Back to All News

Thompson named director of pediatric neurosurgery

By Kristina Sauerwein |
Pediatric neurosurgeon Eric Thompson, MD, has been named director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Washington... Pediatric neurosurgeon Eric Thompson, MD, has been named director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and neurosurgeon-in-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He begins his new role Aug. 5.

Physician-scientist’s focus is on pediatric brain tumors

Eric Thompson, MD, a pediatric neurosurgeon noted for his expertise in caring for children with complex neurological conditions, particularly brain and spinal tumors, has been named director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and neurosurgeon-in-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He will treat patients at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He begins his new role Aug. 5.

Thompson is a professor of neurological surgery, of pediatrics and of cancer biology at the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago and director of pediatric neurosurgery at the university’s Comer Children’s Hospital.

“I’m thrilled to announce that Dr. Eric Thompson will be the next chief of pediatric neurosurgery,” said Gregory J. Zipfel, MD, head of Washington University’s Department of Neurosurgery and the Ralph G. Dacey Distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery. “Eric is a highly skilled neurosurgeon and a demonstrated leader in the field of pediatric neurosurgery. He brings a strategic vision, and under his leadership, I know our pediatric division will continue to thrive in both innovation and research. Most importantly, Eric is deeply passionate about caring for our young patients and their families.”

Thompson is noted for his research into and treatment of pediatric brain tumors, particularly medulloblastoma, one of the most common kinds of cancerous brain tumors in children. Among the treatments he performs are minimally invasive procedures, stereotactic neurosurgery and laser interstitial thermal therapy, each with the intent to deliver the best possible options for his patients. He also aims to harness immunotherapy strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Before he joined UChicago Medicine in 2023, Thompson served for a decade on the faculty at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Duke in 2002 and his medical degree, with honors, from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha in 2006. Thompson completed his neurosurgical residency at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, Ore., in 2013 and, the following year, a fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead one of the most prestigious and storied pediatric neurosurgery programs in the world,” Thompson said. “It is truly a privilege to join the team at Washington University Department of Neurosurgery and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. I look forward to contributing to the already outstanding pediatric brain tumor program and working to make it even better.”

Thompson succeeds David D. Limbrick Jr., MD, PhD, who headed the division from 2016 until last year; and interim chief Jennifer M. Strahle, MD, a professor of neurosurgery, of orthopedic surgery and of pediatrics.