David M. Frim, MD, PhD

Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics

Chief, Section of Neurosurgery

Dr. Frim has performed hundreds of complex neurosurgical procedures on infants and children. He also provides neurosurgical care for adults, particularly for individuals who have congenital diseases. Dr. Frim has developed expertise in a variety of minimally invasive, stereotactic, and neuro-endoscopic techniques to approach complex lesions of the brain and spine. He has particular interests and significant experience in surgical procedures to treat hydrocephalus, congenital anomalies of the nervous system such as Chiari malformation, epilepsy, myelodysplasia, brain and spine tumors, and trauma.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Frim is an active medical researcher and educator. His current investigations include studies of the neuroprotective effects of surfactant poloxamer molecules, investigations of the cognitive outcomes in hydrocephalus and Chiari patients, and development of treatment strategies for congenital complex anomalies of the nervous system.

Practice Locations

Center for Advanced Medicine
5758 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

Comer Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago
5721 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

University of Chicago Specialty Suite
at NorthShore University HealthSystem
1000 Central Street
Suite 800
Evanston, IL 60201

Year Started Practice

1994

Board Certifications

Neurological Surgery
Pediatric Neurological Surgery

Medical School

Harvard Medical School, Boston

Internship and Residency

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston

Fellowship

Children's Hospital, Boston

Memberships

American Academy of Pediatrics
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
American Medical Association
Congress of Neurosurgical Surgeons
Illinois Neurosurgical Society
Massachusetts Medical Society

Languages Spoken

English
Hebrew

Email

dfrim@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu

Office Phone

(773) 702-8544

Office Fax

(773) 702-5234

Office Postal Address

David M. Frim, MD, PhD
University of Chicago Medical Center
5841 S. Maryland Avenue
MC 3026
Chicago, IL 60637

Clinical Interests

• Pediatric neurosurgery
• Neurosurgery
• Brain tumors
• Epilepsy
• Functional neurosurgery
• Stereotactic neurosurgery
• Hydrocephalus
• Myelodysplasia
• Craniofacial anomalies, including craniosynostosis
• Trauma

Request an appointment online
or call HealthLink at
1-888-UCH-0200

Read More About Dr. Frim

Explore the neurosurgery program at the University of Chicago.

View a video about Comer Children's Hospital that features Dr. Frim and one of his patients.

Read patient stories about how Dr. Frim has helped children with Chiari malformation and epilepsy.

Learn about the Discover Camp, an annual retreat where some of Dr. Frim’s patients and their families enjoy specially planned activities in a safe, supportive environment.

Dr. Frim and a teen who battled a brain tumor inspired a father to run a marathon and to start a fund to support neurosurgical research.

In Living in the Dark (PDF), learn how Dr. Frim recognized Chiari malformation in an entire family after other physicians were unable to diagnose the condition.

Unraveling the World of Epilepsy (PDF) describes how Dr. Frim and other University of Chicago physicians and scientists are advancing pediatric epilepsy treatment and research.

Daniel Hutcheson was born with a rare congenital disorder. When his pain wouldn’t respond to medication, Dr. Frim surgically removed a piece of bone the size of the bottom of a teacup. Daniel has not experienced that pain since he woke up from the surgery.

Selected Publications

View a partial list of Dr. Frim's publications through the National Library of Medicine's PubMed online database.