Pediatric Neurosurgeon Joins Wolfson Children's Hospital Medical Staff
Philipp R. Aldana, MD, Relocates from Akron, Ohio

Jacksonville, Florida, September 12, 2006 -- Philipp R. Aldana, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon, joined the Wolfson Children's Hospital (Wolfson) medical staff in July. He currently serves as clinical assistant professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida/Jacksonville and will be joining Hector James, MD, at the Lucy Gooding Pediatric Neurosurgery Center at Wolfson as Director of Clinical Services.

Prior to relocating to Jacksonville, Aldana was assistant director of the Division of Neurosurgery and Director of the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Program of Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio. As part of his responsibilities, he also served as clinical assistant professor of neurosurgery at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine.

Jerry Bridgham, MD, interim chief medical officer for Wolfson Children's Hospital, says, "The number of pediatric neurosurgeons in our country is quite small, so we feel fortunate that Dr. Aldana has chosen to bring his impressive expertise to our full-service children's hospital. His arrival will greatly enhance the ability of Wolfson to provide comprehensive neurosurgical care for children of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia."

Pediatric hematologist/oncologist Eric Sandler, MD, chief of the Wolfson Children's Hospital medical staff, says, "We're really pleased at the addition of Dr. Aldana, who has particular interests in pediatric brain tumors and pediatric trauma. His presence will help us further the plans to establish a pediatric brain tumor program here at Wolfson."

Aldana graduated magna cum laude from St. Louis University Medical School in Missouri with medical degree with distinction on research. He also received the Missouri State Medical Association Award from St. Louis University and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national honor medical society. He completed his neurological surgery residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he received the Resident's Award in Research, and his pediatric neurosurgery fellowship at the University of Utah/Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. In 2006, he was named among "Who's Who in the World" and "Who's Who in America," along with the latest edition of edition of "Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, 2006-2007."

Aldana, the son of a neurosurgeon, has special clinical interests in pediatric nervous system tumors, pediatric spine surgery and traumatic brain injury. He has co-authored and presented research on neuro-endoscopy, repair of brachial plexus injury, central nervous system trauma, and tumors of the brain and spinal cord. He is one of only about 160 pediatric neurosurgeons practicing in the United States.

"I am excited about moving to Jacksonville and working with Dr. James in meeting the rapidly growing pediatric neurosurgical needs of this region in partnership with Wolfson Children's Hospital and the University of Florida/Jacksonville," says Aldana.