Every second counts in an emergency—especially for a stroke, seizure, or spinal cord injury. In fact, prompt, expert medical care can often be the difference between recovery or long-term impairments. As advances in neurological care improves outcomes for brain, spine, and nervous system conditions, Atlantic Health System is at the forefront, setting a new standard for neurological patient care in New Jersey.
Based on health trends and an aging population, Atlantic Health has expanded its lifesaving neuro-intensive care services at Morristown and Overlook medical centers. Under the leadership of Kiwon Lee, MD, medical director of Neurological Acute Care for Atlantic Health, clinical specialists are redefining the future of how neurological patients are diagnosed and treated.
“Neuroscience is a top priority at Atlantic Health,” says Dr. Lee. “Together, our two hospitals form the backbone of Atlantic Health’s neuroscience program. Our teams are saving lives and restoring hope for patients with complex brain and spine emergencies—and for their families.”
State-of-the-art care, close to home
Atlantic Health’s enhanced neurology centers at Morristown and Overlook give patients greater access to comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for a wide range of neurologic conditions—from common disorders such as migraines and epilepsy to more nuanced diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and brain tumors.
According to Dr. Lee, at the heart of the program is a commitment to advanced diagnostics, highly-specialized neuro teams, individual treatment plans, and access to the latest clinical trials—all which put patients and families first.
“Our centers deliver specialized neurological care in a healing environment,” he says. “Through research and innovation, we’re focused on future growth and redefining what’s possible for patients with acute neurological conditions.”
Expanding specialized services across the system
Building on Overlook Medical Center’s more than 20-year legacy as a leader in neurosciences and neurocritical care—and its recognition as a premier destination for comprehensive stroke care in New Jersey—the hospital continues to elevate its commitment to neurological excellence.
A key milestone in this journey is the opening of the FM Kirby Foundation Neuroscience Center, featuring the Jeneil B. Reeves Neuro ICU on the 7th Floor of the new East Building at Overlook Medical Center.
The redesigned inpatient unit brings together the entire neuroscience team, with all-private rooms for stroke and postoperative spine and brain tumor patients. It also includes a new epilepsy monitoring unit for timely 24/7 clinical responses to patients with seizure disorders.
New outpatient spaces house Overlook’s centers of excellence, with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and multi-disciplinary teams working together—coordinated by patient navigators. Here, top surgeons with dedicated neurosurgical operating rooms and state-of-the-art technologies handle the most complex vascular, brain tumor, and skull base procedures.
At Morristown Medical Center, patients in need of lifesaving neuro care benefit from its recently expanded Emergency Department and Level 1 Trauma Center—the highest designation for trauma care in the nation as recognized by the American College of Surgeons. This, along with 24 new, private inpatient rooms specifically for neurovascular and acute care patients, offers specialized treatment and continuous monitoring for patients recovering from neurological emergencies.
“Our facilities and teams are among the most advanced in the country, and we’re continuing to build,” says Dr. Lee. “Both Morristown and Overlook offer comprehensive 24/7 neurocritical care from an expert team of subspecialists who are all trained specifically for high-acuity cases.”
A coordinated and subspecialized model of care
“We have certified centers of excellence for every major neurological condition: stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, neuromuscular diseases, brain and spine tumors, cognitive disease—all with dedicated teams trained in each field,” says Dr. Lee, noting that Atlantic Health will also be launching a neurology residency program to train the next generation of specialists right here in New Jersey.
“This ensures that each patient receives the high-quality coordinated care they need, always with compassion and kindness, from the time they’re diagnosed and throughout their journey to recovery.”
Related articles
