Kaiser announces new neurosurgery program in Vacaville

Three years after it opened its doors, Kaiser Permanente’s Vacaville Medical Center is expanding its medical services by opening a new neurosurgery department, the only such program in Solano County. It will be staffed by Dr. Kaveh Barami of Davis, who joined Kaiser Permanente Vacaville in September. He is the first neurosurgeon in Solano County in 20 years.

The Vacaville medical center also serves Kaiser patients in Davis.

Two additional neurosurgeons are joining the department in the near future and will practice at the hospital. Barami is already seeing patients in Vacaville and soon will be performing procedures such as laminectomies (surgery on the spine to remove part of the vertebrae), with lumbar fusions and craniotomies (surgery on the skull that involves the cranium) to follow.

Barami, 47, received his medical training at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and recently completed his fellowship in complex spine surgery at Kaiser Permanente’s Oakland Medical Center. He also has completed a fellowship in neuro-oncology.

The addition of neurological services in Vacaville will benefit inpatient care and trauma care, said Dr. Steven Stricker, physician in chief for Kaiser Permanente Napa/Solano.

With county approval, Kaiser Permanente’s Vacaville Medical Center’s goal is to grow from its current status as a Level III Trauma Center to a Level II center, providing more complex care, including neurological care, for the region. Neurosurgical capabilities are the primary difference between Level III and Level II trauma care, a news release said.

“Designation as a Level II Trauma Center would mean that most seriously injured patients will be much less likely to be transported outside the county for the care they urgently need,” Stricker said. “And adding neurosurgical capabilities means that we are even better prepared to care for injured patients when the time comes.”