Brain with the skyline of the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil

A Century of Healing: Tracing the Evolution of Neurosurgery at the University of São Paulo

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"From its humble beginnings in 1918 to becoming a world-renowned center for neurosurgical innovation, discover the remarkable journey of this pioneering institution."

The history of neurosurgery at the University of São Paulo (USP) is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and relentless pursuit of medical advancement. Originating in 1918 within the Department of Neurology, under the Chair of Psychiatric Clinic and Nervous Diseases, USP's neurosurgical division has evolved from a fledgling specialty to a world-renowned center for innovation and training.

Professor Enjolras Vampré, a towering figure in Brazilian medicine, is credited as the key inspiration behind the development of neurosurgery in the State of São Paulo. His influence paved the way for the first neurosurgical procedures at USP in 1929, marking a pivotal moment in the institution's history.

This article delves into the captivating story of neurosurgery at USP, tracing its growth through key figures, technological milestones, and its enduring impact on the field, solidifying its role in shaping the future of neurosurgery in Brazil and beyond.

The Early Years: Laying the Foundation for Neurosurgical Excellence

Brain with the skyline of the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil

The seeds of neurosurgery at USP were sown with the appointment of Professor Enjolras Vampré as the Head of the Department of Neurology in March 1925. At the time, neurology lectures were conducted in the First Ward of Medicine at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia of São Paulo. Following a restructuring in 1926, the discipline was renamed Neuriatric and Psychiatric Clinic, reflecting the evolving understanding of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Professor Vampré's vision extended beyond the traditional boundaries of neurology. Recognizing the potential of surgical intervention for nervous system disorders, he inspired his disciple, Dr. Carlos Gama Rodrigues, to pursue specialized training in neurosurgery under the renowned Dr. Harvey Cushing in the United States.

1918: Neurosurgery begins under the Department of Neurology.
1925: Professor Enjolras Vampré appointed Head of Neurology.
1929: First neurosurgical procedures performed.
1938: Chair divided into Psychiatric and Neurological Clinics after Vampré's death.

In 1942, Professor Dr. Rolando Ângelo Tenuto took over as Head of the Section of Neurosurgery, succeeding Professor Carlos Gama Rodrigues, who became Chairman of Neurology at the School of Medicine of Bahia. Professor Tenuto's leadership propelled the introduction of advanced neurosurgical concepts, supported by a team of skilled neurosurgeons including Dr. Roberto Araujo, Dr. José Zaclis, and Dr. Sylvio de Vergueiro Forjaz.

A Legacy of Innovation and Training

From its modest beginnings, the neurosurgery division at the University of São Paulo has emerged as a leading center for neurosurgical care, research, and training. With state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to innovation, the division continues to shape the future of neurosurgery in Brazil and beyond, training the next generation of leaders in this critical field.

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This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/0004-282x20130245, Alternate LINK

Title: The History Of Neurosurgery At The University Of Sao Paulo

Subject: Neurology

Journal: Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira, Eberval Gadelha Figueiredo, Mario Augusto Taricco, José Píndaro P. Plese, Camila Flores, Saulo A. Teixeira, José Luzio

Published: 2014-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

When did neurosurgery officially begin at the University of São Paulo, and under what department was it initially established?

Neurosurgery at the University of São Paulo began in 1918 within the Department of Neurology. At that time, the department was known as the Chair of Psychiatric Clinic and Nervous Diseases. This marked the initial integration of surgical interventions for nervous system disorders within a broader neurological framework.

Who is credited as the primary influence behind the development of neurosurgery at the University of São Paulo, and what specific actions did he take to foster its growth?

Professor Enjolras Vampré is recognized as the key figure who inspired the development of neurosurgery at the University of São Paulo. As the Head of the Department of Neurology, he motivated Dr. Carlos Gama Rodrigues to pursue specialized training in neurosurgery under Dr. Harvey Cushing in the United States. This mentorship and support were crucial in establishing neurosurgery as a distinct specialty.

What were some of the significant milestones in the early development of the neurosurgery division at the University of São Paulo, and how did these events shape its future direction?

Key milestones include the appointment of Professor Enjolras Vampré in 1925, the performance of the first neurosurgical procedures in 1929, and the division of the Chair into Psychiatric and Neurological Clinics in 1938 after Vampré's death. These events established a foundation of neurological and surgical expertise, setting the stage for future advancements. The introduction of advanced concepts by Professor Dr. Rolando Ângelo Tenuto further propelled the division's growth.

Following Professor Enjolras Vampré's tenure, how did the leadership of Professor Dr. Rolando Ângelo Tenuto impact the neurosurgery division at the University of São Paulo?

Professor Dr. Rolando Ângelo Tenuto, who took over as Head of the Section of Neurosurgery in 1942, played a crucial role in advancing neurosurgical practices at the University of São Paulo. He introduced advanced neurosurgical concepts and was supported by a team of skilled neurosurgeons, including Dr. Roberto Araujo, Dr. José Zaclis, and Dr. Sylvio de Vergueiro Forjaz. This collaborative environment fostered innovation and expertise within the division.

How has the neurosurgery division at the University of São Paulo evolved from its origins to its current status, and what role does it play in the broader field of neurosurgery today?

From its beginnings within the Department of Neurology, the neurosurgery division at the University of São Paulo has grown into a leading center for neurosurgical care, research, and training. It has contributed significantly to the advancement of neurosurgery in Brazil and beyond through technological innovation, training the next generation of neurosurgical leaders. The division’s commitment to state-of-the-art technology and continuous improvement has solidified its position as a world-renowned institution.