After more than 30 years, Douglas Brockmeyer, MD, is stepping down from his full-time pediatric neurosurgery practice but will continue on in a part-time role caring for adult patients.
Dr. Brockmeyer joined University of Utah Health as a resident in 1987, completed his fellowship at Primary Children’s Hospital in 1994, and then joined the faculty full time in 1994 as an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery. Since then, Dr. Brockmeyer has filled a number of roles in the Department, including Pediatric Fellowship Director from 2000 to 2010, Residency Program Director from 2010 to 2013, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery from 2013 to 2022, and Residency Program Director again from 2022 to 2024.
“I had many great mentors, particularly Dr. Marion Walker and Dr. Ronald Apfelbaum,” Dr. Brockmeyer said. “One of the great things Dr. Apfelbaum taught me was that the end of your residency does not mean the end of your learning.” Dr. Brockmeyer kept that lesson with him throughout his career. “I think what makes the best residents—and the best neurosurgeons—is a sense of inquisitiveness that never goes away. I say this to all young neurosurgeons …you must immerse yourself in learning and never assume that you have
everything you need. Seek knowledge and be open to change. Don’t be afraid to teach those around you but also be humble enough to know when others have something to teach you as well. Allow yourself to grow within the field.”
“When I first started in ’94,” Dr. Brockmeyer shared, “pediatric neurosurgery was just beginning to distinguish itself as a specialty separate from adult neurosurgery. It was incredible to be part of shaping the evolution of the field,” Dr. Brockmeyer said. At the beginning of his career, braces and halos were the most common tools to treat pediatric spinal conditions. Since that time, imaging, advanced spinal instrumentation, and other new treatments have evolved far beyond expectations. “There have been incredible advances, particularly in how we’re able to treat the spine, as well as our collaboration with orthopedics. We’ve built bridges between the two specialties,” Dr. Brockmeyer said. “I’m excited to see how we’ll continue to expand past the current moment.” Even now, new and exciting practices are emerging every year; for example, laser and endovascular techniques are evolving rapidly as more patients request minimally invasive options rather than traditional open techniques for things like drug delivery for the treatment of tumors. “There is still so much to learn and so many untapped areas where we can really grow and make a difference.”
“My favorite part, though, has been the ability to connect with these kids and their families,” Dr. Brockmeyer shared. “Primary Children’s is very kid centered. Kids tend to connect with providers who just are themselves. With children, there’s a balance between kidding around, having fun, and being more serious. I love being able to be myself and still make a difference in the lives of the kids that I see. And, of course, when outcomes are favorable after treatment, it’s extremely rewarding to see joy and vitality return to these patients and their families.”
We’re sad to lose Dr. Brockmeyer in our pediatrics program, but it’s not goodbye forever. He plans to stay with the department to continue with adult craniocervical surgery, biomechanical research, and transition-of-care clinics. We are thrilled to be able to continue to cheer Dr. Brockmeyer on as he makes this transition!