Deborah Benzil

Vice Chair, Neurosurgery at Cleveland Clinic

Deborah L. Benzil, MD, FACS, FAANS is a prominent figure in the field of neurosurgery, currently serving as the Vice-Chair of Neurosurgery at the Cleveland Clinic. She is also a Professor of Neurosurgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and a founding member of the Women in Neurosurgery (WINS) organization.

Education and Training

Undergraduate Degree: Brown University, graduated with honors (Phi Beta Kappa) in 1981.
Medical Degree: University of Maryland School of Medicine, completed in 1985.
Residency: Neurosurgery at Rhode Island Hospital, completed in 1994.
Fellowship: NIH, Surgical Neurology Branch, focusing on brain tumor research.

Career Highlights

Dr. Benzil has held various academic and clinical positions throughout her career:

She began as an Assistant Professor at New York Medical College and later became an Associate Professor at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.
She has been recognized for her contributions to patient care, education, and leadership, particularly regarding socioeconomic issues affecting surgical specialists.

Contributions to Neurosurgery

Dr. Benzil is widely published and is known for her influential 2008 white paper titled “The Future of Neurosurgery: A White Paper on the Recruitment and Retention of Women in Neurosurgery,” which has significantly impacted the field. Her advocacy extends to using social media for patient education and awareness.

Professional Affiliations

Vice President and Executive Board member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
Chair of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies.
Editor for AANS Neurosurgeon.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Benzil has received numerous accolades for her work, including:

The 2024 Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Neurological Surgeons.
Recognition as a top doctor by New York Magazine and Castle Connolly.

Through her extensive career, Dr. Benzil has made significant strides in neurosurgery, particularly in advocating for women in the field and enhancing patient care practices.