Physician and neurosurgery innovator passes away

Dr. Albert Rhoton.

Albert L. Rhoton Jr., M.D., an internationally known neurosurgeon and pioneering researcher who built a small neurosurgery division into a thriving department at the University of Florida College of Medicine, died recently at his Gainesville home. He was 83.

Rhoton, a UF professor and chairman emeritus of the Lillian S. Wells department of neurosurgery, had a storied career that spanned more than five decades. In that time, he trained thousands of fellows and residents in the latest microneurosurgical techniques, invented hundreds of neurosurgical devices and received the profession’s highest recognitions.

Rhoton’s accomplishments were matched only by his deep concern for patients, a strong desire to share knowledge with other physicians and his calm presence during surgery, said Michael L. Good, M.D., dean of the UF College of Medicine.

“Dr. Albert Rhoton was a great man, a role model physician, teacher, scientist and leader. His surgical skills as a preeminent neurosurgeon were amazing, and I was fortunate to see these up close in the operating room while anesthetizing his patients,” Good said. “Ever present was his compassion for the well-being of his patients, and the professional advancement of his students and faculty. His leadership as chair of neurosurgery changed the course of this medical school and pointed it squarely on a journey to excellence. I will miss his wisdom, shared through words and by example, always with calmness and kindness.”