.’s Julius Goodman and John Russell begin practicing at Methodist Hospital

    -In 1972 incorporation of Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group, later Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine

    -Began practice of subspecialty neurosurgery with aneurysm micro-neurosurgery

    -For 30 years no physician hired by Dr. Goodman left the group

  • 1970’s Firsts

    -Neurosurgical use of CT

    -Microlumbar discectomy

    -Aneurysm clipping with a microscope

    -Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

  • 1980’s

    -Expand full-time practice to St. Vincent Hospital

    -Expand subspecialty neurosurgery to spine

    -Advancements in neurosurgical trauma coverage

  • 1980’s Firsts

    -Intracranial tumor embolization

    -AVM n-BCA embolization

    -Implant of intrathecal drug infusion pump for cancer pain

    -Implant of spinal cord stimulator

  • 1990’s

    -Expand full-time practice to St. Francis Hospital

    -Hired first specialists in interventional neuroradiology, pain management and inpatient rehab

  • 1990’s Firsts

    -Coil embolization of brain aneurysm

    Selective dorsal rhizotomy for spasticity in cerebral palsy

    Endoscopic resection of intraventricular tumor

    Endoscopic placement of VP shunt

    Implantation of drug infusion pump for spasticity

    Intraoperative brain mapping for tumor resection in the eloquent cortex

  • 2000’s

    -Dr. Goodman passed away at age 72

    -Pediatric neurosurgery introduced to Peyton Manning Children’s hospital

    -Merged Lafayette practice for first full time location outside of Indianapolis

    -Advancements in image guidance for spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery

  • 2000’s Firsts

    -Use of virtual fluoroscopy for spinal surgery

    -Cerebral thrombectomy for stroke

    -DRG stimulator implant

    -Cisternal to peritoneal shunt

  • building
    building

    2010’s

    -Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine formed 1/1/2010

    -Neurosurgical trauma introduced at St Vincent

    -Joined the Quality Outcomes Database for spine, one of 13 groups in the country

    -Opened new outpatient office in Carmel, IN

    -Began neurosurgery service line management in Waukesha, WI

  • 2010’s Firsts

    -Flow diversion of brain aneurysm

    -Asleep deep brain stimulation

    -Use of POWEREASE to implant spinal hardware

    -Prepontine baclofen catheter

Our Programs

Brain Tumor

The nationally recognized neurosurgeons at Goodman Campbell provide comprehensive care and surgical management for all primary and secondary types of brain tumor pathology. Our expertise is comprehensive and includes treatment for meningioma, glioma, glioblastoma, pituitary, astrocytoma and schwannoma. Secondary or metastatic brain lesions typically originate from lung, breast, kidney and skin cancers. A team of neurosurgeon brain tumor specialists are available to review and discuss individual cases to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. Goodman Campbell neurosurgeons collaborate with medical and radiation oncologists on cases that require additional treatments, including stereotactic radiosurgery for example. A variety of treatment options are available depending on a patient’s diagnosis. The latest technologies and surgical approaches are used to achieve optimal outcomes. Skull base lesions located at the base of the brain are considered among the most difficult to treat surgically. Through the use of a multidisciplinary team approach and refinement of craniofacial, skull base surgical and microsurgical techniques, many patients with deep-seated tumors and vascular lesions are routinely and safely treated. Our quality and research databases allow for rigorous study and improvement in technique, treatment and quality of life for brain tumor patients. Our brain tumor experts are always available to provide informative and highly specialized care.

Vascular

Goodman Campbell neurosurgeons who subspecialize in vascular neurosurgery have advanced training and experience in blood vessel abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. If a procedure is being successfully performed somewhere in the world, it is available to our patients. Being so complex and relatively uncommon, vascular anomalies, disorders and trauma are treated only by our vascular subspecialists in order for our patients to receive the best care available in Indiana for these conditions. The brain represents 2% of our body weight, yet it receives 15% of the blood that flows through our bodies—more than any other organ. When blood flow in one or more of the multiple arteries and veins to the brain and spinal cord is blocked by a ruptured blood vessel, an obstruction such as a clot or pressure from a tumor, the result is a stroke. Our vascular specialists treat ruptured and non-ruptured aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVM). A vascular case conference provides a forum for all neurovascular and endovascular specialists to review cases for the optimal treatment options. The latest technologies, surgical and minimally-invasive approaches are available to patients. Our vascular database was started in the 1970’s and continues today. Research and publications allow Goodman Campbell vascular specialists to stay in the forefront of this specialty. The Goodman Campbell vascular and skull base neurosurgery fellowship is highly sought after from neurosurgery residents across the country.

Spine

The neurosurgeons at Goodman Campbell specialize in the full range of spine care. A coordinated team covers inpatient, outpatient and traumatic spine and spinal cord injury around the clock, providing sub-specialized care at any time of the day. A weekly spine conference brings together the spine specialists to review cases to ensure the patient ultimately receives the best treatment plan available. All of the latest technology is available in the operating room to deliver precise, safe and high quality care. Outside of the operating room, a dedicated team of professionals gathers data from all aspects of the care continuum to ultimately measure the quality of the outcome from the patient’s perspective. This helps our team fine tune the treatment plan using scientific data to analyze the results over a long period of time. From the most common to the most complex, Goodman Campbell spine specialists are available for all spine-related conditions and treatments: degenerative disc disease, spinal tumor surgery, traumatic spine and spinal cord injury, scoliosis and spinal deformity surgery as well as minimally invasive spinal surgery. Goodman Campbell physicians are prominently represented in organized neurosurgery. 

Trauma

Goodman Campbell neurosurgeons play a key role at the Level 1 Trauma Center at Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis. Goodman Campbell has a board-certified neurosurgeon on call 24 hours a day for each of the following: neurosurgical traumatic and non-traumatic injuries and disorders, complex spinal issues, vascular issues and brain tumors. An interventional neuroradiologist is also on call for traumatic and non-traumatic endovascular injuries and disorders and interventional stroke treatment. Goodman Campbell’s team of adult neurosurgical service advanced practice providers are on-site 24 hours a day providing specialized care to patients and communicating with patient’s families. Along with the clinical expertise employed in the trauma service and the neuro intensive care unit and recovery rooms, clinical research on traumatic brain and spinal cord injury also takes place. Goodman Campbell is nationally recognized for its commitment to high quality, subspecialized neurotrauma care by participating in the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Joint Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care.

Neuro Endovascular Care

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine interventional neuroradiology is one of the largest practices in the United States, specializing in minimally invasive treatment for vascular disease of the brain, neck and spinal cord. We specialize in the treatment of complex brain aneurysms, brain and spinal arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulae, chronic subdural hematomas, acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion, nose bleeds, and tumors of the spine, head/neck and brain. In addition, we offer vertebral augmentation. At every step of the way, our highly trained team of inpatient and outpatient specialists will guide you through the process, keeping you informed and making certain that you know exactly what to expect.  As one of the largest practices in the country, we have access to the latest tools and equipment, and we have often been the first practice in the United States to use them. We continue to refine our techniques and management, using quality and research databases to constantly improve as well as to share our work with the medical community through publications in major medical journals. Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine interventional neuroradiology works in close concert with our open vascular and skull base surgeons, offering coordinated and complementary care for the best possible patient experience and outcome.  

Interventional Stroke Care

Ischemic stroke is caused by blockage of an artery in the brain, depriving essential nutrients to the territory of brain involved and resulting in permanent injury. Unfortunately sometimes the blockage is in a large brain artery – and these are usually the most severe strokes. Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine interventional neuroradiology specializes in an emergent procedure in which we use catheters (long skinny tubes) passed through the arteries in the body from the groin or wrist to the brain in conjunction with tiny rake-like devices to pull the blockage (a small blood clot) out and restore normal flow. This procedure has the potential to reverse severe neurological deficits including inability to move, speak or understand language.  It is critical for patients to get to the hospital as quickly as possible, before the irreversible brain injury occurs, and to go to a hospital with an experienced stroke team and interventional neuroradiology team. Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine is one of the largest interventional stroke practices in the United States. We maintain a quality database to constantly analyze our process, technique and management of stroke. We publish papers on our practice in major medical journals. Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine interventional stroke care involves a team of experts in every step of emergent stroke care, as well as outpatient experts who deliver care after the procedure and who ensure the best possible experience and outcome.  

Interventional Pain Management

The interventional pain management physicians at Goodman Campbell offer a complete array of procedures to help clarify the cause and to hopefully alleviate the symptoms of pain. All of our physicians are fellowship trained and double board certified in both anesthesiology and pain medicine. Our physicians are active in educating other health care team members, including other physicians, on several advanced procedures through local, national and international presentations. We are participating in several ongoing research studies and clinical trials to advance the knowledge of pain medicine.

Our interventional pain management physicians work closely in collaboration with our neurosurgeons. This collaborative effort ensures that Goodman Campbell patients receive a thorough evaluation of the source of their pain and exhaust all reasonable treatment options before undergoing spinal surgery. Goodman Campbell interventional pain management physicians are available to see all pain and spine-related conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, sciatica and complex regional pain syndromes, among other painful conditions. Some of the commonly performed procedures include epidural steroid injections, selective nerve root blocks, facet joint blocks/rhizotomies and spinal cord stimulation for treating refractory and severe pain.

Functional

Functional neurosurgery at Goodman Campbell involves care of patients with a wide range of conditions. These include, but are not limited to: Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, spasticity and other movement disorders, pain, complex shunt care and seizures (epilepsy). Using the latest technology combined with the best medical evidence, we are able to maximize patient benefit. High volume patient populations and years of experience have given us the opportunity to teach, lead and train doctors from all over the United States and the world. Multiple groundbreaking procedures have been and continued to be invented and refined at Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine. Our team is able to use medical research and unique technical expertise to give the best possible outcomes to our patients.

Pediatric

The pediatric neurosurgery team at Goodman Campbell/Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent is committed to providing exceptional comprehensive care for any neurosurgical need. We can manage the complete spectrum of complex neurological problems in children of all ages, from infants to young adults. These include medically refractory epilepsy, craniofacial abnormalities, traumatic brain injuries, moyamoya disease, brain and spinal cord tumors, congenital conditions (spina bifida, hydrocephalus, tethered spinal cord and Chiari malformations) and other neurovascular abnormalities. The pediatric neurosurgeons at Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine are highly skilled and highly trained. Both received additional training in order to become specialized in pediatric neurosurgery and each one has at least 20 years of experience doing pediatric neurosurgery since receiving that extra training. Because our commitment is to provide comprehensive care to our patients and their families, we work side-by-side with other specialists to help deliver individual treatment for both common and complex neurological disorders. We are always accessible and available to you and your child – providing same-day appointments when needed.  

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