Neurologists

Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, is known for founding psychoanalysis, a method used to evaluate and treat psychological pathologies. He introduced therapeutic techniques like free association and transference, with a focus on the Oedipus complex in psychoanalytical theory. Freud's work involved analyzing dreams, defining the unconscious, and detailing psychic structure through concepts like id, ego, and super-ego. He introduced ideas such as libido and the death drive, while also critiquing religion and culture. Freud's impact on psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy continues to be a topic of debate regarding its effectiveness and scientific validity.

Sanjay Gupta is a highly accomplished American neurosurgeon, medical reporter, and writer. He serves as the associate chief of the neurosurgery service at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and is an associate professor of neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine. Gupta is a member of esteemed organizations such as the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. As CNN's chief medical correspondent, he has received multiple Emmy Awards for his show Sanjay Gupta MD and has contributed to various programs addressing health-related topics. In addition to his television work, Gupta has authored several books and serves as a co-host of the health conference Life Itself.

Oliver Sacks was a British neurologist, historian of science, and writer who received his medical degree from The Queen's College, Oxford, before moving to the United States. He interned at Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco and completed his residency in neurology and neuropathology at UCLA. Sacks served as a neurologist at Beth Abraham Hospital in the Bronx, where he treated survivors of sleeping sickness. He authored best-selling books on neurological disorders and the history of science, which were adapted into various forms of media.

Sam Sheppard, an American osteopath, rose to national prominence after being convicted for the murder of his wife, Marilyn Reese Sheppard, in 1954. Subsequently, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction due to trial fairness concerns. Following a retrial in 1966, Sheppard was acquitted of all charges. Throughout the legal ordeal, Sheppard's professional focus remained on his osteopathic practice.

Glenn Shadix was a versatile American actor celebrated for his impactful performances in film, television, and theater. His work showcased his talent and depth as an actor, earning praise for his comedic timing. Collaborating with renowned directors and actors, Shadix made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His dedication to his craft and memorable roles endeared him to audiences worldwide.

Paul Kalanithi was a distinguished American neurosurgeon and writer renowned for his memoir, When Breath Becomes Air. He devoted his career to medicine, particularly in the field of neurosurgery, where he treated patients with empathy and proficiency. Kalanithi was well-regarded in the medical world for his skills and commitment to patient care. Alongside his medical work, he showcased his writing talent with the success of his bestselling posthumously published memoir.

Howard Gardner is an American developmental psychologist and a research professor of cognition and education at Harvard University. He was a founding member of Harvard Project Zero in 1967 and held leadership roles at that research center until 2023. Since 1995, he has been the co-director of The Good Project. Gardner is renowned for his theory of multiple intelligences, as detailed in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. While retiring from teaching in 2019, he remains active in research and writing, as well as maintaining several blogs.

Roger Bannister was a renowned neurologist and middle-distance athlete who achieved a significant milestone by being the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. Apart from his athletic accomplishments, he dedicated himself to a career in medicine, focusing on researching the responses of the nervous system within academic medicine. Bannister also played a role in the administration of educational institutions, serving as the Master of Pembroke College, Oxford. Additionally, he made valuable contributions to the MSA Trust and raised awareness about Parkinson's disease following his diagnosis in 2011.

Wilder Penfield was a groundbreaking neurosurgeon known for his advancements in brain surgery techniques, particularly in mapping brain functions such as the cortical homunculus. He made important contributions to neural stimulation and studied phenomena like hallucinations, illusions, dissociation, and déjà vu. Penfield's research focused on mental processes and delved into the scientific underpinnings of the human soul. His work has had a lasting influence on neuroscience, significantly enhancing our knowledge of the brain and consciousness.

Walter Jackson Freeman II was an American physician recognized for his contentious contributions to lobotomy. He aimed to streamline the procedure, creating the transorbital lobotomy technique for psychiatrists to administer outside conventional settings. Despite lacking formal surgical qualifications, Freeman executed numerous lobotomies, resulting in several patient fatalities and his eventual ban from performing surgeries. His initiatives brought global attention to the procedure, triggering discussions and objections in the medical field concerning ethics and patient well-being.

Ludwig Guttmann was a pioneering neurologist known for founding the Stoke Mandeville Games, which later developed into the Paralympic Games. His efforts in establishing structured physical activities for individuals with disabilities made a significant impact in the field. Guttmann's work and commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities had a lasting influence on the realms of sports and medicine.

Rita Levi-Montalcini, an Italian neurobiologist, is renowned for her revolutionary research on nerve growth factor (NGF). Her work on NGF was so groundbreaking that she shared the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Stanley Cohen. She was appointed a Senator for Life in the Italian Senate in 2001 as recognition of her remarkable scientific accomplishments. Levi-Montalcini achieved the distinction of being the first Nobel laureate to surpass the age of 100, highlighting her lasting influence and advancements in neuroscience.

Jean-Martin Charcot was a renowned French neurologist and professor known for his significant contributions to the understanding of hypnosis and hysteria. Often regarded as the founder of modern neurology, Charcot's work has left a lasting impact on the fields of neurology, psychology, and modern psychiatry. He is associated with several medical terms such as Charcot diseases and is recognized as a pioneer in the field, earning him titles like "the father of French neurology" and "the Napoleon of the neuroses."

Colleen McCullough, an Australian author, was renowned for her compelling novels such as The Thorn Birds and The Ladies of Missalonghi. Over the span of a prolific literary career, she gained international recognition for her storytelling skills and vivid characterizations. McCullough's works, which delved into the intricacies of human relationships and emotions, struck a chord with audiences globally. Her impactful contributions to literature serve as a lasting inspiration for readers of all ages.

António Egas Moniz, a Portuguese neurologist, is renowned for his contributions in developing cerebral angiography and pioneering modern psychosurgery. He is recognized for creating the surgical procedure called lobotomy, which earned him the Nobel Prize in 1949. Moniz held academic positions, authored numerous medical articles, and served in legislative and diplomatic roles within the Portuguese government. He was a professor of neurology in Lisbon from 1911 until his retirement in 1944.

Eric Kandel is an Austrian-born American medical doctor specializing in psychiatry. He is a renowned neuroscientist and distinguished professor of biochemistry and biophysics at Columbia University. Kandel was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000 for his groundbreaking research on the physiological mechanisms underlying memory storage in neurons, sharing the prize with Arvid Carlsson and Paul Greengard. He is a Senior Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and was the founding director of Columbia University's Center for Neurobiology and Behavior. Kandel is also a member of the Scientific Council of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

Roberta Bondar is a pioneering Canadian astronaut and neurologist. As Canada's first female astronaut and the first neurologist in space, she has made significant contributions to space medicine research, notably through her work with NASA. Bondar has since transitioned into a successful career as a consultant and speaker, engaging with various professional communities. Her exceptional achievements have been celebrated with numerous prestigious honors, underscoring her remarkable dedication and impact in the realms of space exploration and medicine.

Henry Marsh is a well-known British neurosurgeon recognized for his innovative contributions to awake craniotomy techniques and the advancement of neurosurgical practices in Ukraine. His distinguished career has led to significant progress in the field of neurosurgery, especially in the treatment of brain tumors. Additionally, Marsh is an esteemed author who imparts his knowledge and experiences in the medical field through his writings, further solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in neurosurgery.

Harvey Williams Cushing was a renowned American neurosurgeon, pathologist, writer, and draftsman recognized for his innovative achievements in brain surgery. He was the first dedicated neurosurgeon and is credited with identifying Cushing's disease. His notable contributions to medicine include a three-volume biography of physician William Osler. Cushing's professional heritage is defined by his pioneering progress in neurosurgery and his substantial influence on the comprehension and management of neurological conditions.

Majid Samii is a renowned Iranian neurosurgeon and medical scientist recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the field. Over the course of his illustrious career, spanning several decades, he has spearheaded significant advancements in neurosurgery and medical research. Specializing in complex surgical procedures and pioneering medical techniques, Samii has garnered global acclaim and reverence in the medical realm. His innovative work has not only enhanced the management of neurological disorders but has also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Sid Watkins, also known as Professor Sid in the Formula One community, was an English neurosurgeon with a specialization in neurosurgery. He transitioned from his work in Oxford and London to become a race track doctor and later served as a Professor of Neurosurgery at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University. Watkins was integral to the Formula One community as the FIA Formula One Safety and Medical Delegate for 26 years, during which time he played a pivotal role in saving the lives of numerous drivers involved in accidents.

James Tait Goodrich, a renowned American neurosurgeon, specialized in pediatric neurosurgery and served as the director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Montefiore Health System. He held significant academic positions at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and gained global recognition for successfully separating conjoined twins, particularly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His remarkable contributions to the field of neurosurgery continue to influence the medical community.

Alexander Romanovich Luria was a prominent Soviet neuropsychologist recognized for his pioneering work in modern neuropsychology. His extensive research with brain-injured individuals from World War II led to the creation of a comprehensive set of neuropsychological tests still utilized today. Luria's studies focused on the operations of different brain regions and integration processes, offering valuable insights into cultural and developmental psychology, particularly among low-educated populations. Collaborating with Lev Vygotsky, he conducted notable case studies on memory and brain injuries. Across various scientific institutions, Luria built a distinguished career, establishing himself as a significant figure in the field of psychology.

Thomas Stoltz Harvey, an American pathologist, conducted the autopsy on Albert Einstein in 1955 and gained recognition for preserving Einstein's brain for scientific study. This decision stirred controversy and fascination within the scientific community. Harvey's professional legacy was shaped by his distinctive involvement in the preservation and distribution of Einstein's brain for research, establishing him as a significant figure in the fields of neuropathology and neuroscience.

Ernest Jones was a distinguished Welsh neurologist and psychoanalyst recognized for his deep connection with Sigmund Freud, whom he later became the official biographer for. He played a crucial role in introducing psychoanalysis to the English-speaking world and significantly influenced the field during the 1920s and 1930s. Jones held important leadership roles within the International Psychoanalytical Association and the British Psycho-Analytical Society, where he contributed to the development of essential organizational structures and publications.

Georges Gilles de la Tourette was a French neurologist renowned for his groundbreaking research in hypnotism and hysteria. He is best known for his studies on Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics. Throughout his career, de la Tourette made substantial contributions to the comprehension and management of various neurological conditions, leaving a lasting impression on the medical community. His legacy endures in shaping research and clinical approaches in neurology.

Silas Weir Mitchell made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in neurology. He discovered causalgia and erythromelalgia, two conditions that advanced the understanding and treatment of pain syndromes. Mitchell also influenced the field of psychiatry with his development of the rest cure for nervous disorders. His work as a physician, scientist, novelist, and poet established him as a versatile and impactful figure in the medical community.

David Hunter Hubel was a renowned neurophysiologist recognized for his innovative studies on the visual cortex. He, along with Torsten Wiesel, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1981 for their influential research on information processing in the visual system. Hubel held key roles at Johns Hopkins University and Harvard Medical School, notably as a Professor of Neurobiology. Over the course of his career, he was honored with prestigious awards including the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize from Columbia University and the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.

Carl Wernicke was a renowned German physician, anatomist, psychiatrist, and neuropathologist recognized for his groundbreaking research in encephalopathy and receptive aphasia. His work on Wernicke encephalopathy and Wernicke's aphasia significantly advanced the understanding of brain function localization, particularly in speech. Alongside Paul Broca, Wernicke's research contributed to groundbreaking insights in the field, leading to the identification of Wernicke's area, also known as Wernicke's Speech Area, a key concept in the study of brain function related to speech.

Julius Wagner-Jauregg, an Austrian physician, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1927 for his discovery of the therapeutic benefits of malaria inoculation in treating dementia paralytica. He was the first psychiatrist to receive this prestigious award, underscoring his important contributions to medicine. His innovative method for treating mental illness transformed the understanding and care of psychiatric conditions, leaving a lasting mark on the medical field.

William Halse Rivers Rivers was a distinguished English anthropologist, neurologist, ethnologist, and psychiatrist, known for his pioneering work in treating First World War officers with shell shock. He conducted innovative psychological research in the early 20th century, utilizing double-blind procedures in substance studies. Rivers directed psychological study centers at various colleges and contributed significantly to the understanding of kinship through his studies on the Torres Strait Islands expedition of 1898.

Charles Bell was a distinguished Scottish surgeon, anatomist, physiologist, neurologist, artist, and philosophical theologian. He is renowned for his groundbreaking findings on the differentiation between sensory and motor nerves in the spinal cord and his detailed description of Bell's palsy. His significant contributions to medicine have profoundly influenced the comprehension of the nervous system and its operations. Bell is widely recognized as a trailblazer in the realms of neurology and medical science.

Torsten Nils Wiesel was a distinguished Swedish neurophysiologist recognized for his pioneering research on information processing in the visual system. Together with David H. Hubel, he received the 1981 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking discoveries in this area. Wiesel's research significantly enhanced our comprehension of how the brain interprets visual information, offering crucial insights into perception and cognition. His remarkable contributions have left a lasting impression on the field of neuroscience, motivating ongoing research in the realm of visual processing.

Stanley B. Prusiner is a distinguished American neurologist and biochemist known for his discovery of prions, an unusual type of infectious agents mainly made up of protein. As the director of the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of California, San Francisco, Prusiner's theory on prions was initially met with doubt but later led to him receiving prestigious awards such as the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1994 and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1997.

Alexa Canady is a trailblazing American pediatric neurosurgeon. She made history as the first Black woman in this field. Canady finished her residency in 1981 and later became the chief of neurosurgery at a hospital in Michigan. She was also a highly regarded professor at Wayne State University. Throughout her professional journey, Canady prioritized patient care, conducted research, and performed surgeries. Her remarkable achievements were acknowledged with inductions into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame and the receipt of prestigious awards.

Vladimir Mikhailovich Bekhterev, a renowned Russian neurologist, made significant contributions to psychology and neurology. He is known for his research on the hippocampus's function in memory, reflex studies, and the discovery of Bekhterev's disease. Notably, Bekhterev engaged in a rivalry with Ivan Pavlov regarding the study of conditioned reflexes. His professional impact endures in modern psychology and neuroscience, despite controversies surrounding his death and alleged ties to Joseph Stalin.

Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne de Boulogne was a pioneering French neurologist known for advancing the field of electrophysiology. He conducted groundbreaking research in neural pathways, developed diagnostic techniques such as deep tissue biopsy and nerve conduction tests, and made significant contributions to myopathies, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne was the first clinician to perform muscle biopsy, introduced electrotherapy in neurology, and used clinical photography in neurology texts to influence the field. His work on the physiology of emotion was influential in the study of human evolution.

Charles-Édouard Brown-Séquard was a renowned physiologist and neurologist from Mauritius recognized for his pioneering contributions to the field of medicine. In 1850, he gained acclaim for documenting Brown-Séquard syndrome, a neurological disorder marked by spinal cord hemisection. His research and findings greatly advanced the understanding of the nervous system and its functions, making a lasting impact on physiology and neurology.

Robert Remak was a prominent embryologist, physiologist, and neurologist known for his groundbreaking discoveries in cell biology. He demonstrated that cells originate from pre-existing cells, a concept later plagiarized by Rudolf Virchow. Remak's research on cell division in various organisms contributed to the understanding of universal cell generation. He also simplified Karl Ernst von Baer's germ layer theory and identified Schwann cells around nerve fibers, now known as Remak cells. Despite facing discrimination, Remak made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience.

Eleanor Anne Maguire is a renowned Irish neuroscientist recognized for her expertise in cognitive neuroscience. She has been a Professor at University College London since 2007, focusing on memory and spatial navigation research. Maguire also serves as the Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow at the university. Her research has greatly enhanced our comprehension of memory and spatial information processing in the brain, solidifying her as a prominent figure in the neuroscience field.

John Hughlings Jackson was a celebrated English neurologist known for his pioneering research on epilepsy. His work significantly advanced the understanding of the nervous system and neurological disorders, with a particular focus on epilepsy. Jackson emphasized the importance of studying the brain and its functions in the context of neurological conditions. His research has left a lasting legacy in the field of neurology, shaping future research and treatment strategies for epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

Constantin von Economo was an Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist renowned for his discovery of encephalitis lethargica and his atlas of cytoarchitectonics of the cerebral cortex. He made substantial contributions to the fields of neurology and psychiatry through his research and publications. His work on encephalitis lethargica played a crucial role in advancing the understanding and treatment of the disease. Furthermore, his atlas of cytoarchitectonics of the cerebral cortex offered valuable insights into the brain's structure and organization, influencing further research in neuroscience.

Joseph Erlanger, an American physiologist, made significant contributions to neuroscience by identifying different types of nerve fibers and establishing the relationship between action potential velocity and fiber diameter. Alongside Herbert Spencer Gasser, he conducted groundbreaking work in this field, leading to the award of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1944. Erlanger's research and discoveries continue to influence our understanding of the nervous system and drive further progress in neuroscience.

Auguste-Henri Forel, the Swiss scientist, made significant contributions to various fields such as myrmecology, neuroanatomy, psychiatry, and eugenics. He conducted groundbreaking research on the brain structures of humans and ants, and played a key role in co-founding the neuron theory. Forel's work in sexology and psychology was also noteworthy, earning him recognition in the scientific community. His impact on the fields of neuroscience, entomology, and psychology is still felt today.

Pierre Marie was a distinguished French neurologist and political journalist linked with the SFIO. He played a crucial role in advancing the study of movement disorders within neurology, notably through his research on conditions like tabes dorsalis and chorea. Besides his contributions to neurology, Marie was also recognized for his involvement in political journalism, reflecting his wide-ranging intellectual pursuits. His impactful legacy continues to shape and motivate professionals in both the medical and political realms.

Édouard Claparède was a prominent Swiss neurologist, child psychologist, and educator recognized for his substantial impact on the fields of psychology and education. He was a pioneer in memory and learning research, with a particular focus on children. Claparède's work delved into the mechanisms of memory and the influence of experiences on learning outcomes. Additionally, he made notable contributions to developmental psychology by highlighting the significance of early childhood experiences in cognitive development.

Dr. Joseph Ransohoff, II was a highly respected figure in the field of neurosurgery, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions that transformed the field. He was known for training numerous neurosurgeons and for his skill in implementing advanced technologies to save lives. Dr. Ransohoff's achievements included establishing the first dedicated neurosurgery intensive care unit, leading the way in using medical imaging and catheterization for brain tumor diagnosis and treatment, and shaping the fields of pediatric neurosurgery and neuroradiology. His work had a lasting impact on the field and even influenced popular culture.

Edward Flatau was a prominent Polish neurologist and psychiatrist known for his significant contributions to the field of neurology. He was a co-founder of modern Polish neurology and established himself as an authority on the physiology and pathology of meningitis. Flatau is associated with several medical conditions and concepts, including Redlich-Flatau syndrome, Flatau-Sterling torsion dystonia, Flatau-Schilder disease, and Flatau's law. His publications, such as a human brain atlas and a book on migraine, were influential in shaping the field of neurology.

Marshall Hall made significant contributions to medical science as an English physician, physiologist, and early neurologist. He developed the theory of reflex arc mediated by the spinal cord, created a method for resuscitating drowned individuals, and advanced the understanding of capillary vessel function. His work revolutionized neurology and physiology, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community for generations to come.

Fred Plum, an American neurologist, is renowned for coining the terms "persistent vegetative state" and "locked-in syndrome" as part of his research on consciousness and comas. As the head of the neurology department at the University of Washington, Plum co-authored important works on coma diagnosis and contributed to the development of the Glasgow Coma Scale for objective monitoring of patients' conscious state. He was a strong advocate for advance health care directives and provided medical care to prominent individuals such as Richard Nixon.

Pilar Elena Mazzetti Soler is a Peruvian physician and health administrator known for her extensive experience in government leadership roles. She served as Minister of Health multiple times, notably from February 2004 to July 2006. Mazzetti also made history as the first woman to hold the position of Minister of the Interior in the Peruvian government, serving briefly from July 2006 to February 2007. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to public health policies and administration in Peru.

Donald Brian Calne, OC FRSC, is a prominent Canadian neurologist renowned for his specialization in Parkinson's disease research. Throughout his distinguished career, Calne has made substantial contributions to the field, earning recognition for his expertise and leadership. His innovative research and clinical work have established him as a respected figure in neurology, particularly in the study of Parkinson's disease. Calne's efforts have significantly advanced understanding and treatment options for patients, solidifying his reputation as a leading researcher in the field.

Bronson Crothers, a distinguished Harvard professor and pediatric neurologist, embarked on his career in Minnesota and later served as an army doctor during World War I. He is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research on neurological injuries that give rise to conditions such as cerebral palsy, making significant advancements in the field. Crothers also held the esteemed role of president in the American Pediatric Society, underscoring his expertise and leadership qualities. His influential contributions have had a lasting impact on the medical community, particularly within the realm of pediatric neurology.

Kameshwar Prasad is a well-known Indian neurologist and academic recognized for his proficiency in evidence-based medicine. Leading the Department of Neurology at AIIMS, he has played a key role in advancing stroke management and clinical research. Prasad has conducted numerous studies and trials, notably in the field of stem cell therapy. He actively contributes to setting drug guidelines in India and monitoring risk factors for stroke and cognitive decline. Prasad is highly regarded in the medical field, receiving prestigious awards and accolades for his contributions.

Pakistani-American neurologist Teepu Siddique initially studied botany before shifting to medicine. Known for his pioneering research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), he focused on unraveling the underlying factors of this degenerative condition throughout his career. Siddique held positions at esteemed institutions such as Northwestern University and the University of Southern California. His contributions to the field of neurology have left a lasting impression on the medical community, particularly in advancing the understanding of ALS.