The most important indicator of the success of a training program is found in the outcomes of the graduates upon completion of their training. Since 1986, fellows of the Neurosurgical International Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, have originated from five continents and more than 10 countries across the world.

Words from alumni

Alumni reflect on their experience in the Neurosurgical International Fellowship at Mayo Clinic.

Hirotaka Hasegawa, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Hasegawa is currently an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University. He completed his Neurosurgical International Fellowship at Mayo Clinic from 2019 to 2021 after finishing his doctorate at the University of Tokyo. Specializing in minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery for skull base lesions such as PitNET, meningioma and craniopharyngioma, as well as cerebrovascular surgery, he is also experienced in stereotactic radiosurgery. Dr. Hasegawa has authored over 100 scientific papers and is actively involved in multiple academic committees, advancing neurosurgical techniques and education.

“I believe that achieving the best outcomes in the treatment of benign and skull base tumors requires expertise in three key modalities: transcranial microscopic surgery, endoscopic transnasal surgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery. Many of my colleagues at Mayo Clinic excelled in more than one subspecialty, providing a model for my own career development. The lessons I learned there have profoundly influenced my life and career.”

Recognized as an emerging leader in the innovative field of minimally invasive skull base surgery using neuroendoscopy, Dr. Hasegawa continues to drive advancements in this domain. "Now, as I lecture globally and teach cadaver dissection courses, I recognize that the foundation and inspiration for this work were undoubtedly built during my time at Mayo Clinic. Working and learning as part of Mayo Clinic's team was a transformative experience. It not only allowed me to engage with cutting-edge neurosurgical practices but also shaped my mindset, behavior, and philosophy as a neurosurgeon.”

Akio Morita, M.D.

Dr. Morita was a graduate of the International Fellowship program in 1989. He is currently the Dean of the Graduate School and Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery, Nippon Medical School in Tokyo, Japan, and Secretary of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. After completing his fellowship, Dr. Morita decided to repeat his neurosurgery residency at Mayo Clinic.

"When I applied for the International Fellowship at Mayo Clinic, I wished to experience practicing neurosurgery in one of the top U.S. institutes to see what was missing in Japan, as well as to brainstorm my concepts in neurosurgery." Dr. Morita thinks doing an international fellowship can have a significant impact on a young neurosurgeon’s career. "Mayo gave me the confidence and soul to pursue academic neurosurgery to convey all my experience and thoughts in Japan."

"Consequently, I recommend that my young colleagues and fellows see the world outside of Japan to recognize how small their world is and to expand their field of vision. It was the most precious time in my life." Dr. Morita also developed a great interest in cerebrovascular surgery and has written over 200 publications, including two articles in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Michael Morgan, M.D.

Dr. Morgan was one of the first fellows in the International Fellowship program in 1986. Dr. Morgan completed his neurosurgery residency at the Royal Prince Hospital in Sydney, Australia, before beginning his fellowship. During his time at Mayo Clinic, he worked under the guidance of Dr. Sundt and developed interest in cerebrovascular neurosurgery. Following his fellowship, Dr. Morgan was appointed Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Sydney in 1998 and the Dean of Medicine at Macquarie University in 2006.

Dr. Morgan has contributed to multiple publications, and he is considered a pioneer in arteriovenous malformation and aneurysm surgery. His experience at Mayo Clinic was described as "a transformative experience." Dr. Morgan added, "Although I went there wishing to add some techniques to my repertoire, limited as though it was, I changed my fundamental way of thinking. I learned some of the basic knowledge and skills that helped for future growth and development until the day I retired."

Dr. Morgan believes that the experience of doing an international fellowship has a remarkable impact on a neurosurgeon’s career. "I feel that the knowledge and skills gained allowed me to perform at a level that I would not have been able to achieve without my experience at Mayo Clinic. I also learned to engage in writing in the literature to help me reflect on my performance and knowledge to deepen my understanding."

Top reasons

In the table, alumni share their top reasons for having pursued the Neurosurgical International Fellowship.

Graduates

*Originally from Morocco but obtained M.D. in France