Popp Appointed Chair of Neurosurgery- Clinical & Research News - For and about the Physicians and Researchers of Brigham and Women's HospitalPopp Appointed Chair of Neurosurgery- Clinical & Research News - For and about the Physicians and Researchers of Brigham and Women's Hospital

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Popp Appointed Chair of Neurosurgery


A. John Popp, MD, FACS, chairman of BWH Neurosurgery.

A John Popp, MD, FACS, in December was appointed chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery.

“The Department of Neurosurgery has such a storied tradition, with the founding of neurosurgery happening right here 97 years ago,” said A. John Popp, MD, who joined BWH last year as the vice chair of Business Operations and Education in Neurosurgery. “Part of my responsibility is to ensure that legacy continues into our future as we strive to become the premiere neurosurgery program in the world. I know we are poised to accomplish this.”

Popp, who previously was the chair of Surgery at Albany Medical Center, leads an accomplished team of 14 expert neurosurgeons, along with renowned researchers, in delivering highly specialized neurosurgical care for patients with complex conditions. As program director of the department’s neurosurgical residency program, Popp also aims to enhance the seven-year training program by expanding the program by one resident per year.

“Close mentorship by some of the world’s most talented neurosurgeons enables our residents to develop outstanding surgical skills and gain exposure to emerging concepts and innovations in research and patient care,” said Popp, adding that the joint program with Children’s Hospital Boston makes it one of the most unique in the country.

Performing nearly 3,000 procedures a year using state-of the-art technologies and techniques, neurosurgeons cover the spectrum of surgically treated disorders of the nervous system, including brain injury, cerebrovascular disease, brain tumors, epilepsy surgery, neurovascular surgery, spinal and peripheral nerve surgery, and stereotactic and functional neurosurgery, as well as programs in neuroendoscopy, hydrocephalus, interventional MR surgery, and neuro critical care

During the next three to five years, Popp will also strengthen the department’s commitment to research by fostering the discovery, development and delivery of life-altering treatments and therapies.

An expert in the treatment of brain tumors, vascular disease, and degenerative spine disease, Popp practiced at Albany Medical Center for more than 20 years, where he was the Henry and Sally Schaffer Chair of the Department of Surgery, head of the Division of Neurosurgery, program director of the Neurosurgery Residency Training Program and director of the Neurosciences Institute. In 2004, the Schaffer Foundation endowed a chair in Popp’s honor. In 2009, he received the Pillars Award, Albany Medical Center’s highest recognition.

Popp is president of the World Academy of Neurological Surgeons and serves on the Residency Review Committee for neurological surgery of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. He is a past president of the Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS) and American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), and has served as director of the American Board of Neurological Surgery, treasurer of the Society of Neurological Surgeons, president of the New York State Neurological Society, and chairman of the Washington Committee for Neurosurgery.

Popp completed his residency at Albany Medical Center Hospital. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and his medical degree from Albany Medical College.