The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is proud to celebrate one of its own, Dr. Konstantin Slavin, for his recent appointment as President of the International Neuromodulation Society (INS), the fastest-growing multidisciplinary organization devoted to advancing the field of neuromodulation.

Neuromodulation is a technology that works directly on nerves, using electrical or chemical treatments to adjust their activity in specific areas. By altering nerve activity through the precise delivery of electrical stimulation or chemical agents, this approach changes the way nerves communicate with the brain to manage chronic pain, movement disorders, epilepsy, and psychiatric conditions.

Dr. Slavin’s exceptional career and dedication to improving patient care highlight the importance of his leadership in this pioneering and rapidly evolving discipline. “The entire field of neuromodulation has a remarkably high level of familiarity and recognition among our patients,” Dr. Slavin said. “By now, almost everyone is aware of brain and spine stimulators that are used for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain.”

This growing recognition of neuromodulation’s benefits marks significant progress, yet many patients remain unaware of its broader applications and advantages.

“What’s lacking now – is the understanding that neuromodulation approaches are generally less invasive. They are testable, adjustable, reversible, and therefore should be considered by our patients as an early treatment option instead of waiting for their conditions to become truly advanced and irreversible.”

In addition to his 30-year tenure at UIC, Dr. Slavin serves as Professor, Chief of Section, and Fellowship Director for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery in UIC’s Department of Neurosurgery. His journey is a testament to his enduring passion for innovation and excellence in patient care.

Dr. Slavin is also an associate editor and editorial board member for influential journals, including Neuromodulation, Neurosurgery, Brain Sciences, Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, and Acta Neurochirurgica. His commitment continues to emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based research.

In his new role as INS President, Dr. Slavin’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for neuromodulation, a field that has transitioned into a cornerstone of modern medicine. “I am very excited to see not only a steady increase in safety and efficacy of our neuromodulation interventions but also a continuous expansion of indications.”

He continued, “This includes equally important conditions, such as depression, migraines, dementia, and paralysis, each of which gives hope to countless sufferers worldwide.”

Other specific scientific and clinical efforts include surgery for complex facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia, syringomyelia and Chiari malformation, spasticity, and many other neurological conditions.

Dr. Slavin also highlights how UIC’s Department of Neurosurgery has remained steadfast in its commitment to innovation, patient care, and groundbreaking research.

“UIC has been at the forefront of clinical practice and pioneering research in the field of neuromodulation,” Dr. Slavin said. “We combine an in-depth experience in the specialty of functional neurosurgery with large clinical volume, the widest spectrum of offered neuromodulation interventions, innovative research, and community outreach programs. Our patients enjoy the most comprehensive multidisciplinary approach and personalized treatment algorithms, attracting referrals from all over the Chicagoland area, the United States, and worldwide.”

UIC takes great pride in celebrating Dr. Slavin’s achievements and contributions. His leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing the field of neuromodulation are a source of inspiration for the university and the broader medical community. The university looks forward to the continued impact of his work as he leads the way into a promising future for this ever-growing field.