Alumni

Alumni Spotlight: Jacques Morcos, MD, FRCS, FAANS, 1990-1993

When U of M neurosurgery residency program alumnus Dr. Jacques Morcos is asked about what makes being a neurosurgeon worthwhile, he is quick to answer. “The look in the patient’s eyes when things go well,” he said. “You’ve worked years to train and perfect your skills and patients come to you and put their trust in you … seeing all of that come to fruition with a happy patient is unbelievable.”

Dr. Jacques Morcos

Because the brain still holds a place of mystery for most patients, operating on it is scary, he noted, adding, “When it goes well, the level of patient satisfaction is superior to that from most other medical procedures.”

Lifelong fascination

As professor and co-chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Miami, with a joint appointment in the Department of Otolaryngology, Dr. Morcos credits his high school biology teacher for instilling in him a fascination with the central nervous system. “He was fantastic and helped me decide, at the age of 16, to become a neurosurgeon,” said Dr. Morcos.

He obtained his BSc with High Distinction and his MD from the American University of Beirut and began his neurosurgery residency in the United Kingdom. Dr. Morcos, however, had always wanted to do his residency training in the United States. Based on the University of Minnesota program’s reputation, Dr. Morcos applied for an open resident position outside of the typical match cycle, which explains his abbreviated time at the U (a typical neurosurgery residency is seven years). “After interviewing me and the other applicants, Department Chairman Dr. Roberto Heros offered me a position,” he said. “I jumped at the opportunity.”

Golden age

The educational quality of the U’s program was what attracted Dr. Morcos. “I consider the early ‘90s the golden age of the program under Dr. Heros’ leadership,” he said. “It was what prepared me for my career.” He added that his cerebrovascular/skull base fellowships at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and at The Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ, also had a tremendous impact.

In addition to preparing him for his neurosurgical career, Dr. Morcos fondly recalls the “brotherhood” of the U of M program that left him with lifelong friendships with his co-residents.

Learning a new healthcare system

Dr. Morcos in the operating room

Residency in a new country, however, wasn’t always easy. “Having grown up in Lebanon, the entire U.S. healthcare system was brand new to me,” he said. “I had to adjust to how healthcare was delivered and it was very confusing at first.”

Dr. Morcos’ range of clinical and research expertise includes all skull base and complex brain tumors, endoscopic skull base surgery, microvascular decompression, radiosurgery, and all aspects of cerebrovascular surgery including AVMs, cavernomas, bypass surgery for complex aneurysms, moyamoya, and ischemic disease.

Over the years, Dr. Morcos has taken on numerous leadership roles within the neurosurgery profession. He is president-elect of the World Federation of Skull Base Societies and completed a year as the inaugural chairman of the American Association of Neurosurgical Surgeons (AANS) Global Strategy initiative. During its 2023 annual meeting, Dr. Morcos was named AANS president-elect and will assume that role of president during the 2024-2025 term.

Not a simple field

When asked what advice he gives aspiring neurosurgeons, Dr. Morcos said that they should shadow neurosurgeons of different types, both in private and academic practice. “You want to make sure it’s something you’re going to dedicate your life to because it’s not a simple field,” he said. “The concept of being a neurosurgeon may seem attractive or even romantic to trainees but make sure you have the passion and dedication to do it. It’s demanding.”

Dr. Morcos has authored close to 200 publications and chapters, given almost 1,000 national/international invited presentations/courses, and has been invited as a visiting professor 100 times. To date, he has trained 30 Fellows in cerebrovascular and skull base surgery. He has been married to his wife Fiona for 30 years and they have three children.

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Former Residents

2024

Truong

Truong "Huy" Do, MD
2017-2024

 





 

 

2023

Samuel Cramer

Samuel Cramer, MD, PhD
2016-2023

Bryan Ladd

Bryan Ladd, MD
2016-2023



 

 

2022

Lauren Albert Sand

Lauren Albert Sand, MD
2015-2022

David Freeman

David Freeman, MD, PhD
2015-2022



 

2021

Adam Khan

Adam Khan, MD
2014–2021

Jack Leschke

Jack Leschke, MD
2014-2021



 

2020

David Darrow

David Darrow, MD, MPH
2013–2020

Coridon Quinn

Coridon Quinn, MD
2013-2020



 

2019

Molly Hubbard, MD

Molly Hubbard, MD
2012–2019
(deceased 1-9-2020)

Joshua Lim, MD

Joshua Lim, MD
2012-2019



 

2018

Amit Goyal, MD

Amit Goyal, MD
2011–2018

Akshay Gupte, MD

Akshay Gupte, MD
2011-2018



 

2017

Paramita Das, MD

Paramita Das, MD
2011–2017

Catherine Miller, MD

Catherine Miller, MD
2011-2017



 

2016

Ciro Vasquez, MD

Ciro Vasquez, MD
2010–2016

Zoe Zhang, MD

Zoe Zhang, MD
2010–2016



 

2015

Daraspreet Kainth, MD

Daraspreet Kainth, MD
2009–2015

Dino Terzic, MD

Dino Terzic, MD
2009-2015



 

2014

Kristin Jones, MD

Kristin Jones, MD
2012-2014

Farhan Siddiq, MD

Farhan Siddiq, MD
2008-2014



 

2013

Rabia Qaiser, MD

Rabia Qaiser, MD
2008-2013

Haejoe Park, MD

Haejoe Park, MD
2008-2013



 

2012

Fotis Souslian, MD

Fotis Souslian, MD
2007-2012

Efkan Colpan, MD

Efkan Colpan, MD
2009-2012



 

2011

Christopher Roark, MD

Christopher Roark, MD
2006-2011



 

2010

Greg Sher, MD, MPH

Greg Sher, MD, MPH
2005-2010

Kyle Uittenbogaard, MD

Kyle Uittenbogaard, MD
2005-2010

Praveen Baimeedi, MD

Praveen Baimeedi, MD
2006-2010



 

2009

Joel Ulloth, MD

Joel Ulloth, MD
2004-2009



 

2008

Hart P. Garner, MD

Hart P. Garner, MD
2003-2008



 

2007

John Drygas, MD, MS

John Drygas, MD, MS
2002-2007

Eun Kyung (Michelle) Won, MD

Eun Kyung (Michelle) Won, MD
2002-2007



 

2006

Adam O. Hebb, MD

Adam O. Hebb, MD
2001-2006

Charles R. Watts, MD, PhD

Charles R. Watts, MD, PhD
2001-2006



 

2005

Edward Rustamzadeh, MD, PhD

Edward Rustamzadeh, MD, PhD
2000-2005



 

2004

Ray M. Chu, MD

Ray M. Chu, MD
1999-2004

Ramachandra P. Tummala, MD

Ramachandra P. Tummala, MD
1999-2004

Sabrina M. Walski-Easton, MD

Sabrina M. Walski-Easton, MD
1999-2004



 

2003

Patrick C. Graupman, MD

Patrick C. Graupman, MD
1998-2003



 

2002

Lars Anker, MD

Lars Anker, MD
1997-2002

Khalid Sethi, MD

Khalid Sethi, MD
1997-2002



 

2001

Darren S. Lovick, MD

Darren S. Lovick, MD
1996-2001

Margaret A. Wallenfriedman, MD, PhD

Margaret
Wallen-
friedman,
MD, PhD
1995-2001



 

2000

Walter C. Jean, MD

Walter C. Jean, MD
1994-2000

Michael P. McCue, MD, ScD

Michael P. McCue, MD, ScD
1994-2000

Alejandro Mendez, MD

Alejandro Mendez, MD
1994-1999



 

1998

Walter E. Galicich, MD

Walter E. Galicich, MD
1993-1998

Joel D. Seigel, MD

Joel D. Seigel, MD
1993-1998

Bradley E. Weprin, MD

Bradley E. Weprin, MD
1993-1998



 

1997

Jerone D. Kennedy, MD

Jerone D. Kennedy, MD
1991-1997

Eric S. Nussbaum, MD

Eric S. Nussbaum, MD
1992-1997

Abhay Sanan, MD

Abhay Sanan, MD
1992-1997



 

1996

Jeffrey P. Blount, MD

Jeffrey P. Blount, MD
1990-1996

Eric P. Flores, MD

Eric P. Flores, MD
1992-1996

Edison P. McDaniels, MD

Edison P. McDaniels, MD
1991-1996



 

1995

Todd Y. Nida, MD

Todd Y. Nida, MD
1989-1995



 

1994

John C. Mullan, MD

John C. Mullan, MD
1988-1994

Leslie A. Sebring, MD, PhD

Leslie A. Sebring, MD, PhD
1991-1994



 

1993

Paul J. Camarata, MD

Paul J. Camarata, MD
1987-1993

Jacques J. Morcos, MD

Jacques J. Morcos, MD
1990-1993

Mitesh V. Shah, MD

Mitesh V. Shah, MD
1988-1993



 

1992

Young Chung, MD

Young Chung, MD
1987-1992

Dennis Y.K. Wen, MD

Dennis Y.K. Wen, MD
1987-1992



 

1991

William F. Ganz, MD

William F. Ganz, MD
1986-1991

Frank L. Genovese, MD

Frank L. Genovese, MD
1986-1991



 

1990

Christine M. Cox, MD

Christine M. Cox, MD
1985-1990 (deceased 2/24/2019)



 

1989

Anthony G. Bottini, MD

Anthony G. Bottini, MD
1984-1989
 
1988

Thomas A. Bergman, MD

Thomas A. Bergman, MD
1983-1988

Mary E. Dunn, MD

Mary E. Dunn, MD
1983-1988



 

1987

H. Dennis Mollman, MD, PhD

H. Dennis Mollman, MD, PhD
1982-1987

S. David Moss, MD

S. David Moss, MD
1982-1987

Aizik L. Wolf, MD

Aizik L. Wolf, MD
1982-1987



 

1986

Edward G. Hames III, MD, PhD

Edward G. Hames III, MD, PhD
1981-1986



 

1985

J. Bob Blacklock, MD

J. Bob Blacklock, MD
1980-1985

Gary L. Rea, MD, PhD

Gary L. Rea, MD, PhD
1979-1985



 

1983

Voravut Chanyavanich, MD

Voravut Chanyavanich, MD
1978-1983

Terry W. Hood, MD

Terry W. Hood, MD
1978-1983

Petr O. Ruzicka, MD

Petr O. Ruzicka, MD
1978-1983



 

1982

John C. Godersky, MD

John C. Godersky, MD
1977-1982

Richard P. Moser, MD

Richard P. Moser, MD
1977-1982

Mahmoud G. Nagib, MD

Mahmoud G. Nagib, MD
1977-1982



 

1981

Alexa I. Canady, MD

Alexa I. Canady, MD
1976-1981

Dennis L. Shubert, MD, PhD

Dennis L. Shubert, MD, PhD
1977-1981



 

1980

John R. Mawk, MD

John R. Mawk, MD
1975-1980



 

1979

W. H. Druckemiller, Jr., MD

W. H. Druckemiller, Jr., MD
1974-1979

Robert D. Harris, MD, PhD

Robert D. Harris, MD, PhD
1974-1979



 

1978

Daniel B. Ahlberg, MD

Daniel B. Ahlberg, MD
1971-1972; 1974-1978

Fernando G. Diaz, MD, PhD

Fernando G. Diaz, MD, PhD
1973-1978



 

1977

Robert G. Clubb, MD

Robert G. Clubb, MD
1972-1977

Kenneth J. Murray, MD, PhD

Kenneth J. Murray, MD, PhD
1973-1979

Andrew J.K. Smith, MD, PhD

Andrew J.K. Smith, MD, PhD
1972-1977



 

1976

Richard S. Gregory, MD

Richard S. Gregory, MD
1967-1970; 1973-1977



 

1975

George S. Allen, MD, PhD

George S. Allen, MD, PhD
1970-1975

Phudhiphorn Thienprasit, MD, PhD

Phudhiphorn Thienprasit, MD, PhD
1970-1975



 

1974

Harry O. Cole, MD

Harry O. Cole, MD
1969-1974

Humberto Ortiz-Suarez, MD, PhD

Humberto Ortiz-Suarez, MD, PhD
1969-1974

Gaylan L. Rockswold, MD, PhD

Gaylan L. Rockswold, MD, PhD
1969-1974



 

1973

Willis E. Brown, MD

Willis E. Brown, MD
1968-1973

Norval M. Simms, MD

Norval M. Simms, MD
1968-1973
Deceased 7/24/1975



 

1972

James I. Ausman, MD, PhD

James I. Ausman, MD, PhD
1964-1965; 1969-1972

Kil Soo Choi, MD

Kil Soo Choi, MD
1970-1972

Harry M. Rogers, MD

Harry M. Rogers, MD
1967-1972



 

1971

Robert E. Maxwell, MD, PhD

Robert E. Maxwell, MD, PhD
1966-1971
Deceased 7-28-22

Anavankot Mohandas, MD

Anavankot Mohandas, MD
1966-1971



 

1970

David Danoff, MD

David Danoff, MD
1965-1970



 

1969

John L. Seymour, MD

John L. Seymour, MD
1965-1969

Donald L. Erickson, MD

Donald L. Erickson, MD
1964-1969



 

1968

Edward L. Seljeskog, MD, PhD

Edward L. Seljeskog, MD, PhD
1963-1968 (deceased 3/16/22)

John P. Wissinger, MD

John P. Wissinger, MD
1963-1968



 

1967

Michael E. Carey, MD

Michael E. Carey, MD
1962-1967



 

1965

John Cleary, MD, PhD

John Cleary, MD, PhD
1965

Fernando G. Diaz, MD, PhD

Fernando Ruiz Garcia, MD
1964-1965

Donlin M. Long, MD, PhD

Donlin M. Long, MD, PhD
1960-1965



 

1964

Warren Boop, MD

Warren Boop, MD
1960-1964

August W. Geise, MD

August W. Geise, MD
1960-1964
Deceased 1/14/1997



 

1963

Joseph H. Galicich, MD

Joseph H. Galicich, MD
1958-1963

John Serbu, MD

John Serbu, MD
1959-1963
Deceased 12/17/1999



 

1962

Erich S. Wisiol, MD

Erich S. Wisiol, MD
1958-1962
Deceased 11/21/2004



 

1961

Jim L. Story, MD

Jim L. Story, MD
1956-1961

Jeong Wha Chu, MD

Jeong Wha Chu, MD
1959-1961

Max E. Zarling, MD

Max E. Zarling, MD
1957-1961



 

1960

Lucien R. Hodges, MD

Lucien R. Hodges, MD
1956-1960
Deceased 6/19/2000



 

1959

Richard H. Strassburger, MD

Richard H. Strassburger, MD
1956-1959



 

1957

Bo Sung Sim, MD

Bo Sung Sim, MD
1955-1957

Ralph L. Suechtin, MD

Ralph L. Suechtin, MD
1953-1957

James E. McIntosch, MD

James E. McIntosch, MD
1953-1957



 

1956

Howard Chandler, MD

Howard Chandler, MD
1952-1956

Purdue L. Gould, MD

Purdue L. Gould, MD
1952-1956
Deceased 8/24/2011



 

1955

Shelley N. Chou, MD, PhD

Shelley N. Chou, MD, PhD
1950-1955
Deceased 7/21/2001

William S. Ogle, MD

William S. Ogle, MD
1954-1955



 

1954

David R. Johnson, MD

David R. Johnson, MD
1948-1954
Deceased 11/4/2005



 

1953

Carrel M. Caudill, MD

Carrel M. Caudill, MD
1949-1953
Deceased 1/1/2006 

Gerald L. Haines, MD, PhD

Gerald L. Haines, MD, PhD
1949-1953
Deceased 2/11/2015

1952

Martin E. Feferman, MD

Martin E. Feferman, MD
1948-1952
Deceased 5/21/2011



 

1951

Paul S. Blake, MD

Paul S. Blake, MD
1947-1951
Deceased 5/23/1997



 

1950

Robert L. Merrick, MD

Robert L. Merrick, MD
1949-1950
Deceased 10/16/2004

C. Kent Olson, MD

C. Kent Olson, MD
1946-1950
Deceased 9/6/2000



 

1949

Jules D. Levin, MD

Jules D. Levin, MD
1942-1949
Deceased 2/16/2002



 

1947

Lyle A. French, MD, PhD

Lyle A. French, MD, PhD
1940-1947
Deceased 10/19/2004



 

1946

Leonard A. Titrud, MD, PhD

Leonard A. Titrud, MD, PhD
1939-1946
Deceased 10/18/2004



 

1938

Harold Buchstein, MD

Harold Buchstein, MD
1935-1938
Deceased 10/29/1987

William T. Peyton Society

Established in honor of William T. Peyton, founding head of the University of Minnesota's Department of Neurosurgery, the William T. Peyton Society meets in Minneapolis approximately every five years. All graduates and current and former faculty of the Neurosurgery Residency Training Program are members of the Society.