October 06, 2017

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is written as an expression of our full and unwavering support of Dr. Anil Nanda and our
indignation at his removal as Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at LSU Shreveport.

As practicing neurosurgeons throughout the country, we credit Dr. Anil Nanda as having had a
considerable impact on our current roles as medical professionals. In many ways his influence has
been immeasurable. Having completed our years of neurosurgical training under his leadership at
LSU Shreveport, we understand, in ways that most never will, his quality of character and
commitment to excellence. Most of us have moved away from Shreveport, but we will remain
forever connected to the community because of Anil Nanda.

Our work in other neurosurgical programs and practices across the country has given us
perspective that confirms the high quality of care and training that Dr. Nanda fostered in his
department, as well as the national and international reputation that the LSU Shreveport
neurosurgical training program developed under his leadership. Dr. Nandas achievements and
influence have brought prestige and worldwide recognition to LSUHSC and the city of Shreveport.

Dr. Nanda is a master surgeon, a superb educator, and an invaluable member of the worldwide
neurosurgical communitya leader in every sense of the word. He is a dedicated and
accomplished faculty member who considers teaching to be a privilege and a meaningful part of
his career. He is a caring and beloved husband, father, doctor, chairman, and colleague. He
embodies the spirit and success of neurosurgery at LSUHSC. Louisiana neurosurgery has become
nearly synonymous with Anil Nanda. As a group exceptionally familiar with his surgical talent,
mentorship influence, academic accomplishments, and personal quality, we strongly feel there is
no more capable chairman to lead any neurosurgical department into the future era. In the end,
Dr. Nandas profound contributions and influence to the regional medical Ark-La-Tex community is
second-to-none.

As his former residents, we believe that removing a man such as Dr. Nanda from any position
should raise questions no matter the circumstances. Although we are not privy to the reasons for
his forced removal as chairman of the Neurosurgery Department of LSUHSC, the abruptness and
haziness of such unilateral action raises questions of intent and lack of foresight. Dr. Nandas
influence to our own professional and personal lives every day has made our connection to
Shreveport a permanent one. We therefore feel it our responsibility to speak forthrightly about
the quality of this man and the highly questionable decision made by the University.
Sincerely,

Mark R. Shaya, MD, FACS

CEO, Neurosurgical Institute of Florida
Past President of Florida Neurosurgical Society
Neurosurgery Class of 2005

Jorge Gonzalez-Cruz, MD, FAANS

Staff Neurosurgeon
Phoenix, AZ
Neurosurgery Class of 2007

Shashikant Patil, MD, FAANS

Clinical Asst. Professor
UGa-HSC Athens, Georgia
Neurosurgery Class of 2012

Lissa C. Baird, MD, FAANS

Associate Professor; Head, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery
Director, Pediatric Surgical Neuro-Oncology
Dept of Neurosurgery, Oregon Health & Science Center
Skull-Base Fellow 2010-2011
Raul J. Cardenas, MD
Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee HSC
Semmes-Murphey Neurologic and Spine Institute
Neurosurgery Class of 2010

Prashant Chittiboina, MD, MPH, FAANS

Head of Neurosurgery Unit for Pituitary and Inheritable Disorders
National Institutes of Health- Div of Neurological Diseases and Stroke
Bethesda, MD
Neurosurgery Class of 2012

Cedric Shorter, MD
Neurosurgical Associates of Tampa Bay
Neurosurgery Class of 2012

Rishi K. Wadhwa, MD, FAANS

Assistant Professor
UCSF Spine Center
Department of Neurosurgery, UCSF
Neurosurgery Class of 2013
Benjamin Brown, MD
Endovascular Neurosurgeon
Jacksonville, Fla
Neurosurgery Class of 2013

David E. Connor, Jr., DO

Baptist Health Neurosurgery
Little Rock, AR
Neurosurgery Class of 2014