News Summary
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson celebrates Dr. Julie Pilitsis, Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, for receiving the prestigious 2026 North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) Distinguished Service Award. This accolade recognizes her significant contributions to neuromodulation and her leadership role in advancing healthcare practices. With a history of leadership positions, including serving as NANS President, Dr. Pilitsis’s work has impacted patient care and scientific research in the field.
Phoenix, AZ — The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson celebrates a significant achievement as Dr. Julie Pilitsis, a distinguished leader in neurosurgery, has been named the recipient of the 2026 North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) Distinguished Service Award. This recognition highlights Dr. Pilitsis’s profound contributions to the field of neuromodulation and her dedicated service to advancing patient care and scientific understanding within the neurosurgical community.
Dr. Pilitsis, who serves as the Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and as a Physician-Executive for Functional Neurosurgery at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, embodies the principles of academic rigor and personal responsibility. Her work emphasizes how specialized medical education and leadership directly contribute to community well-being and advancements in healthcare.
This prestigious award from NANS, an organization established in 1994 to improve patient care through the advancement of science and neuromodulation, underscores Dr. Pilitsis’s sustained impact. Neuromodulation, a therapy utilizing electrical impulses or medication to alter nerve activity, is crucial in treating chronic conditions, and Dr. Pilitsis’s efforts have been central to its evolution.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service in Neuromodulation
Dr. Julie Pilitsis has demonstrated a consistent commitment to service throughout her career. She previously served as the President of the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) from 2023 to 2024, leading an organization with 2,000 members. Her leadership also includes being the first woman appointed to the NANS board of directors. This sustained involvement has been a hallmark of her professional journey, focusing on promoting scientific excellence and advocating for patients within the neuromodulation community.
Innovating Patient Care at Banner Health and University of Arizona
In her pivotal roles in Arizona, Dr. Pilitsis brings extensive expertise to both clinical practice and academic leadership. As the Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, she guides academic and research initiatives that shape the next generation of neurosurgeons. Simultaneously, her role as Physician-Executive for Functional Neurosurgery at Banner Health System ensures that cutting-edge treatments and patient-centered care are delivered to the community.
She joined the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson in January 2024, taking on the leadership of the neurosurgery department and her executive functional neurosurgery role with Banner Neurosciences.
Groundbreaking Research in Chronic Pain and Immune Function
Beyond her administrative and clinical duties, Dr. Pilitsis is an active researcher, continually exploring new frontiers in neurosurgery. In October 2025, a small study led by Dr. Pilitsis and her team at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson identified a potential link between chronic pain and the immune system. The study of medical records revealed that 12% of chronic pain patients treated with spinal cord stimulation or implanted pain medicine pumps exhibited eosinophilia, a white blood cell condition often indicative of immune system dysregulation, typically seen in less than 1% of the general population. This unexpected finding opens new avenues for understanding and treating chronic pain, suggesting a possible connection between chronic pain and immune biomarkers.
Academic Influence and Broader Professional Engagements
Dr. Pilitsis’s influence extends to various national and international academic platforms. She maintains an NIH-sponsored research program focused on device optimization for neuromodulation, currently supported by three active grants. Her scholarly output is substantial, with over 250 journal articles, five textbooks, and numerous chapters published, contributing significantly to the neurosurgical literature.
Her commitment to education and mentorship is also evident through her past participation in programs such as the ELAM Leaders Forum, an initiative focused on developing women leaders in academic medicine. Dr. Pilitsis has previously held leadership roles at other institutions, including serving as Dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, where she was the first female neurosurgeon to serve as dean of a U.S. medical school in Florida.
Recognitions and Achievements: A Summary Table
| Achievement/Role | Details | Year/Period |
|---|---|---|
| NANS Distinguished Service Award Recipient | Recognizes dedicated service to the North American Neuromodulation Society | 2026 |
| President, North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) | Led a 2,000-member organization dedicated to neuromodulation advancements | 2023-2024 |
| Chair, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson | Leads academic and research initiatives in neurosurgery | Since January 2024 |
| Physician-Executive for Functional Neurosurgery, Banner – University Medical Center Tucson | Oversees clinical functional neurosurgery services for Banner Health System | Current |
| Research: Chronic Pain & Immune System Link | Led a study finding a link between chronic pain and eosinophilia in neuromodulation patients | October 2025 (Study published) |
| Publications | Over 250 journal articles, 5 textbooks, numerous chapters | Ongoing |
| NIH-Sponsored Research Program | Focused on device optimization for neuromodulation with 3 active grants | Ongoing |
| President, American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN) | Leads ASSFN, a professional society | 2024-2026 |
| First Female Neurosurgeon to Serve as Dean of a U.S. Medical School | Served as Dean of Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University | 2022-2023 |
Phoenix’s Contribution to Medical Innovation
Dr. Pilitsis’s receipt of the NANS Distinguished Service Award is a testament to the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and community-focused medical leadership within the larger Arizona AZ higher education landscape. Her work not only advances the field of neurosurgery but also reinforces Phoenix’s growing reputation as a hub for medical innovation and advanced patient care.
The dedication of professionals like Dr. Pilitsis in combining rigorous academic pursuits with practical patient care demonstrates the profound impact that institutions of higher learning have on public health and scientific advancement. Her leadership and research continue to inspire students and shape the future of medicine, contributing significantly to both local and global medical communities.
To learn more about the advancements in neurosurgery and other medical fields, we encourage readers to explore programs at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and stay informed on Phoenix AZ college news and developments in University of Arizona AZ research and academics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who received the 2026 North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) Distinguished Service Award?
A: Dr. Julie Pilitsis, Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, received the 2026 NANS Distinguished Service Award.
Q: What is Dr. Julie Pilitsis’s role at the University of Arizona?
A: Dr. Julie Pilitsis is the Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson.
Q: What is neuromodulation?
A: Neuromodulation is a therapy that often uses electrical impulses or medication to alter nerve activity during the treatment of chronic conditions.
Q: What significant research did Dr. Pilitsis lead recently?
A: In October 2025, Dr. Pilitsis led a small study that found a potential link between chronic pain patients treated with neuromodulation and a white blood cell condition called eosinophilia, suggesting a connection between chronic pain and the immune system.
Q: Did Dr. Julie Pilitsis hold a leadership position at NANS previously?
A: Yes, Dr. Julie Pilitsis served as the President of the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) from 2023 to 2024.
Q: Has Dr. Pilitsis achieved any other notable “firsts” in her career?
A: Dr. Julie Pilitsis was the first female neurosurgeon to serve as the dean of a U.S. medical school in Florida, during her tenure at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University from 2022 to 2023.
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