J Marc Simard

J. Marc Simard is Professor of Neurosurgery, Pathology and Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He serves as Interim Chair of the Department of Physiology and is Chief of Neurological Surgery at the Baltimore Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Simard is a board-certified clinical neurosurgeon with an active practice specializing in vascular neurosurgery.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. in Chemistry from St. Anselm's College (1972)
• M.D. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Creighton University (1980)
• Postdoctoral training in Biophysics at Universitat des Saarlandes, Germany (1983)
• Neurosurgery Residency at University of Florida (1986)

Dr. Simard is an experienced investigative scientist best known for his discovery of the Sur1-Trpm4 channel and his work demonstrating its involvement in acute CNS diseases. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of secondary injury in animal models of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. He heads an active laboratory employing scientists with expertise in patch clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology, and preclinical disease models.

His recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate continued focus on cerebral edema mechanisms, surgical management of intracerebral hemorrhage, and translation of basic science discoveries into clinical applications like the CHARM trial. His work spans from fundamental channel physiology to clinical trials, reflecting his commitment to bridging basic science and patient care.

Dr. Simard's research on the Sur1-Trpm4 channel has led to 21 US and international patents, with several clinical trials now underway to translate these discoveries into improved patient care for stroke and traumatic brain injury.

He maintains an active clinical practice in vascular neurosurgery, specializing in carotid and cerebrovascular conditions including carotid stenosis, aneurysm, and arteriovenous malformation. His surgical approach incorporates advanced navigational microneurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.