James P Chandler

James P Chandler, MD, FACS serves as Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs and Lavin/Fates Professor of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. He also holds professorships in the Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology and Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Chandler is the Rudy E. Sabbagha Distinguished Physician and founder/Surgical Director of the Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute at Northwestern University's Comprehensive Cancer Center.

His educational background includes:

• MD from University of Maryland (1990)
• Residency in Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University
• Fellowship training in cranial base and microvascular surgery at Instituto Neurologico De São Paulo (Brazil)
• Additional fellowship at George Washington Neurological Institute

Dr. Chandler specializes in brain and spine tumors with particular expertise in skull base tumors and minimally invasive procedures. His research focuses on endoscopic techniques and Gamma Knife radiosurgery as alternatives to conventional open cranial base surgery. He created Northwestern's Skull Base Laboratory in 2016, which provides advanced anatomical and surgical research opportunities for residents and faculty. His clinical practice encompasses treatment of gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, chordomas, acoustic neuromas/schwannomas, trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and metastatic brain tumors, having performed over 6,000 successful brain surgeries throughout his career.

His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on meningioma genetics, hydrocephalus diagnostics, and sellar region tumors, reflecting his dual expertise in surgical technique and molecular tumor biology.

Award highlights include:

• Multiple consecutive 'Top Doctors' designations from Castle Connolly and Chicago Magazine (2022-2024)
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society membership (2019)
• Rudy E. Sabbagha Distinguished Physician award (2010)
• Humanitarian Award from Northwestern Memorial Hospital (2010)
• Multiple 'Best Doctors in America' recognitions (2008-2011)

Dr. Chandler hosts an annual international surgical techniques course and maintains extensive professional society involvement including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and North American Skull Base Society. His Skull Base Laboratory serves as a key training facility for advanced neurosurgical techniques.