MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin is losing its best-known specialist in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

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Dr. Benjamin Brooks, a renowned ALS researcher, said he is leaving the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics after 25 years of work, WISC-TV reported.

He said that he is headed to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., where he will be director of an ALS research center. He will leave University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics sometime in the middle of February.

Hundreds of patients with the paralyzing disease, as well as hundreds of others under his care who have multiple sclerosis, have been mailed letters from UW Hospital informing them that Brooks is resigning his position.

Current ALS patient Bob Barlow, of Madison, has had Brooks as a doctor for 17 years and said he is enormously disappointed that Brooks is leaving.

"He's No. 1 in my book. I mean, he's by far about the best doctor I've ever had," Barlow said.

Barlow, who's battling the devastating disease that has no cure, has nothing but good things to say about Brooks.

"Oh, I love him. I mean the man, if you go in there, no matter what time your appointment is, he gives you all the time you need to answer any questions you've got," Barlow said.

Other patients echoed Barlow's sentiments, calling Brooks the most caring, dedicated doctor they know.

Brooks said he's optimistic about the research going on at the Carolinas Medical Center.

"I have great feelings that we may be able to push the envelope out a little bit and have some effect on ALS," Brooks said.

But Brooks' departure only adds more controversy to his tenure.

In 2003, UW Medical School officials cited poor bookkeeping and a lack of health and safety training protocols in shutting down his research lab, which was called the Motor Performance Lab. ALS patients and others rallied outside the school and protested its closing.

Four years later, Brooks told WISC-TV that if that lab was still open, he "probably" wouldn't be leaving.

"Well, I think the most important point is that I have the opportunity to expand and do what should be done. And this needs a move, and so the move will be done," Brooks said.

Cheryl Sandner lost her husband, John, last year to ALS. Both were among those rallying for Brooks in 2004. She thinks his departure stems from departmental politics and said she sees it as a huge loss.

"It's difficult to understand their thinking -- why they're thinking it's not worth keeping him here," Sandner said.

But she and others said they wish Brooks success at his new home. Brooks said he will miss his patients and staff.

"The center of gravity may change to Charlotte, N.C., but our heart will still be in Wisconsin," Brooks said.

Brooks said he is excited about advancing ALS research, even if it requires him to move. The ALS center in Charlotte is backed by $10 million in a private endowment, WISC-TV reported.

There was little comment on Brooks' departure from UW-Madison officials.

Neurology department chair Dr. Thomas Sutula, with whom Brooks tangled legally in the past, said only "we wish him well in his new role."

As for the closing of Brooks' lab in 2003, hospital spokeswoman Lisa Brunette said: "We consider that issue resolved a long time ago."

Brunette said the hospital's "interest now is making sure patients get the care they need."

Other doctors will cover for Brooks until he's replaced. UW Hospital officials said the multidisciplinary clinic he began will continue.