It is my pleasure to introduce you to the Department of Neurosurgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, a place where clinical excellence and cutting-edge research come together to shape the future of neurosurgery. We are living in a remarkable era for the specialty, and our department continuously evolves to meet the increasing demands of modern medicine. Our residency program is structured to provide comprehensive training that balances hands-on surgical experience with ample opportunities for academic growth, self-directed learning and personal well-being. This unique combination of a supportive environment, a high-volume and diverse clinical practice, and access to world-class research initiatives makes our residency program truly distinctive.

Our commitment is to develop neurosurgeons who are not only skilled clinicians but also innovative researchers. At Johns Hopkins, faculty and trainees alike pursue specialized clinical interests alongside parallel research projects, reinforcing our belief that excellent patient care and scientific discovery go hand in hand.

The scope of our clinical services is extensive, encompassing all major areas of neurosurgery, including neuro-oncology, spinal, pediatric, vascular, peripheral nerve, skull base, hydrocephalus, and functional neurosurgery. Complementing this broad clinical exposure, our research efforts cover key areas in basic science, such as pain mechanisms, traumatic spine and brain injury, genetic drivers of tumor growth, innovative drug delivery systems, molecular causes of vascular malformations, and the application of emerging technologies in neurosurgical care.

Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins is closely integrated with the broader university, allowing residents to engage meaningfully in both basic science and clinical research. This rich research environment fosters collaboration and academic growth, which is reflected in the impressive productivity of our residents through scholarly publications and successful grant funding. Faculty members provide sustained mentorship and resources to support each resident’s transition into a productive and fulfilling academic career.

Our residency program aims to train well-rounded neurosurgeons who will emerge as future academic leaders. We look for residents with a passion for clinical excellence and a strong interest in contributing to the advancement of neurosurgical knowledge. Supporting this mission, our department manages an impressive clinical volume, performing around 5,700 surgeries annually, providing residents with ample operative experiences to easily exceed their ACGME-required case minimums. In addition, we offer a robust educational curriculum featuring a weekly lineup of teaching conferences in neuro-oncology, vascular and spine surgery, as well as neuroanatomy lectures, hands-on cadaveric dissections, case presentations and operative video reviews. Trainees participate in departmental Grand Rounds, approach of the month, Cushing Rounds, skull base didactics and journal club. Senior residents partake in an extensive training program in microvascular anastomosis. All residents are provided opportunities to participate meaningfully in quality improvement initiatives, and have access to a wide array of interdisciplinary specialty meetings spanning both clinical and basic neurosciences to enhance their learning experiences.

While the workload is demanding, the opportunities for growth and achievement are exceptional. We hold every resident to a high standard of excellence and, in turn, provide an educational environment that fosters growth, skill and knowledge. We are eager to mentor motivated individuals who are ready to dedicate themselves fully to becoming the best in the field. Ultimately, our residency program strives to develop neurosurgeons poised to lead the specialty into the future.

We look forward to the possibility of you joining us in this dynamic environment where clinical excellence and scientific discovery go hand in hand. 

Sincerely,

Chetan Bettegowda, M.D., Ph.D.
Harvey Cushing Professor of Neurosurgery
Director, Department of Neurosurgery
Neurosurgeon-in-Chief
Professor of Neurosurgery, Oncology, and Radiation Oncology