William D. Freeman

William D. Freeman, M.D., is a Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Jacksonville, Florida. He holds primary and joint appointments as a Consultant in the Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Critical Care. Dr. Freeman is a world-renowned expert in neurocritical care, stroke, and brain injury, with a strong focus on subarachnoid hemorrhage, precision medicine, and health care economics. He plays a pivotal role in clinical leadership as the founding Medical Director of the Neurosciences ICU and Co-Director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Stroke Center.

• Primary Appointment: Consultant, Department of Neurology
• Joint Appointments: Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Critical Care
• Academic Rank: Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Institution: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida

Dr. Freeman completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, followed by residency and fellowship training at Mayo Clinic. His research spans translational science in metabolomics, proteomics, and drug discovery, with direct applications in acute stroke and brain injury. He is an expert in intrathecal drug delivery and multimodal neuromonitoring, and has contributed to landmark trials such as CLEAR III and SETPOINT2.

His research output is extensive, with over 230 peer-reviewed publications and four textbooks. The recent publications highlight a sustained focus on stroke management, anticoagulation in hemorrhage, neurogenetics, and neuromonitoring. Themes include precision medicine, clinical decision-making, and improving functional outcomes in critically ill neurological patients. His work increasingly integrates AI, telemedicine, and health care economics to advance value-based care.

Dr. Freeman has received numerous honors, including:

• Richard A. Berger Humanitarian Award (2022)
• Mayo Clinic Distinguished Educator (2015)
• Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (FAAN)
• A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award (2019)
• Multiple teaching and course director awards from Mayo Clinic

He is a prolific educator and program director for neurocritical care fellowships accredited by UCNS and SNS. He has led numerous educational initiatives, including national review courses and CPD content. His administrative leadership includes roles in quality improvement, digital health, and health care policy. He is actively involved in national organizations such as the Neurocritical Care Society and American Academy of Neurology, where he chairs committees on advocacy, education, and workforce development.

Dr. Freeman leads and mentors within multidisciplinary teams focused on stroke care, neurocritical care, and innovation. He is a member of the Mayo Clinic Augmented Human Intelligence Advisory Group, Pharmacogene Variation (PharmVar) NIH Consortium, and co-leads predictive analytics efforts in stroke care through the High Value Health Care Collaboration with Dartmouth and Intermountain Health.