Ian Pollack, MD

Dr. Ian Pollack is a highly esteemed specialist in pediatric neurosurgery, serving as the Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He holds the prestigious A. Leland Albright Professorship of Neurosurgery and serves as the Vice-Chair for Academic Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Additionally, he is a Professor of Clinical and Translational Science and a Distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Pollack's academic journey is marked by excellence. He graduated magna cum laude from Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1980 and earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1984. His postgraduate training includes a surgical internship and neurosurgical residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he also served as a research fellow in neuropathology and neurobiology.

Dr. Pollack's expertise is further enhanced by the 1991 Van Wagenen Traveling Fellowship, which allowed him a year of subspecialty training in pediatric neurosurgery and neuro-oncology research. This training took place at renowned institutions such as the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, and the University of Uppsala in Sweden.

With a prolific career in research and clinical practice, Dr. Pollack has published over 370 papers in refereed journals, contributed numerous book chapters, and edited three books on childhood brain tumors. He is the co-editor of the widely recognized "Principles and Practice of Pediatric Neurosurgery" and its accompanying atlas "Operative Techniques in Pediatric Neurosurgery," as well as "Brain and Spinal Tumors of Childhood."

Dr. Pollack's dedication to advancing pediatric neurosurgery is evident through his continuous NIH funding since 1995. He has led NIH grants focusing on novel therapies for brain tumors, brain tumor immunotherapy, and evaluating molecular markers of tumor prognosis. His leadership roles include chairing the UPMC Children’s Oncology Group CNS Tumor Committee from 1999-2009 and co-chairing the National Cancer Institute Brain Malignancy Steering Committee between 2010 and 2017. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium.

Patients consistently praise Dr. Pollack for his exceptional communication skills, compassionate care, and thorough explanations. His patient satisfaction ratings reflect the high level of trust and confidence families place in his expertise. Dr. Pollack and his team are dedicated to providing outstanding care, ensuring that patients and their families are well-informed and comfortable with the treatment plans.

For unparalleled pediatric neurosurgical care, visit Dr. Ian Pollack at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where his commitment to excellence in patient care and groundbreaking research continues to make a profound impact.