Robert J. Spinner

Robert J. Spinner, M.D., is the Chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery and holds the Burton M. Onofrio, M.D. Professorship in Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota). He is also a Professor of Orthopedics and Anatomy. Dr. Spinner is a dual-certified specialist in Neurosurgery and Orthopedics, with clinical expertise in peripheral nerve disorders, brachial plexus injuries, and nerve tumors. His research focuses on nerve regeneration, novel biomaterials for nerve repair, and imaging diagnostics for nerve tumors.

Education:

• MD: Mayo Medical School (1990)
• Residencies: Neurologic Surgery (Mayo Clinic) and Orthopedics (Duke University)
• Fellowship: Peripheral Nerve Surgery (Louisiana State University)
• BS: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1985)

Research Interests: Dr. Spinner’s clinical research examines imaging features of benign/malignant nerve tumors, while his basic science work develops polycaprolactone fumarate nerve tubes as an alternative to autografts. Key areas include intraneural ganglia, perineural spread of tumors, and nerve gap regeneration in rat models. His work aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and surgical outcomes for peripheral nerve disorders.

Awards & Leadership:

• President, American Society for Peripheral Nerve (2012-2013)
• President, American Association of Clinical Anatomists (2019-2021)
• 2025 Honored Member Award (American Association of Clinical Anatomists)
• 2024 Educator of the Year (Arizona Chapter)

Advising & Grants: Dr. Spinner mentors clinical/research fellows and chaired Mayo’s Academic Appointments Committee for eight years. He has held leadership roles in over 50 professional organizations, including the Sunderland Society and International Peripheral Nerve Study Groups. His grants include contributions to the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Mayo’s Regenerative Biotherapeutics programs.

Labs & Teams: Active in Mayo’s Department of Neurologic Surgery Research Committee and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams in the Peripheral Nerve Division and Hand Surgery Program.