Alexa I. Canady
Alexa Canady, M.D., served as Chief of Neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital in Detroit. At the time of her induction into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 1989, she was one of only about 50 female neurosurgeons in America, and one of about 10 who specialized in pediatrics. Sensitive, soft-spoken, and disciplined, she has gained a reputation as a talented physician who loves what she does. She was the first, youngest, African American woman neurosurgeon in the United States.
Dr. Canady is recognized for her contributions to pediatric medicine, especially in the field of neurological illness, injury, and trauma in children. She has dared to explore new techniques for addressing life-threatening conditions such as gunshot wounds and other traumas in small children.
She has offered her time, service, and expertise to an extensive list of professional health care organizations including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Detroit and Wayne County Medical Society, the Southeastern Michigan Surgical Society, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, and Pediatric Oncology Groups.
Dr. Canady has also served as a member of the Child Abuse and Neglect Division of the Michigan State Medical Society, American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery, and the Michigan Head Surgery Alliance. Dr. Canady is affiliated with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an organization of professional black women dedicated to public service.