April 01, 2011
What’s up, Doc: Meet Dr. Jerrel Boyer
Meet Dr. Jerrel Boyer, a neurological surgeon at the Chicago Back Institute.
This profile is part of a series introducing Swedish Covenant Hospital's physicians to all hospital employees. This is an opportunity to get to know our doctors and better understand their care philosophies.
Dr. Jerrel Boyer is a neurological surgeon at the Chicago Back Institute. He specializes in treating intercranial tumors, as well as neck, spine and nerve conditions, through a variety of conservative treatments as well as minimally invasive surgery and pain management procedures.
Before joining Swedish Covenant Hospital in July 2010, Dr. Boyer served as chief of the neurological surgery and neuroscience department at King's Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky.
What is your practice philosophy?
My approach, and that of my colleagues, is very conservative. At the Chicago Back Institute, we strive for good outcomes simply by not operating on patients who do not need surgery. When surgery is necessary, we choose the least invasive procedures possible to give the patient a lifetime of relief.
What can you offer Swedish Covenant Hospital patients?
I specialize in working with patients — from young adults to the elderly — who have brain tumors, injuries or conditions, and those in need of pain management procedures. I also work with patients with back and neck pain, those who seek a second opinion, or those who need revisions to a past treatment.
What brought you to Swedish Covenant Hospital?
I came to Swedish Covenant Hospital from Kentucky because I saw the potential for a world-class neurosurgery program here, and the opportunity to work with my colleagues Dr. Dan Laich and Dr. Fred Geisler. Swedish Covenant Hospital is a place where we can really focus on quality as our top priority.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy caring for and helping patients who have lived with disabling pain. It’s a great feeling when I can provide them with a conservative treatment or small, minimally invasive procedure that ends up providing them with pain relief and a better quality of life.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Mostly, I like to spend time with my two sons, but I am also training for a bicycle tour across the country with my father.
Additionally, in the past I provided volunteer medical relief work to people in Nigeria through the Solomon Giwa-Amu Foundation, and I would like to continue this work in the future.
For more information or to refer a patient, call (773) 271-BACK or visit TheChicagoBackInstitute.org.
