5 Neurosurgeons to Know: Leaders Advancing the Future of Neurosurgical Care
Neurosurgery continues to evolve through advances in brain mapping, minimally invasive procedures, neuro-oncology, cerebrovascular surgery, and translational research. In a recent feature, Becker's Spine Review highlighted five neurosurgeons whose clinical expertise, scientific contributions, and leadership are helping shape the future of the field.
Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, MD
Mayo Clinic – Jacksonville, Florida
Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa is internationally recognized for his work in minimally invasive brain and spine tumor surgery, skull base surgery, and awake brain mapping procedures. A former chair of Mayo Clinic's Department of Neurologic Surgery in Florida, he has helped advance surgical approaches for complex brain and spinal cord tumors.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa leads National Institutes of Health-funded research focused on brain cancer, stem cell migration, and healthcare disparities. His contributions to translational research and academic mentorship have made him one of the most influential voices in modern neurosurgery.
Michael Lawton, MD
Barrow Neurological Institute – Phoenix, Arizona
As President and CEO of Barrow Neurological Institute, Dr. Michael Lawton is widely regarded as one of the leading cerebrovascular neurosurgeons in the world. His expertise includes the treatment of brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cavernous malformations, and complex skull base tumors.
Dr. Lawton has authored more than 1,000 peer-reviewed publications and has led significant research efforts related to vascular malformations, aneurysm rupture, and cerebrovascular genetics. He is also known for expanding neurosurgical education through international teaching initiatives and global outreach programs.
Linda Liau, MD, PhD
UCLA Health – Los Angeles, California
Dr. Linda Liau serves as Chair of Neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and is a globally recognized leader in neuro-oncology. She is best known for pioneering research involving dendritic cell vaccines and immunotherapy treatments for glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
As leader of UCLA's Brain Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence, Dr. Liau has maintained continuous NIH funding for more than two decades. Her contributions extend beyond research, including advancements in awake brain mapping techniques and leadership roles within national neurosurgical organizations.
E. Antonio "Nino" Chiocca, MD, PhD
Mass General Brigham & Harvard Medical School – Boston, Massachusetts
Dr. Nino Chiocca is Chair of Neurosurgery at Mass General Brigham, Executive Director of the Center for Tumors of the Nervous System, and President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
A leading figure in neuro-oncology, his research focuses on brain tumor biology, gene therapy, viral therapy, immunotherapy, and RNA-based treatments for malignant gliomas. Dr. Chiocca has led numerous NIH- and NCI-funded research programs and played a key role in advancing multi-institutional clinical trials investigating innovative therapies for brain cancer.
Karin Muraszko, MD
University of Michigan Health – Ann Arbor, Michigan
Dr. Karin Muraszko is a pioneering pediatric neurosurgeon whose work has helped shape the future of pediatric neurological care. She became the first woman in the United States to lead an academic neurosurgery department when she was appointed Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan.
Her clinical and research interests include pediatric brain tumors, Chiari malformations, craniofacial anomalies, congenital neurological disorders, and hydrocephalus. Throughout her career, Dr. Muraszko has been recognized for both her scientific contributions and her mentorship of future generations of neurosurgeons.
Recognizing Excellence in Neurosurgery
The physicians recognized by Becker's represent a broad range of neurosurgical specialties, from brain tumor research and pediatric neurosurgery to cerebrovascular and skull base surgery. Together, their work reflects the innovation, leadership, and commitment to patient care that continue to advance the field and improve outcomes for patients around the world.
Mission:BRAIN is proud to see members of its community represented among this distinguished group of neurosurgical leaders and congratulates all five physicians on their well-deserved recognition.
Source: Becker's Spine Review
