DepartmentsNeurosurgeryMayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer CenterSurgerySpecialty GroupsHead and Neck Cancer CenterBrain Tumor ProgramLocationRochester, MinnesotaLanguagesEnglishExisting patientsSend a secure message via patient portal Appointments 507-923-2634 Request an appointment online Video Player Dialog Box Close Video One of the reasons why I'm particularly interested in skull based disorders is the impact that these diseases have on patients' quality of life. My name is Dr. Michael Link, I'm a member of the Department of Neurosurgery here at Mayo Clinic. I look at a lot of MRI scans and angiograms in a day. But it's sitting down with the patient and learning about them, where are they from, what do they do for a living, what do they want to get out of this treatment, what's their real goal. And make sure that our goals align with their goals. Forming that partnership I think is really the thing that's most motivating and most exciting about being a doctor. Show transcript Watch my video Get to know me and my work at Mayo Clinic Open Video Modal Conditions treatedAcoustic neuromaBrain tumorCerebrovascular diseaseHemifacial spasmTrigeminal neuralgia Procedures performedAcoustic neuroma surgeryBrain stereotactic radiosurgeryBrain tumor surgeryHemifacial spasm surgeryTrigeminal neuralgia surgery InterestsSkull base surgeryCerebrovascular surgeryAcoustic neuroma surgeryGamma knife/stereotactic radiosurgeryHemifacial spasm surgeryTrigeminal neuralgia surgeryBrain tumor surgery Mayo Clinic locations Rochester, Minnesota Driving directions More info Billing & insurance Accessibility services Education1998Fellowship - Cerebrovascular and Skull Base SurgeryUniversity of Cincinnati1996ResidentNeurologic Surgery, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine1996Resident - Neurologic SurgeryMayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine1991Internship - General SurgeryMayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine1990MDMayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine1986Bachelor - ScienceUniversity of IowaShow more education Activities and honorsCertifications2000Neurological SurgeryAmerican Board of Neurological SurgeryAwards and honors2019Teacher of the Year for 2019Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurologic Surgery2018Teacher of the Year for 2018Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurologic Surgery2017Top 10 Reviewer in 2016JNLS-B, Skull Base2016Teacher of the Year for 2016Mayo Fellows Association, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science2016Best Clinical Abstract WinnerNorth American Skull Base Society2015Award for Reviewer ExcellenceNeurosurgery1986Graduated with Honors & Highest DistinctionUniversity of Iowa1986Graduation Commencement SpeakerUniversity of IowaShow more awards and honorsProfessional memberships2020 - 2022MemberCAST Advisory Group and as a member of the Skull Base Committee for the AANS and CNS Tumor Section2018 - presentMemberSub-Committee to advise CAST on tumor fellowships, AANS/CNS Section on Tumors, American Association of Neurological Surgeons2018 - presentCo-DirectorSkull Base Sub-Committee, AANS/CNS Section on Tumors, American Association of Neurological Surgeons2015 - 2016Immediate Past PresidentNorth American Skull Base Society2014 - presentMemberAmerican Academy of Neurological Surgeons2014 - 2015PresidentNorth American Skull Base Society2013 - 2017Co-ChairmanAcoustic Neuroma Association2013 - 2014President-ElectNorth American Skull Base Society2013 - presentExecutive Committee MemberAANS/CNS Section on Tumors, American Association of Neurological Surgeons2013 - presentSkull Base LiaisonAANS/CNS Section on Tumors, American Association of Neurological Surgeons2012 - 2013Vice PresidentNorth American Skull Base Society2008 - presentMemberSociety of University Neurosurgeons2008 - 2017Medical Advisory Board - MemberAcoustic Neuroma Association2008 - 2017MemberAcoustic Neuroma Association2007 - 2010MemberEducation and Practice Management Committee, American Association of Neurological Surgeons2007 - 2009Director-At-LargeNorth American Skull Base Society2001 - presentMemberAmerican Association of Neurological Surgeons2000 - 2010MemberMayo Infection Surveillance Subcommittee (MISSC), Mayo Clinic Rochester Committees1999 - presentMemberJoint Section of Cerebrovascular Surgery1999 - presentMemberCongress of Neurological Surgeons1996 - presentMemberMinnesota Medical Association1996 - presentMemberZumbro Valley Medical Society, Minnesota Medical AssociationShow more professional membershipsPublicationsSee my publicationsResearch activitiesSee a description of research activities. Conditions treatedProcedures performedInterestsMayo Clinic locationsEducationActivities and honors Request an appointment PST-20219809 Doctors & Medical Staff Link, Michael J. M.D.