The Neurosurgical Oncology Fellowship draws trainees from across the U.S. and around the world. Meet our current fellow and learn about their focus inside and outside the clinic.

Michael Keough, M.D., Ph.D.

Medical school: University of Calgary

Residency: University of Alberta

Dr. Keough was born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. He obtained a Bachelors degree in Biochemistry from Memorial University. He then completed an MD/PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary, studying glial scarring in the injured spinal cord under Dr. V. Wee Yong. He completed his residency in Neurosurgery at the University of Alberta, which included an enfolded post-doctoral research fellowship in the lab of Dr. Michelle Monje at Stanford University, where he studied neuron-glioma circuit dynamics using mini-microscopes in awake animals. This work was funded by the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation.

Dr. Keough is an advocate for the growing research field of “Cancer Neuroscience”, which approaches the study of brain tumors and how they interact and interfere with the function of the normal nervous system. He is pursuing a career in academic Neurosurgical Oncology where he hopes to study principles of neuroplasticity to maximize safe resection in patients with diffuse gliomas in eloquent brain regions.

Outside of work, Dr. Keough spends time with his wife and two daughters, who are enjoying the adventure of life in Minnesota.

Alumni

Approximately 50% of Mayo Clinic graduates are in academic positions throughout the U.S. Graduates pursuing subspecialty careers will find that Mayo's reputation opens the door to opportunities for fellowship training at the most prestigious and competitive programs. Fellows will leave our program with superb clinical experience and plenty of academic opportunities.