In Memoriam: Robert Maxwell, MD, PhD

 

It's with a heavy heart that I share with you the passing of our beloved Dr. Maxwell, who passed away peacefully with family by his side on July 28, 2022, at the age of 86. 

 

Dr. Maxwell was born and grew up in Lima Ohio, and attended Ohio State University, where he completed his BS and MD training. After completing his general surgery residency at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Maxwell served in the US Army Medical Corp, reaching the rank of Captain before joining neurosurgery residency at the University of Minnesota. His talents, dedication, and integrity fueled a stellar academic trajectory, culminating in his Chairmanship of our Department between 1995-2003. 

 

Dr. Maxwell shepharded this department through arguably one of the most difficult periods of our history, navigating the disruptive emergence of health maintenance organizations and the economic shifts of hospital system consolidations. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his commitment to patient care and neurosurgical innovation, pioneering early work in magnetic resonance imaging-guided deep brain stimulation. Those of us who utilize the Medtronic Navigus stereotactic system should remember that Dr. Maxwell played a central role in the design and testing of this system.

 

Many of us were blessed with the opportunity to meet with Dr. Maxwell in person during our recent Homecoming event. I personally benefited from his thoughtful perspectives on a wide range of subjects and his guidance in terms of departmental leadership. Dr. Maxwell's legacy in this department remains palatable, and his contributions to the field of neurosurgery enduring. His endearing impacts on the lives that he touched will not be forgotten. 

 

He will be missed.