A recognized leader in the field of neurosurgery, Dr. Julian E. Bailes is professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University School of Medicine. A Natchitoches native, he earned his bachelor’s degree from in general studies from LSU in 1978 and his M.D. from LSU School of Medicine in 1982.

Dr. Bailes will be one of six people recognized at the Louisiana Legends Awards Gala and Auction Thursday, March 30. The event is hosted annually by Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting. It honors the best and brightest of Louisiana’s sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in a variety of disciplines and have brought honor to the state.

Begun in 1990, the Louisiana Legends Gala is a fundraising and public awareness project that draws support and participation from Friends across the state who appreciate the many fine instructional, educational and cultural programs LPB provides.

The Louisiana Legends series highlights outstanding Louisianans who have distinguished themselves in a variety of disciplines including writing, art, entertainment, politics, public service and athletics. Featuring insightful biographical videos and in-depth interviews with host Beth Courtney, these shows provide intimate glimpses into the lives of the state’s most influential, visionary and successful citizens.

With a special interest in neurological athletic injuries, Dr. Bailes has been a team physician at either the NFL or collegiate level for 22 years. Since 1992, he has been the neurological consultant to the NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA), which has sponsored his research on the effects of head injuries on professional athletes. He is medical director of the Center for Study of Retired Athletes and chair of sports medicine for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He has had more than 100 publications concerning various aspects of neurological surgery, including three books on neurological sports medicine, and performs editorial duties for numerous medical journals.

Dr. Bailes has been honored as one of the U.S. best neurosurgeons for eight consecutive years in America’s Best Doctors, and U.S. Top Surgeons since 2006. He is a member of the North Shore Medical Group in Evanston, IL, serves as medical director of Pop Warner Football, and is a member of NFLPA Brain Injury Committee and director of its Second Opinion Network. He is also founder and director of the Brain Injury Research Institute, and is adviser to the National Collegiate Athletic Association for brain injury in collegiate sports.

Dr. Bailes and his wife, Colleen, have five children – Julian III, Megan, Billy Jack, Melanie, and Clint.

Article and photos courtesy of LPB