Professor and Chair
Department of Neurological Surgery
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Dardinger Family Chair in Neurosurgical Oncology
Dr. Russell Lonser is a distinguished neurological surgeon renowned for his expertise in the resection of complex tumors affecting the brain, spinal cord, pituitary gland, and brainstem. He currently serves as the professor and chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Additionally, he holds the prestigious Dardinger Family Chair in Neurosurgical Oncology, where he continues to lead innovative efforts in the field of neurosurgery.
Before his tenure at Ohio State University, Dr. Lonser was the chief of the Surgical Neurology Branch at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a position that further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in neurosurgical research and clinical care. His work at the NIH helped shape advancements in neurosurgical techniques, particularly in the areas of tumor resection and neuro-oncology.
Dr. Lonser is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research, focusing on the delivery of drugs to the nervous system, gene therapy, and tumor biology. With over 300 publications to his name, his contributions to the scientific community have been instrumental in advancing both the clinical and research aspects of neurological surgery. His expertise and innovation have earned him numerous accolades, including the Tumor Young Investigator Award and the Mahaley Clinical Research Award from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Tumor Section.
In addition to his clinical and research accomplishments, Dr. Lonser is a respected educator and leader in the neurological surgery field. He has delivered numerous prestigious lectures, including the Bittner Lecture for the AANS/CNS Tumor Section and the Edward H. Oldfield Lecture for the American Academy of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Lonser has also held significant leadership roles within professional organizations, having served as both treasurer and president of the CNS, and is currently a director on the American Board of Neurological Surgeons.
Throughout his career, Dr. Lonser has been deeply involved in the intersection of neurosurgery and sports medicine. He served as the head of the research subcommittee for the National Football League's Head, Neck, and Spine Injury Committee, helping to advance safety protocols for players. His editorial contributions have extended to several leading neurosurgical journals, including NEUROSURGERY, World Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery, PLoS One, and Science Reports, and he is also a consulting editor for Neurosurgery Clinics of North America. Dr. Lonser has edited three influential textbooks in the field, further establishing his role as a key thought leader in neurosurgery.
A highly regarded figure in the world of neurosurgery, Dr. Lonser continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in both clinical practice and research, inspiring the next generation of neurosurgeons and researchers in the fight against neurological disease.