Piedmont Taps Global Neurosurgery Leader to Helm Neuroscience Expansion

ATLANTA, GA – April 22, 2026 – In a strategic move signaling its ambition to become a premier destination for neurological care, Piedmont Healthcare has named Dr. Nelson Oyesiku, an internationally acclaimed neurosurgeon and academic leader, as the new Chief of Neurosciences for the healthcare system. The appointment comes as Piedmont accelerates a multi-year expansion of its neuroscience capabilities, aimed at meeting the critical health needs of Georgians and patients across the Southeast.

Dr. Oyesiku will transition from his most recent role as professor and chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery and professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In his new capacity, he will assume system-wide leadership over neurosurgery, neurology, and psychiatry within Piedmont's Physician Enterprise, driving clinical innovation and research across the state.

This appointment is the capstone on a period of significant investment that began with the opening of the Marcus Tower at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in 2020. Since then, the system has methodically built a comprehensive infrastructure for advanced brain and spine care, positioning itself to compete at the highest level.

A Leader of International Stature

Dr. Oyesiku brings a formidable record of clinical excellence, research, and global leadership to Piedmont. He is one of the world's foremost experts in pituitary medicine and surgery, having performed over 4,700 complex pituitary tumor operations—a volume that places him in an elite group of surgeons globally. His pioneering work includes performing the first 3D endoscopic surgery for pituitary tumor resection in Georgia while at Emory University, where he previously served as co-director of the renowned Emory Pituitary Center.

His influence extends far beyond the operating room. Dr. Oyesiku has served as President of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), Chairman of the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS), and President of the International Society of Pituitary Surgeons. He is also the President-Elect of the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS), a role that underscores his standing in the international medical community. A prolific researcher, his laboratory work has focused on the molecular biology of pituitary adenomas, leading to new modalities for imaging and targeted therapies. He has authored over 180 scientific articles and book chapters and served for 13 years as Editor-in-Chief of the field's leading journals, including Neurosurgery.

"We are fortunate to have a leader like Dr. Oyesiku serving as our Chief of Neurosciences," said Charles L. Brown, III, CEO of Piedmont's Physician Enterprise. "He brings an expertise in Neurosciences to our program, with close to 200 scientific articles or works to his name. He will continue to grow our program and make it a destination for clinical care across the Southeast and beyond."

A Strategic Investment in Georgia's Health

Piedmont's recruitment of Dr. Oyesiku is the culmination of a deliberate strategy to address a growing public health crisis. Georgia is situated in the nation's "Stroke Belt," a region with stroke mortality rates up to 40% higher than the national average. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the state and a major source of preventable disability. Furthermore, thousands of Georgians are diagnosed with primary brain and central nervous system tumors each year, requiring highly specialized, multidisciplinary care.

In response, Piedmont has made substantial investments to enhance its capacity and expertise. The system has added a 22-bed Neurocritical Care unit at its Atlanta campus, staffed around the clock by dedicated neurocritical care physicians and advanced practitioners. The Endovascular Neurosurgery Program—the hub of Georgia's largest stroke program—has been expanded, with its reach now extending to Piedmont's clinical hubs in Augusta and Columbus. This network is designed to provide rapid, life-saving interventions for stroke patients across a wide geographic area.

Further enhancements include the expansion of the Neurohospitalist program with the addition of vascular neurohospitalists and the development of a comprehensive neuro-oncology program specializing in brain and spine tumor care. These initiatives provide the foundational infrastructure upon which Dr. Oyesiku is expected to build.

Forging a Regional Hub for Neurological Care

With this appointment, Piedmont is making a clear statement about its intent to establish a nationally recognized neuroscience institute. The healthcare landscape in the Southeast includes formidable competitors, including the well-established academic programs at Emory University and comprehensive services at Northside Hospital. Piedmont's strategy appears focused on combining state-of-the-art infrastructure with world-class talent to create a center of excellence that excels in both clinical care and translational research.

Dr. Oyesiku's role is uniquely structured to achieve this integration. By overseeing neurosurgery, neurology, and psychiatry, he can foster a unified, patient-centric approach to brain health. A key part of his mandate is to direct clinical trials across the healthcare system, embedding a culture of research and innovation directly into patient care. This will not only offer patients access to cutting-edge therapies but also help attract other top-tier physicians and scientists to the institution.

Dr. Oyesiku himself is focused on the future and the opportunity to build upon Piedmont's recent progress.

"I am looking forward to guiding Piedmont's continued growth and innovation in Neurosciences," said Dr. Oyesiku. "We will continue to build on a strong foundation to recruit new talented physicians, master surgeons, and expand services to grow our program."

His leadership is expected to accelerate the development of sub-specialty programs, expand access for patients with complex conditions like pituitary tumors, and ultimately elevate the standard of neurological care available throughout the state and region.