Med Center signs new chief of neurosurgery
Lawrence S. Chin joins MED faculty
Lawrence S. Chin, a professor of neurosurgery and radiation oncology at the University of Maryland and medical director of the Gamma Knife Center and the Maryland Brain Tumor Center, has been named a professor and chairman of the department of neurosurgery at Boston University School of Medicine (MED). He will also serve as chief of neurosurgery at Boston Medical Center (BMC).
“Dr. Chin is an outstanding academician who has been a leader in research and education,” says Karen Antman, MED dean and provost of the Medical Campus. “We look forward to working with him.”
Chin, whose research has focused on cutting-edge treatments for benign and malignant brain tumors, cited Boston University’s track record of collaboration between its clinical departments as a major factor in his decision to join the University.
“I am extremely impressed with the senior leadership at the medical school and medical center under the direction of Ms. Ullian and Dean Antman,” says Chin. “I share their vision of building a world-class neurosurgery department.”
Elaine Ullian, president and CEO of BMC, calls Chin “an excellent clinician. Our patients will benefit from his experience.”
“I look forward to building a strong brain tumor and stereotactic radiosurgery program in conjunction with the radiation oncology team,” Chin says. “I think the opening of the new Moakley Cancer Center will only enhance this. I am committed to bringing in new faculty that can expand our vascular/endovascular, skull base, epilepsy, spine, and trauma capabilities.”
Chin’s research has advanced the treatment of pituitary tumors with Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which can noninvasively heal the gland and prevent future tumor growth. The Gamma Knife is a helmet-like device designed to reduce the effects of radiation by emitting multiple beams of gamma rays that converge on one target point. Gamma Knife treatment has fewer side effects and is more effective than conventional treatments.
The new MED professor is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), where he chairs the Young Neurosurgeons Committee, serves on the board of directors, and is an advisor for the Scientific Program Committee. He also is a medical advisor for the International Radiosurgery Support Association. He has been honored with multiple awards, including the Edgar A. Kahn Award, the AANS Young Clinician Investigator Award, and the Shock Trauma Hero Award.
Chin received a B.S. and a medical degree from the University of Michigan. He completed his internship in general surgery at Los Angeles County General Hospital and his residency in neurological surgery at Los Angeles County General Hospital, University of Southern California University Hospital, Huntington Memorial Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.