Brave New World

With the mission of providing neurological care that spans a patient’s lifetime, a collaboration among four Wisconsin health care and research leaders has established the Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS). 

WINS is a collaborative partnership of Children’s Wisconsin, the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans’ Administration Medical Center.  

Shekar Kurpad, MD, PhD, founding director of WINS, said that through a combination of top medical professionals, advanced treatment, increased research and more clinical trial availability, he expects WINS to become a household name in neurological care. 

“The vision for WINS is to elevate our international recognition for neurosciences and become one of the top neuroscience centers in the western world in the next five to 10 years,” Dr. Kurpad said. 

WINS rests on two key propositions: a lifespan continuum of care of children and adults and the integration of several key neuroscience pillars, including trauma, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and stroke. 

The lifespan approach is unique in the neuroscience field. Typically, children who are diagnosed with neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, can encounter a break in their care as they transition to adulthood. WINS aims to make that transition seamless. By focusing on lifetime care and specific pillars of neurological treatment, Dr. Kurpad expects WINS patients to receive groundbreaking care. 

To support WINS, Avalon Action Alliance donated $12.5 million last year to establish the BRAVE program, a traumatic brain recovery program for veterans and first responders. BRAVE stands for Building Resilience through Action in Veterans and First Responders. It is a comprehensive program offering psychological therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy and more in one location. 

“Treatment decisions at BRAVE are all made under one roof with the participation of the full team,” Dr. Kurpad said. 

He is excited about WINS and predicts increased access to better treatments and lifesaving neurological care. 

“We will offer a high level of clinical care that compares to the best in the country and even beyond,” Dr. Kurpad said.