Neurosurgeons treat diseases and disorders affecting the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Dedicated to excellence, Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is proud to bring the specialized care of the Medical College of Wisconsin Neurosurgery group to this community. This elite team is led by Dr. Shekar Kurpad, Neurosurgeon-Professor; Senior Associate Dean, Neuroscience; Founding Director, Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS).
Shekar Kurpad, M.D. Neurosurgeon-Professor; Senior Associate Dean, Neuroscience; Founding Director, Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS)
Let’s get to know Dr. Kurpad!
Why did you pursue a career as a Neurosurgeon?
During my schooling, I was involved in a surgical project. My mentor on the project called me into his office. I thought that maybe I was in trouble. Instead, he told me that, with my surgical skills, I should be a neurosurgeon. I can’t thank him enough for that advice. After thirty years of training and practicing, I would still choose this path every day and twice on Sunday. Neurosurgery is a very special field that restores human function, such as speech and language, for individuals that might have otherwise lost those functions. In many instances, neurosurgery proves to be lifesaving. It is said that neurosurgery represents the art of restoring humanity to human beings. The ability to provide important care that has a profound impact on patients’ lives is a blessing. I am truly fortunate to have found the exact career that is right for me. I enjoy connecting with my patients, and I am passionate about learning, practicing, and teaching. My work as a professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where I have trained over one hundred future neurosurgeons to date, is very meaningful and rewarding to me. The surgeons I have trained are now in practice all over the world. My career path is one that keeps on giving, and I am grateful to my mentor for his encouragement and direction.
Why have you chosen to practice at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital?
My professional pursuit of excellence and mission to provide world-class care align with the culture and mission of Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. It resonates with me that Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital wants to render the highest neurosurgical care for this community. From ancillary staff to administration, the entire team is very collaborative, dedicated to growth, and demonstrates true concern for this community. For me, Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is a perfect place for me to have my neurosurgical practice and to care for patients.
While Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital was built to provide services for residents, their commitment to excellence and growth is making this hospital a choice neurosurgical destination for the surrounding areas. I am extremely pleased with how the Medical College of Wisconsin Neurosurgeons have been able to build an infrastructure here at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. By growing our highly specialized services and complex neurosurgical care right here in Kenosha, not only do residents gain access to convenient, local services, but patients from surrounding areas now seek out Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital’s state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive, personalized care.
How do your specialized skills help local patients?
Being a Medical College of Wisconsin Professor and with my extensive advanced training, I have the experience and expertise to navigate complex spine problems. I completed a Fellowship in Skull Base Surgery at the University of Tennessee-Memphis and a Fellowship in Spinal Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. From disc herniations and neck pain to spinal column tumors and spinal degenerative diseases, my team and I can ensure that local patients do not have to travel to receive world-class neurosurgical care.
One thing we want patients to know is that decisions about neurosurgery are highly personalized. We build relationships with our patients. We want to understand our patients as human beings so that we can personalize their treatment for the best possible outcome. We believe it is important for patients to have trust in their surgeon and to go into surgery feeling secure. We think it is helpful for a good outcome when patients know that their surgeon truly cares about them.
I also want to note that the experienced team at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is integral for optimizing the patient experience. My colleague, Dr. Hirad Hedayat, is highly skilled and helps make comprehensive neurovascular care possible here. Our advanced team of nurse practitioners, each with a minimum of ten years of neurosurgery experience, ensure patient support and continuity of care. I am proud to be part of this collaborative and supportive team that ensures patients receive the best care.
What does a brain surgeon do for fun?
I am from southern India, but I consider Wisconsin my home. I moved here in 2001, and I have lived here longer than I have anywhere else in the world. I am so proud of my family, and my life outside of the hospital revolves around my kids. I absolutely love being a dad! My family and I enjoy activities on the water through all seasons. We frequently hike locally and in National Parks. My daughters love shopping in Pleasant Prairie, and I sometimes get roped into those excursions! We like the variety of restaurants surrounding Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital and other quaint places to eat around Kenosha. I enjoy going out for a meal with my professional team and with my family, and you will probably see me eating out.
How can patients connect with you for services?
Generally, patients are referred to a neurosurgeon after a physician determines that specialized care is needed. A referral is not required, though, and I have an open-door policy. I am accessible for consultations and am happy to provide my advice. Dr. Kurpad’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. Kurpad and Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital Neurosurgery, contact (262) 671-7570 or visit https://www.froedtertsouth.com/doctors/shekar-kurpad-md/.
