Benjamin D. Elder

Benjamin D. Elder, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor of Orthopedics, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic. He serves as a Consultant in the Department of Neurologic Surgery and Physiology & Biomedical Engineering. His clinical expertise includes complex spinal surgeries, spinal oncology, and adult spinal deformity correction. He leads the Mayo Clinic Stem Cell Therapeutics and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, focusing on regenerative medicine for spinal disorders and normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Dr. Elder completed his M.D./Ph.D. at Baylor College of Medicine, Ph.D. in Bioengineering at Rice University, and multiple fellowships at Johns Hopkins. He holds board certification in Neurological Surgery and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. His research integrates tissue engineering, biomaterials, and stem cells to improve spinal fusion and motion-sparing techniques.

• Education:
  • M.D./Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine (2010)
  • Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Rice University (2009)
  • M.S. in Molecular Biophysics, Yale University (2003)
  • B.S. (Magna cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa), Yale University (2003)
• Professional Roles:
  • Co-Chair, Research Committee (Lumbar Spine Research Society)
  • Vice Chair, Surgical Equipment Subcommittee (Mayo Clinic)
  • Member, Society of Neurological Surgeons

His research addresses spinal degeneration, hydrocephalus diagnostics, and regenerative approaches for bone/cartilage repair. He actively collaborates with engineers to develop biocompatible scaffolds and drug-delivery systems for spinal fusion optimization.

Recipient of over 20 prestigious awards, including the Charlie Kuntz Scholar Award and Teacher of the Year (Mayo Clinic). His work bridges clinical neurosurgery and biomedical innovation to advance patient care.