Robert Spetzler

Robert F. Spetzler is a world-renowned neurosurgeon who served as the Director of the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) in Phoenix, Arizona for over three decades. Here are some key points about Dr. Spetzler's distinguished career:

Background and Education

Born in Germany in 1944, Spetzler moved to the United States at age 11.3 He received his medical degree from Northwestern University in 1971 and completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of California, San Francisco in 1977.35

Career at Barrow Neurological Institute

Dr. Spetzler joined BNI in 1983 as the J.N. Harber Chair of Neurological Surgery.4 In 1986, he became the Director of the institute.3 Under his leadership, BNI grew from a regional center to an internationally recognized center of excellence in neurosurgery.2

Contributions to Neurosurgery

Spetzler specialized in cerebrovascular disease and skull base tumors.1 He pioneered several groundbreaking techniques, including:

• The cardiac standstill technique for treating complex aneurysms5
• Development of a grading system for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)2
• Advances in hypothermia and cardiac arrest for treating difficult brain lesions1

Achievements and Recognition

Dr. Spetzler's accomplishments include:

• Publishing over 580 articles and 180 book chapters3
• Performing his 5,000th aneurysm procedure in 20073
• Being named the youngest Honored Guest of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in 1994 at age 491
• Becoming the only two-time recipient of the CNS Honored Guest recognition in 20224

Legacy and Current Status

Dr. Spetzler retired from active neurosurgery in July 2017 and is now the Emeritus President and CEO and Emeritus Chair of Neurosurgery at BNI.4 He continues to be involved in teaching and mentoring the next generation of neurosurgeons.6