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Michael J. Link, M.D.

  1. Neurosurgeon
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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.

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Departments

Specialty Groups

Location

  1. Rochester, Minnesota

Languages

English

Existing patients

Watch my video

Get to know me and my work at Mayo Clinic
  1. Acoustic neuroma
  2. Brain tumor
  3. Cerebrovascular disease
  4. Hemifacial spasm
  5. Trigeminal neuralgia
  1. Acoustic neuroma surgery
  2. Brain stereotactic radiosurgery
  3. Brain tumor surgery
  4. Hemifacial spasm surgery
  5. Trigeminal neuralgia surgery
  • Skull base surgery
  • Cerebrovascular surgery
  • Acoustic neuroma surgery
  • Gamma knife/stereotactic radiosurgery
  • Hemifacial spasm surgery
  • Trigeminal neuralgia surgery
  • Brain tumor surgery
  1. 1998
    Fellowship - Cerebrovascular and Skull Base SurgeryUniversity of Cincinnati
  2. 1996
    Resident - Neurologic SurgeryMayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  3. 1991
    Internship - General SurgeryMayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  4. 1990
    MDMayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  5. 1986
    Bachelor - ScienceUniversity of Iowa

Certifications

  1. 2000
    Neurological SurgeryAmerican Board of Neurological Surgery

Awards and honors

  1. 2019
    Teacher of the Year for 2019Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurologic Surgery
  2. 2018
    Teacher of the Year for 2018Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurologic Surgery
  3. 2017
    Top 10 Reviewer in 2016JNLS-B, Skull Base
  4. 2016
    Teacher of the Year for 2016Mayo Fellows Association, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
  5. 2016
    Best Clinical Abstract WinnerNorth American Skull Base Society
  6. 2015
    Award for Reviewer ExcellenceNeurosurgery
  7. 1986
    Graduated with Honors & Highest DistinctionUniversity of Iowa
  8. 1986
    Graduation Commencement SpeakerUniversity of Iowa

Professional memberships

  1. 2018 - present
    MemberSub-Committee to advise CAST on tumor fellowships, AANS/CNS Section on Tumors, American Association of Neurological Surgeons
  2. 2018 - present
    Co-DirectorSkull Base Sub-Committee, AANS/CNS Section on Tumors, American Association of Neurological Surgeons
  3. 2015 - 2016
    Immediate Past PresidentNorth American Skull Base Society
  4. 2014 - present
    MemberAmerican Academy of Neurological Surgeons
  5. 2014 - 2015
    PresidentNorth American Skull Base Society
  6. 2013 - 2017
    Co-ChairmanAcoustic Neuroma Association
  7. 2013 - 2014
    President-ElectNorth American Skull Base Society
  8. 2013 - present
    Executive Committee MemberAANS/CNS Section on Tumors, American Association of Neurological Surgeons
  9. 2013 - present
    Skull Base LiaisonAANS/CNS Section on Tumors, American Association of Neurological Surgeons
  10. 2012 - 2013
    Vice PresidentNorth American Skull Base Society
  11. 2008 - present
    MemberSociety of University Neurosurgeons
  12. 2008 - 2017
    Medical Advisory Board - MemberAcoustic Neuroma Association
  13. 2008 - 2017
    MemberAcoustic Neuroma Association
  14. 2007 - 2010
    MemberEducation and Practice Management Committee, American Association of Neurological Surgeons
  15. 2007 - 2009
    Director-At-LargeNorth American Skull Base Society
  16. 2001 - present
    MemberAmerican Association of Neurological Surgeons
  17. 2000 - 2010
    MemberMayo Infection Surveillance Subcommittee (MISSC), Mayo Clinic Rochester Committees
  18. 1999 - present
    MemberJoint Section of Cerebrovascular Surgery
  19. 1999 - present
    MemberCongress of Neurological Surgeons
  20. 1996 - present
    MemberMinnesota Medical Association
  21. 1996 - present
    MemberZumbro Valley Medical Society, Minnesota Medical Association

Publications

See my publications

Research activities

See a description of research activities.