Neurologia medico-chirurgica
Online ISSN : 1349-8029
Print ISSN : 0470-8105
ISSN-L : 0470-8105
Review Articles
Albert L. Rhoton Jr., MD: His Philosophy and Education of Neurosurgeons
Toshio MATSUSHIMAShigeaki KOBAYASHITooru INOUEAlice S. RHOTONAlexander L. VLASAKEvandro de OLIVEIRA
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JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS

2018 Volume 58 Issue 7 Pages 279-289

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Abstract

Dr. Rhoton’s key philosophies included “Keep working hard.”, “Make surgery more accurate, gentle and safe”, “We want perfect anatomical dissections, because we want perfect surgical operations”, “Competence without compassion is worthless. Compassion without competence is meaningless”, “Neurosurgeons share a great professional gift; our lives have yielded an opportunity to help mankind in a unique and exciting way” and “There is no finish line for this effort”. His words reveal his passion for microneurosurgery and infinite love for humankind. Although his reknown rested on his reputation as a researcher, Dr. Rhoton was also a devoted educator. The principal aim behind the enormous amount of work he performed was that of educating neurosurgeons worldwide, so that they could be better surgeons. His work included: (1) numerous dissection courses, (2) numerous lectures and publications including about 160 original papers (3) the textbook “RHOTON” and Rhoton Collection (4) the education of 119 research fellows. The projects directed in his lab, produced the international dissemination of neuroanatomical knowledge. The ultimate goal of his microsurgical research was to improve the care of patients with neurosurgical diseases around the world. The technical contributions and humble character of Dr. Rhoton should be remembered as we care for patients.

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© 2018 by The Japan Neurosurgical Society

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons [Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International] license.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
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