As if assembling a team of the world’s most sought-after superheroes, Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital has been hard at work assembling a super team of neurosurgeons. Dr. Hirad Hedayat, Neurosurgeon, Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the Chief of Vascular Neurosciences, is one of the new members of this world-class team. This new team brings the Medical College of Wisconsin’s academic arm of neurosurgery to Southeastern Wisconsin and uniquely equips Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital to offer the most comprehensive neurovascular and neurosurgical care in the area.
Dr. Hirad Hedayat
Hirad Hedayat, M.D. Neurosurgeon, Associate Professor, Chief of Vascular Neurosciences assisted by Taylor Roszkowiak and Stephanie Hill
In the United States, neurosurgeons, often referred to as brain surgeons, are a highly specialized group that make up less than one percent of all physicians. Dr. Hedayat is part of this elite group and treats diseases and disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The medical advancements and specialized care that Dr. Hedayat provides to Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital are changing lives. Having neurosurgeons involved with surgical interventions for stroke patients has proven effective for stroke recovery. With Dr. Hedayat and his colleagues offering on-site neurosurgery services, Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital has been recognized and accredited as a Primary Stroke Center.
Let’s get to know Dr. Hedayat!
WHAT TYPES OF PROCEDURES DO NEUROSURGEONS PERFORM?
Neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. While most of the nerve damage we treat is in the brain and spine, we also treat nerve conditions throughout the entire body, such as carpal tunnel in the wrist. Neurosurgeons perform a variety of procedures to address spinal disc herniations, trauma-related spinal cord injuries, tumors or blood vessel issues in the spine, infections in the brain or spinal cord, bleeding in or on the brain, aneurysms, nerve pain, brain or spine tumor removal, strokes, and more. Treatments can be surgical or non-surgical. I specialize in aneurysm treatment, arteriovenous malformation resection (AVM), carotid artery procedures, cerebral angiography, cerebral bypass surgery, endovascular embolization, and shunting.
HOW DO YOUR SPECIALIZED SKILLS HELP LOCAL PATIENTS?
As an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, I have access to the newest trials and treatment options, allowing me to offer a wider breadth of treatment opportunities to our community. I perform general neurosurgery and minimally invasive brain interventions. My unique subspecialty is Cerebral Vascular Neurosurgery, which includes advanced training in the blood vessels of the brain and spinal cord. I regularly perform aneurysm clipping procedures and procedures that repair narrow blood vessels that are causing strokes. I utilize an innovative and minimally invasive approach to repair aneurysms through a catheter placed in the radial artery in the wrist. What this means for local patients is that they do not have to travel great distances to receive these types of advanced medical treatments. Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is dedicated to providing complete care for patients, and I am excited to be part of the team here making comprehensive neurovascular care possible.
WHY DID YOU PURSUE THIS MEDICAL SPECIALTY?
Originally, I wanted to be a heart surgeon. While I was completing my surgical rotation at Ross University School of Medicine, I worked on a case that changed my trajectory. The patient I was working with had a brain tumor that impeded his physical abilities. This patient could not move his arm and hand, which prevented him from feeding himself or even writing his name. After his brain tumor was successfully removed, the patient regained all his physical capabilities. It was truly remarkable! He could feed himself, pick things up, and go about his life with fully functioning limbs. Witnessing this transformation impacted me immensely. Plus, the surgical equipment was pretty cool, too! From that moment on, I chose to pursue neurosurgery, and I absolutely love it. Neurosurgery is a detailed, high-stakes, advanced field, yet there is still so much to discover. The significant, instantaneous changes in functionality, personality, and mobility that a patient can experience once a neurosurgical disorder is treated are phenomenal. It is an incredibly rewarding pursuit that allows me to impact lives in such a positive and profound way.
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO PRACTICE AT FROEDTERT SOUTH?
I have been working with the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee for over four years now. I am originally from Los Angeles, but I love living in Wisconsin. I especially enjoy the changes in weather and the lack of excessive LA traffic. Wisconsin feels like home to me.
With Froedtert South’s tremendous commitment to growth and excellence, I decided it would be wonderful to be part of Froedtert South as well. I am passionate about my work, and it means a lot to me to bring specialized neurosurgery options to Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. Making these leading-edge services accessible outside of a major metropolitan hospital is a significant advancement in providing comprehensive care close to home for this community. I am impressed by the strength and quality of every department at Froedtert South. The multi-disciplinary collaboration here is simple and collegial. I often need to collaborate on patient care with pain management physicians, orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists, stroke specialists, neurologists, other physicians, and ancillary team members. I find that there is no challenge in getting the right person to help a patient here at Froedtert South. It is enjoyable to be part of this team.
Another aspect that drew me to work here at Froedtert South is that this hospital has invested significantly and wholeheartedly in being a state-of-the-art regional medical center for excellent, comprehensive care. The capabilities and equipment at this hospital are top of the line. A new room for catheter-based procedures is being prepared with the most advanced equipment available. There is also an MRI option here at Froedtert South that is rarely seen at hospitals across the country.
WHAT DOES A BRAIN SURGEON DO FOR FUN?
When I’m not in surgery or with patients, I enjoy furthering my education and finding some much-needed moments of rest. I enjoy going out to eat, but I don’t necessarily seek out fine dining. This hospital’s proximity to Costco hot dogs is great with me! I enjoy seeing patients that I have helped while I’m out in the community. If you see me at Costco, be sure to say, “Hello!”
HOW CAN PATIENTS CONNECT WITH YOU FOR SERVICES?
Generally, patients are referred to a neurosurgeon after a physician has found something, such as a disc herniation, on an MRI. With neurosurgery being a problem-based specialty, usually the issue has been identified, and the patient is then referred to a neurosurgeon for treatment. A referral is not required, though, and we are happy to consult with patients and get their questions answered.
Dr. Hedayat’s office is in the Prairie Ridge Clinic located at 9697 St. Catherine’s Drive just south of Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. For more information about Dr. Hedayat and Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital Neurosurgery, contact (262) 671-7570 or visit https://www.froedtertsouth.com/doctors/hirad-hedayat-md/.
