As the most-published author on meningiomas, the chief medical executive of Miami Neuroscience Institute Leads a groundbreaking expansion while innovating protective headgear for athletes.
Spearheading the growth of Miami Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, is one of the world’s leading experts on meningiomas — Michael McDermott, M.D. Chief medical executive of the Institute, Dr. McDermott was recently named the most-published author of papers on meningioma research.
The study, Bibliometric Analysis of Meningiomas from 2001 to 2023: Focus on the Top 100 Most Cited Papers, helps “identify leading contributors and influential institutions in a specific field, providing insight into the sources of pioneering research and innovation,” the article states. “These prolific authors have played a crucial role in advancing knowledge and shaping discourse within their respective areas of expertise.” The article appeared in the August 2024 issue of the journal World Neurosurgery.
Meningiomas are one of the most common primary intracranial tumors. Even benign meningiomas can cause headaches, weakness and balance issues, seizures, speech difficulties and other debilitating symptoms.
“Publishing is essential so that we can share scientific knowledge that drives advances and impacts patient care,” said Dr. McDermott, who is also the Irma & Kalman Bass Distinguished Endowed Chair in Clinical Neuroscience at the Institute and chief of the Division of Neuroscience and professor of Translational Medicine at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. “The collaboration between physicians at Miami Neuroscience Institute and others around the world increases the globalization of health information.”
Dr. McDermott is also third on Highly Ranked Scholars’ meningioma list of the “most productive (number of publications) authors whose works are of profound impact (citations) and of utmost quality (h-index)” in a five-year period.
A few of his more recent publications are:
- Postoperative Complications and Neurological Deficits After Petroclival Region Meningioma Resection: A Case Series
- The Importance of Considering Competing Risks in Recurrence Analysis of Intracranial Meningioma
- Epidemiology, Genetics and DNA Methylation Grouping of Hyperostotic Meningiomas
He is also widely published on brain metastases, glioblastoma and other brain and spine conditions and diseases.
While research and publishing are priorities for Dr. McDermott, he is also considered an innovator in the industry. Recently, he was awarded a new U.S. patent for the design of a protective helmet for surfers — now in prototype development — that lowers the risk of head injuries. Because it covers the ears, the helmet also should help lower the chance of skin cancer.
“I’ve submitted another patent that’s going to be issued soon,” Dr. McDermott told NeurologyLive. “It’s for a sporting helmet design that includes football, car racing, hockey, lacrosse and equestrian sports.” Repetitive concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition that results in permanent brain damage.
Since Dr. McDermott took over the helm of Miami Neuroscience Institute in 2020, his vision has been to grow the program to provide better access to care for South Floridians and to offer new treatments. Eight physicians were part of the program upon his arrival, but today some 40 physicians are providing care to neuroscience patients. With his plans to recruit leading experts, Dr. McDermott said he expects the neuroscience medical staff to grow to 80 providers by 2026.
The ambitious growth plan drew the attention of philanthropist Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Miami-based hedge fund Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst, who made a 2024 donation of $50 million to fund the expansion of Miami Neuroscience Institute. The gift will cover the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility with patient care space and research labs.
“Our expansion comes at a critical time for South Florida,” Dr. McDermott said. “As our population ages, the incidence of Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases increases. There is great need in our community for a leading center in neuroscience.”
Dr. McDermott is one of the symposium directors and speakers at the 12th Annual Miami Neuroscience Symposium, Nov. 7 and 8, at the Hilton Miami Dadeland. For more information, click here.
