In Memoriam: Professor Emeritus of Neurosurgery John Alksne
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. John F. Alksne, professor emeritus of neurological surgery, former dean of UC San Diego School of Medicine and former Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences. He was a leading pioneer in the field of neurosurgery, a highly respected researcher, and a beloved leader in the UC San Diego community. Dr. Alksne passed away on May 17, 2024. He was 90.
Dr. Alksne earned his medical degree at the University of Washington in Seattle where he also completed his training. He was chief of neurosurgery at Harbor General Hospital at UCLA from 1964-67, and professor and chair of neurological surgery at the Medical College of Virginia from 1967-71, where he integrated a segregated intensive care unit, setting the stage for his impactful career at UC San Diego.
In 1971, he was recruited to UC San Diego as the founding division chief in neurological surgery, laying the foundation for the Department of Neurological Surgery we know today.
Dr. Alksne was a visionary in research and surgical care. His early innovative work included using iron acrylics for stereotactic thrombosis of intracranial aneurysms paved the way for current endovascular coiling techniques. He developed a nationally recognized program for the surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia in the mold of his mentor Dr. Peter Jannetta.
Throughout his career, Dr. Alksne pioneered new surgical techniques and technologies to advance the treatment of diseases and disorders of the central nervous system. He established and directed the Epilepsy Surgery Program at UC San Diego, and in 1992 he was honored with a Special Commendation by the Epilepsy Society of San Diego County.
Dr. Alksne was a gifted surgical teacher, led the founding of the residency program, and mentored generations of residents and faculty. His example developed the strong tradition of faculty-resident mentorship that continues at UC San Diego School of Medicine. Training tomorrow’s surgeons was his passion and legacy. The Department of Neurological Surgery residency graduation ceremony bears his name.
Beyond neurological surgery, Dr. Alksne's leadership extended to broader academic initiatives. As dean of UC San Diego School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences, he played a critical role in the development of the La Jolla campus and the construction of Thornton Hospital. He also established collaborative clinical and teaching programs with Kaiser Permanente’s San Diego hospital system.
Dr. Alksne was a member of numerous scientific and professional societies, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Latin American Federation of Neurosurgeons, the World Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Association of Academic Health Centers.
Dr. Alksne is survived by his three living children: Milton Alksne, Cynthia Alksne (Steve McMahon), and Lorna Alksne (Chris McKellar), his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Robson, 10 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, with a third great grandchild on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ofelia Alksne, his son Ward Alksne and his first wife Patti Alksne.
