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J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/a-2627-3912
Original Article

The Legacy and Long-Term Impact of Dr. Albert L. Rhoton Jr.: Contributions of Rhoton Fellows to the Field of Neurosurgery

Beste Gülsuna 
1   Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
,
Megan M. J. Bauman 
2   Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
,
Baylee Stevens
1   Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
,
Maria D. Astudillo Potes 
2   Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
,
Charlotte E. Michaelcheck
2   Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
,
Michael J. Link
2   Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
3   Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
,
Maria Peris Celda
2   Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
3   Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
,
Christopher S. Graffeo
1   Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
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Abstract

Background

Professor Albert J. Rhoton Jr., MD, is renowned for his groundbreaking dissections, marking a monumental achievement in the field of neuroanatomy. Alongside his anatomical contributions, he also passed on his knowledge and skills to numerous fellows, leaving behind a profound legacy. Despite the widespread recognition of his influence, little quantitative work has been done to characterize the scholarly impact of his alumni.

Methods

Data were collected on Rhoton fellows, including fellowship years, country of origin, current institutions, and titles, practice settings, and leadership roles. Scholarly productivity was evaluated by assessing publication counts, including publications before and after the fellowship, and publications focused on surgical anatomy. Additionally, H-indices and citation counts were recorded. Other variables analyzed included ownership of a surgical anatomy laboratory, and participation in organizing hands-on courses.

Results

We analyzed 118 alumni from diverse countries. There was a significant increase in publication output following the fellowship, with publications rising from an average of 7 to 76 (p < 0.001). Fellows from high-income countries had higher research productivity than those from middle-income countries, with greater average H-index (p = 0.003), publication count (p = 0.01), and citation score (p = 0.003). Overall, 65% of fellows pursued academic practice, with 18% owning a laboratory and 30% involved in hands-on courses.

Conclusion

Dr. Rhoton's mentorship has shaped a generation of neurosurgeons who continue his legacy. His fellows have established careers worldwide, leading in academia, professional organizations, and surgical training. Their global impact underscores the lasting value of structured mentorship in neurosurgery.

Keywords

cranial - anatomy - education - Albert L. Rhoton - microsurgical anatomy - legacy


Publication History

Received: 04 April 2025

Accepted: 03 June 2025

Article published online:
18 June 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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