Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute names new president
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Nov. 12, 2025) — Allina Health is pleased to announce that Ram Sankaraneni, MD, FAES, FAAN, FANA, has been named president of the Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute. Dr. Sankaraneni has served as interim president for nearly a year.
In this role, Dr. Sankaraneni will lead the strategic development and operational oversight of the Institute. He will guide the delivery of high-quality, nationally recognized neurological care and related services, while advancing the Institute’s vision and long-term planning.
“Dr. Sankaraneni brings deep clinical expertise and a strong commitment to excellence in patient care,” said Sanjay Singh, MD, Allina Health Chief Clinical Executive. “His leadership as an eminent epileptologist and his dedication to our mission make him the ideal person to guide the Institute into its next chapter.”
Since joining Allina Health in October 2023, Dr. Sankaraneni has held several leadership roles within the Institute. Most recently, he helped establish and serves as director of the Abbott Northwestern Hospital Adult Neurology Residency Program, which launched earlier this year. He practices neurology at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, where he specializes in refractory epilepsy and ICU EEG monitoring.
“I am honored to lead the Institute and work alongside such a talented and compassionate team. The Residency Program is a point of pride, reflecting my personal passion for medical education and making neurology engaging and inspiring to those interested in pursuing this fascinating field,” said Dr. Sankaraneni. “At Allina Health, we are guided by our values — compassion, integrity, excellence and teamwork — and I’m committed to helping ensure those principles continue to shape the care we provide and the innovations we pursue.”
Dr. Sankaraneni’s appointment reflects Allina Health’s continued investment in building a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, patient-centered neuroscience program that serves the Twin Cities and the Upper Midwest.
About Allina Health
Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.
At the forefront of Allina Health’s mission are its Institutes, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:
- Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research, and care delivery through clinical trials, publications, and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.
- Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations – including its three largest hospitals which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.
- Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute – Offering advanced neurological and spine care, including two nationally accredited stroke centers, innovative focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's and a chronic pain rehabilitation program – one of only two in Minnesota.
Together, these Institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.