School of Medicine

In an effort to provide a progressive forum for critical international debate, consensus, and collaboration on cutting-edge aspects of hydrocephalus research, Dr. McAllister has led, and will continue to organize, conferences that promote free scientific exchange and promote clinically relevant advances in hydrocephalus treatments. In May 2004, Dr. McAllister organized a two-day conference in Detroit, funded by our local STARS Support Group, that focused on “Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Control and Management in Hydrocephalus”. It was highlighted by presentations from internationally-known neurosurgeons, neurologists and basic scientists, and was so well-received that a similar conference on “Pressure and Pulsatility in Hydrocephalus” is planned for May 2007. In addition, on September 29 - October 1, 2005, Dr. McAllister co-chaired (with Dr. Marion Walker, Primary Children’s Hospital, University of Utah, Dr. Michael Williams, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and in collaboration with the Hydrocephalus Association of San Francisco, CA), a NIH-sponsored workshop on “Hydrocephalus: Myths, New Facts, Clear Directions”. This workshop brought 150 investigators and NIH professionals together to critically review the future of hydrocephalus research. The White Paper that will be co-authored by Dr. McAllister is being written and will determine the funding policies followed by the NIH for many years.

Key Publications and Presentations:
• McAllister JP II: Cellular Pathology During Chronic Hydrocephalus, Invited Speaker, NIH Symposium – Hydrocephalus: Myths, New Paths, Clear Directions, September 29 – October 1, 2005, Bethesda, MD.

The Hydrocephalus Association, based in San Francisco, CA, has grown over the past 20 years to become the largest and most influential patient-based organization in the world. This group promotes patient and family education, hydrocephalus research, and advocates actively in Congress and NIH for improved management for all forms of hydrocephalus. Dr. McAllister is a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the Hydrocephalus Association and thus will continue to be involved in patient advocacy and the promotion of hydrocephalus research at the national level.

For the past 9 years, Dr. McAllister has been very active with STARS, a Detroit-based support group that provides patient/parent education and raises $50-75,000 annually for his research program. Dr. McAllister has been instrumental in the rapid growth of this organization and its commitment to hydrocephalus research.