William D. Freeman, M.D.

The research interests of William D. Freeman, M.D., include intracranial hemorrhage, specifically subarachnoid hemorrhage; comprehensive organ physiology; and management of patients with neurological disorders in the intensive care unit and hospital. He has special interests in hypothermia and brain metabolism.

Dr. Freeman has published more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. He also has a published textbook, "Neurohospitalist Medicine," and a neurology hospital handbook for Mayo Clinic residents.

Focus areas

• Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Critical illness
• Hypothermia
• Intracranial pressure
• Multimodal monitoring and technology
• Near-infrared spectroscopy
• Neurohospitalist medicine

Significance to patient care

Research in neurocritical care is aimed at improving care for patients with the most severe neurological injuries in the intensive care unit. For instance, patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are being studied at Mayo Clinic in Florida.

One study in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is noninvasive measurement of brain oxygen and correlations with other parameters to improve outcomes and detection of delayed ischemia. Another area is the use of "multimodal monitoring" computers to understand complex physiological relationships that lead to better outcomes.

Professional highlights

• Founding Director, Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Mayo Clinic in Florida
• Co-Director, Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Laboratory, Mayo Clinic in Florida
• Head, Intensive Care Unit ICU Electroencephalography Program, Mayo Clinic in Florida
• Resident Teacher of the Year Award, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 2011
• Robert H. and Clarice Smith/M.L. Simpson Foundation Trust Research Fellowship, 2007-2008
• Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Scholar, American Academy of Neurology, 2005