John Sampson

Professor of Surgery, Pathology, Immunology, Radiation Oncology at Duke University Medical Center

John H. Sampson is a prominent neurosurgeon and academic leader currently serving as a professor of Surgery, Pathology, Immunology, and Radiation Oncology at Duke University Medical Center. He holds the title of Robert H. and Gloria Wilkins Distinguished Professor and previously chaired the Department of Neurosurgery at Duke. His clinical expertise focuses on treating both benign and malignant brain tumors, with a significant emphasis on developing innovative immunotherapies and drug delivery methods for brain tumors.1 2 3

Education and Training

B.Sc.: University of Manitoba, 1986
M.D.: University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine, 1990
Ph.D.: Neuro-Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, 1994-1996
Residency: Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, 1991-1998
Fellowship: Neurological Intensive Care, Duke University Medical Center, 1998
M.H.Sc.: Duke University, 2007
M.B.A.: Duke University Fuqua School of Business, 2011.2 3

Research Contributions

Sampson has authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals such as Nature and JAMA. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of glioblastoma treatment options and immunotherapy strategies.1 2 He has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for two decades, earning recognition as one of the highest-funded neurosurgeons by the NIH.1 2

Professional Affiliations and Honors

Elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2017.
Member of the Association of American Physicians.
Served as president of the Private Diagnostic Clinic at Duke.1 2

Current Role

In May 2024, Sampson was appointed as the Dean and Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.2

Sampson's extensive background in neurosurgery and his leadership roles underscore his impact on both clinical practice and medical research in neuro-oncology.