Edward C. Benzel, MD is Emeritus Chairman of Neurosurgery at Cleveland Clinic (CCF) and holds a faculty appointment, Professor of Neurological Surgery, at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM). Late 2016, he was appointed Director of Career Development, and Patient Experience Officer in the CCF Neurological Institute.

Dr. Benzel’s major clinical interests embrace many aspects of neurosurgery, but are focused on spinal disorders including cervical spondylosis, syringomyelia, complex spine instrumentation, and spine tumors. Clinical research has encompassed such issues as hydrocephalus, neonatal hemorrhage, cerebrovascular disorders, cranial trauma, critical care, brain death, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and of course, spinal disorders. From a research perspective, he currently is focusing on Spine biomechanics and clinical research, as well as sports related concussion research. The latter has centered about strategies to reduce risk and increase protection for athletes involved in contact sports.

He has been actively involved in the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgery, North American Spine Society (NASS), World Spinal Column Society, and Cervical Spine Research Society. Dr. Benzel is one of the founding members of the Lumbar Spine Research Society, formed in 2007. He has served on numerous committees, and in multiple different positions of the various societies. He, as well, was the first Chairman of the World Spine Society, which in 2009 was re-organized and restructured as The World Spinal Column Society.

He is a seasoned faculty facilitator in the Cleveland Clinic Center for Excellence in Healthcare Communication (CEHC). In this role, he actively participates in physician communication training for the CCF professional medical staff, as well as incoming residents and fellows. In addition, Dr. Benzel has been identified as an Advanced Peer Coach for professional staff seeking career and life/work balance enhancement.

Benzel’s continual rigorous review of clinical and research content for multiple professional neurosurgical and spine publications contributes significantly to the body of literature.

He has authored 10 textbooks, edited 27 texts, and contributed to over 425 book chapters. His seminal texts, Biomechanics of Spine Stabilization (1st, 2nd & 3rd Editions) and Spine Surgery: Techniques, Complications, Avoidance and Management (1st, 2nd, 3rd 4th & 5th Editions) are some of the highlights of his publication endeavors. His work as a contributor to the literature is not done. He continues to publish, and in 2015 he became Editor-in-Chief of World Neurosurgery.

Dr. Benzel holds 17 patents and has participated in many medical advances. He is perhaps best known as an educator. He initiated and directed the Neurosurgery Residency Training Program and the Spine Fellowship Programs at the University of New Mexico, and he has been instrumental in the development and success of these programs at the Cleveland Clinic. His innovations in Neurosurgery Resident Education have won accolades and numerous awards. In February 2011, Dr. Benzel was chosen to receive the Paul C. Bucy Award for his exemplary efforts offering educational opportunities to his fellow neurosurgeons. In 2013, Dr. Benzel was honored by the acknowledgement for his “outstanding contribution to medical science worldwide” at the 13th Congress of Spine Surgery, Sao Paolo Brazil. He was selected as the Honored Guest at The Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2014 Annual Meeting in Boston. At the 2015 AANS/CNS Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves Annual Spine Summit, Benzel was honored to receive the Meritorious Award in Neurosurgery. Again, in 2019, he was honored with a named Spine surgery symposium in San Diego, in conjunction with and just prior to, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting.

Most recently, he released the book ‘Today was a Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon.’ In this book, he provides insights into leadership, effective communication, and fulfillment.