Pediatrics - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center

Q&ASamer K. Elbabaa,MD, FAANSDivision Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery atSSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical CenterAssistant Professor, Department of Neurological Surgeryat Saint Louis University School of MedicineQ: Why did you specialize in neurosurgery?A: There are still so many unknowns in neurosurgery and a great potential to improve the field. I chose pediatricsbecause I like children. Their honesty and desire to get better and back on the playground makes my job evenmore gratifying and fulfilling.Q: What do you like best about your job?A: I like that there are multiple ways to do the same surgery and the outcomes are immediate. My background andmentorship have given me a balanced approach to various neurosurgical conditions and procedures, ranging fromcomplex microsurgical procedures to minimally-invasive endoscopic techniques.Q: How have the neurosurgical services at SSM Cardinal Glennon grown in the past year?A: Since my arrival less than a year ago, we’ve expanded the neurosurgical clinic timeframe to absorb all referralsin a timely manner, added a separate clinic where our neurosurgical nurse practitioner sees patients and recruiteda neurosurgery clinical nurse. In the near future, my goal is to recruit another pediatric neurosurgeon. We’ve alsoadded state-of-the-art minimally-invasive endoscopy equipment for minimally-invasive neurosurgical procedures,as well as a state-of-the-art operating microscope for complex microsurgical procedures.Q: Is there a particular patient care philosophy that guides you?A: I pay respect to the fine details of every patient and treat all children the way I’d want my own children to betreated. I also remember to never lose hope for an improvement, even when the chances are slim.To reach Dr. Elbabaa, please call 314-577-5306 or e-mail selbabaa@slu.edu.To schedule an appointment with the neurosurgery team at SSM Cardinal Glennon, please call 314-678-2182.12