John L. D. Atkinson

Dr. John L. D. Atkinson is a Professor of Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic, affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Surgery. He specializes in complex neurosurgical procedures including brain tumor surgery, spinal cord tumor management, and pituitary tumor treatment. His clinical practice focuses on Spine Care and the Brain Tumor Program in Rochester, Minnesota.

Education: Received MD from University of South Alabama (1984) and completed neurosurgery residency (1990) and cerebrovascular research fellowship (1988) at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Holds dual BS degrees in Biology/Math (University of Alabama, 1977) and Sports Medicine/Physical Therapy (Tuskegee Institute, 1980).

Research Interests: Includes spinal shock pathophysiology, juxtafacet cysts, and outcomes of neurosurgical interventions. Active in surgical education and technological innovation as former President of Neurosurgical Society of America (2016-2017).

Professional Memberships: Extensive leadership roles including Board of Directors Interurban Neurosurgical Society (1997-2017), American College of Surgeons committees, and Pituitary Society membership.

Awards: Multiple Teacher of the Year honors (Mayo Clinic Hall of Fame), Summa Cum Laude recognition (1998), and AWS Past Presidents' Award (2015).