Becker's Spine Review spoke with Sonia Eden, MD, newly appointed chief of neurosurgery at Detroit Medical Center Harper University Hospital, about why she joined DMC and future goals.
Note: Responses are lightly edited for style and clarity.
Question: What drew you to this role at DMC after your tenure at Ascension Borgess Brain and Spine Institute?
Dr. Sonia Eden: The opportunity to help enhance and grow the neurosurgery program at DMC Harper University Hospital attracted me to this role. Although I loved my practice in Kalamazoo and I'm forever grateful for the support provided by the community, I could not pass up the opportunity to come back home. I have always been committed to serving the underserved and providing a voice for the voiceless. Watching the Detroit citizens battle COVID-19 and seeing the disparities that were brought to light really impacted me. I'm back home to do what I can to ensure that all receive quality care in my hometown. This is an amazing opportunity for me to give back to a community that strongly invested in me.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about your new role at DMC?
SE: I'm most looking forward to building relationships across the DMC community and connecting with like-minded individuals to help the Detroit Medical Center and DMC Harper University Hospital develop into the preferred neurosurgery provider within the community. Certainly, there have been many changes in healthcare over the past decade, and this will continue to be the case moving forward. We must position ourselves so we continue to provide high-quality and compassionate patient care to everyone.
Q: How does DMC plan to reestablish its neurosurgery residency program? What role will you play?
SE: DMC Harper University Hospital will play a key role in the rebirth of our neurosurgery residency program. I look forward to being a part of that rebirth. Training the physicians of tomorrow is an essential part of our mission.
Q: What are your goals, both professionally and personally, over the next five years?
SE: Over the next five years, I plan to focus on working to help build a strong, multispecialty, academic neurosurgery program at DMC Harper University Hospital. I also aim to continue my efforts to reduce healthcare disparities through research endeavors and service work in the Detroit community. On a personal level, I have a lovely mother that I will continue to care for as her primary caregiver. I'll also continue to make sure that I keep myself grounded with exercise and yoga/meditation. Showing up in the best version of myself is essential.