College of Medicine – Tucson's Julie Pilitsis receives service award
Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, MBA
Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, MBA, a professor and chair of neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, has been named the 2026 NANS Distinguished Service Award recipient.
The North American Neuromodulation Society honor recognizes dedicated service to the organization, which began in 1994 to improve patient care through its efforts to advance science and neuromodulation, a therapy often using electrical impulses or medication to alter nerve activity during treatment of chronic conditions.
Pilitsis, a physician-executive for functional neurosurgery at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, served as the society’s president in 2023-2024 and was the first woman appointed to its board of directors. She has been involved with the group for most of her career.
“This recognition reflects not just individual effort, but years of shared work with mentors, sponsors, colleagues, trainees, staff and collaborators who are committed to advancing neuromodulation,” said Pilitsis, who joined the U of A in 2024. “I see this award as an affirmation of service — to patients, to science and to the neuromodulation community — and I am truly honored.”
Pilitsis, who is also a member of the BIO5 Institute, received the award at the society’s annual meeting Jan. 23 in Las Vegas. In her remarks at the event, she focused on the importance of service, mentorship and vision.
“I am grateful to NANS for fostering a culture that values scientific excellence, humanity and advocating for our patients,” Pilitsis said. “This award belongs as much to my colleagues and trainees as it does to me. I am excited about the future of neuromodulation and proud to continue contributing to an organization that consistently pushes the field forward while keeping patients at the center of everything we do.”