Neurosurgeon Dr. Willard S. Kasoff Joins UA Department of Surgery To Direct Neuromodulation Program

Willard S. Kasoff, MD, MPH, has been named assistant professor in the Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona Department of Surgery and director of the Neuromodulation Program at The University of Arizona Medical Center – University Campus.

The appointment of Dr. Kasoff adds to UAMC’s existing programs in epilepsy and chronic pain syndromes and creates new capabilities in the neurosurgical treatment of movement disorders and severe psychiatric disease. Dr. Kasoff joins a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, pain specialists and psychiatrists at UAMC to provide coordinated care for patients with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, trigeminal neuralgia, chronic spinal and limb pain, spasticity, obsessive-compulsive disorder and severe depression.

Dr. Kasoff’s expertise includes adult and pediatric deep brain stimulation (DBS), open and minimally invasive surgical treatments for epilepsy and craniofacial pain, spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, placement of intraspinal medication systems and deep-brain or vagal nerve stimulation for severe psychiatric disease. His additional clinical interests include adult and pediatric hydrocephalus, including normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

Dr. Kasoff received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. He received his neurosurgical training at Yale University, where he also completed a fellowship in epilepsy surgery and a master’s degree in public health. He received additional fellowship training in functional and stereotactic neurosurgery at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.

Dr. Kasoff’s research interests include the analysis of gait and balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease, laser treatment for epilepsy and movement disorders and the use of advanced technologies in neuromodulation.

“I’m honored to join an extremely strong, caring and compassionate group of neurosurgeons and neurologists at UAMC,” said Dr. Kasoff. “They have been pioneers in minimally invasive surgery for epilepsy and other complex neurological conditions, and I look forward to expanding our ability to treat movement disorders, chronic pain syndromes and psychiatric disease using the latest technology and multidisciplinary expertise.”

"Dr. Kasoff’s appointment will enhance an already robust neuroscience program at the UA. We are pleased to have him join our team to bring more capabilities and expertise to our division to benefit our patients,” said Michael Lemole, MD, chief, UA Division of Neurosurgery.

Media Contact: Jo Marie Barkley