Children’s Hospital Colorado Pediatric Neuroscience Institute expands clinical and research capabilities amid record growth and rising national recognition

The Pediatric Neuroscience Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado) is experiencing significant growth both clinically and academically, driven by generous philanthropists a rapid increase in faculty recruitment, patient access programs and national recognition.

Over the past 12 months, Children’s Colorado’s Neuroscience Institute – comprised of Developmental Pediatrics, Neurology, and Neurosurgery – has welcomed 27 new faculty members, including eight incremental hires, in response to demand across the region due to the closure of pediatric services at other major Denver hospitals.

“Our expansion is a direct response to the needs of our community,” said Kevin Ess, MD, Ph.D., Section Head of Pediatric Neurology and The Ponzio Family Chair in Pediatric Neurology, reflecting on the overall mission of Children’s Colorado. “The neurology team’s commitment to providing expert, accessible care while also investing in the future of neurological science is driving our team to advance the future of brain health for all children.”

Children’s Colorado providers have observed a growing number of inter-hospital referrals for electroencephalogram (EEG) interpretations. While regional hospitals typically employ general neurologists, they often rely on Children’s Colorado specialists to evaluate and provide expert analysis of more complex EEG readings.

Children’s Colorado’s Neuroscience Institute is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric and developmental neuroscience, offering comprehensive services in neurology, neurosurgery, developmental pediatrics and neuroscience research. With more than 75 faculty members and expanding research and educational partnerships, including a new international fellowship with Ethiopian neurosurgery teams, the program remains at the forefront of diagnosing and treating various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, brain tumors, concussions, and neuromuscular diseases.

In recognition of these efforts, Children’s Colorado Neurology and Neurosurgery programs were ranked #16 nationally in the 2024–25 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

“We’re proud of the momentum we’re building and the interest we’re seeing from talented pediatric neurologists across Colorado and beyond who want to join our Children’s Colorado team,” said Ann Reynolds, MD, Section Head for Developmental Pediatrics. “It reflects the dedication of our faculty and the trust placed in us by patients, families, and partners.”

To manage increasing patient volumes, Children’s Colorado has also improved its care delivery model. In developmental pediatrics, innovations such as single-discipline evaluations and more efficient team clinics have resulted in a 57% decrease in wait times for children under four since December 2023.

Additionally, the Neuroscience Institute has added four new research-focused faculty members since summer 2024 and secured $3.6 million in philanthropic funding in 2024, aiming to improve the lives of children with neurological conditions while advancing translational projects across neurology, neurosurgery, and developmental pediatrics.

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ABOUT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO

Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the nation’s leading and most expansive nonprofit pediatric healthcare systems with a mission to improve the health of children through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Founded in 1908 and ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation as recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Colorado has established itself as a pioneer in the discovery of innovative and groundbreaking treatments that are shaping the future of pediatric healthcare worldwide. Children’s Colorado offers a full spectrum of family-centered care at its urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Colorado, including an academic medical center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, hospitals in Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch and Broomfield, and outreach clinics across the region. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.