OU Dean Delivers Keynote at Global Neurosurgery Symposium Hosted by Harvard-Affiliated Mass General Brigham

OU Dean Delivers Keynote at Global Neurosurgery Symposium Hosted by Harvard-Affiliated Mass General Brigham


Published: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – Ian F. Dunn, M.D., FACS, FAANS, executive dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and chief academic officer at OU Health, recently delivered the keynote address at the prestigious Mass General Brigham Neurogsurgery Symposium and 2nd Annual Yasargil Microneurosurgery Congress. The event brought together the foremost minds in neurosurgery from around the world to address the evolving challenges and breakthroughs in cerebrovascular and skull base surgery.

Dunn’s selection as keynote speaker underscores his status as a pioneering figure in the field of neurosurgery and thought leader in academic medicine. With a background that includes leadership roles at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dunn has built a distinguished career advancing care for complex brain tumors and mentoring the next generation of neurosurgical talent.

“It was an honor to contribute to such a high-level dialogue among global leaders in neurosurgery,” said Dunn. “This congress exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration we aim to foster at the University of Oklahoma and OU Health.”

Organized by Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham in collaboration with the Yaşargil Microneurosurgical Academy, the symposium fostered open debate, collaborative learning, and thoughtful reflection on the evolving standards of care in neurosurgery. As cerebrovascular and skull base diseases undergo a revolution in management options, participants examined how these advancements are reshaping the field and intensifying the complexity of clinical decision-making.

Dunn’s address also reflected the significant strides being made at OU in the field of neuroscience. Under his leadership, OU has renewed its commitment to serving the health care needs of the state as Oklahoma’s only academic health system. These unique and powerful resource that connects education, research, and patient care. Additionally, the university’s newly updated strategic plan includes the creation of a formal neuroscience center. Dunn’s participation on the global stage not only highlights OU’s growing prominence in academic medicine but also reinforces its commitment to building a lasting impact in the communities it serves.

“As we continue to grow our academic, research and clinical missions, moments like this are more than recognition—they are a rallying point for the future we are building at OU,” said Dunn.