Episode 38: Elad Levy - Building Paradigm Shifts in Modern Neurosurgery

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we speak with Dr. Elad Levy, Chair of Neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo and Distinguished Professor, to explore how paradigm shifts in medicine are built. A pioneer of mechanical thrombectomy and U.S. Interventional Principal Investigator of the landmark SWIFT PRIME trial, Dr. Levy reflects on the transformation of stroke care before and after 2015 and breaks down how bold ideas evolve from promising cases to national guidelines. We discuss the systems-level constraints that still shape outcomes today, the creation of Atlas, the nation’s first ambulatory neurovascular surgery center, and the operational philosophy behind the Jacobs Institute as an engine for scalable innovation. From leading a rapidly growing academic department to advancing endovascular brain–computer interfaces, this conversation is a masterclass in building teams, redesigning care delivery, and sustaining innovation at the highest levels of medicine.