Harvey Cushing Medal

The Harvey Cushing Medal, awarded by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, is the premier accolade in neurosurgery. The study's purpose was to examine the qualities and accomplishments of previous winners, emphasizing potential selection biases, with the aim to promote social justice and guide young neurosurgeons in their career paths.

Results: Predominantly, recipients graduated from top-ranked United States News and World Report institutions and specialized in cerebrovascular and neuro-oncologic/skull base neurosurgery. A significant proportion held roles as department or division chairs and led neurosurgical organizations. All awardees were male, and there was a notable trend of increasing publication counts among more recent recipients.

Conclusions: Commonalities among Harvey Cushing Medal winners include graduating from top institutions, holding significant leadership roles, and having an extensive publication history. However, the absence of female and underrepresented minority awardees underscores an urgent need for greater diversity in the selection process ¹⁾.

Past Recipients of the Cushing Medal

2023 Regis W. Haid, Jr., MD, FAANS 2022 William T. Couldwell, MD, PhD, FAANS 2021 Robert E. Harbaugh, MD, FAANS 2020 H. Hunt Batjer, MD, FAANS(L) 2019 James T. Rutka, MD, PhD, FAANS 2018 James R. Bean, MD, FAANS 2017 Robert F. Spetzler, MD, FAANS 2016 Ralph G. Dacey Jr., MD, FAANS 2015 Arthur L. Day, MD, FAANS 2014 Troy M. Tippett, MD, FAANS(L) 2013 Jon H. Robertson, MD, FAANS 2012 Donald O. Quest, MD, FAANS(L) 2011 A. John Popp, MD, FAANS 2010 Roberto C. Heros, MD, FAANS 2009 Edward H. Oldfield, MD, FAANS 2008 Charles B. Wilson, MD, FAANS 2007 Robert G. Grossman, MD, FAANS 2006 David G. Kline, MD, FAANS 2005 Martin H. Weiss, MD, FAANS 2004 John A. Jane Sr., MD, PhD, FAANS 2003 Stewart B. Dunkser, MD, FAANS 2002 Edward R. Laws Jr., MD, FAANS 2001 Julian T. Hoff, MD 2000 Russell H. Patterson Jr., MD 1999 David J. Kelly Jr., MD, FAANS 1998 Albert L. Rhoton Jr., MD, FAANS 1997 Robert G. Ojemann, MD 1996 Shelley N. Chou, MD, PhD 1995 Richard DeSaussure, MD 1994 Byron C. Pevehouse, MD 1993 Sidney Goldring, MD 1992 W. Eugene Stern, MD 1991 William F. Collins, MD 1990 Robert B. King, MD 1989 Lester A. Mount, MD 1988 Charles G. Drake, MD 1987 William F. Meacham, MD 1986 Lyle French, MD 1985 Francis Murphey, MD 1984 Eben Alexander Jr., MD 1983 Guy L. Odom, MD 1982 W. James Gardner, MD 1981 Bronson S. Ray, MD 1980 Paul C. Bucy, MD 1979 Henry G. Schwartz, MD 1978 William H. Sweet, MD 1977 Frank H. Mayfield, MD