University at Buffalo Neurosurgery (UBNS) is mourning the loss of world-renowned neurosurgeon and former chairman L. Nelson “Nick” Hopkins, III, MD, who passed away on Oct. 5 at 81 years old.

Known as the father of endovascular neurosurgery, Dr. Hopkins pioneered the cutting-edge practice of treating vascular disease by inserting catheters into arteries. The practice is now widely accepted and provides patients with an alternative to major surgery.

Dr. Hopkins joined the University at Buffalo Division of Neurosurgery in the 1970s and became chairman in 1989. Under his leadership, University at Buffalo Neurosurgery became a distinguished research institute known for clinical and academic excellence. Dr. Hopkins also helped the department achieve recognition as a leader in the endovascular specialty. He retired from his position as chairman in 2013.

“Nick was a true innovator whose legacy to our specialty is the field known as neuroendovascular,” UBNS Chairman Dr. Elad I. Levy said. “He was so much more than my former chairman – Nick was a father figure and dear friend, entrusting his creation to me to carry on and grow into [the UBNS] we have today.”

In addition to his role as chairman, Dr. Hopkins also served as a professor of neurosurgery in the Department of Neurosurgery and a professor of radiology at the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He was named a distinguished professor of neurosurgery and radiology by the State University of New York in 2013, the highest faculty rank available.

Dr. Hopkins believed in improving patient outcomes through multidisciplinary collaboration. He founded the Jacobs Institute and Kaleida Health’s Gates Vascular Institute to bring specialists together to study, treat, and develop innovative new approaches to vascular and neurological diseases.

“By virtue of his unique personality, strong desire for innovation, and going against the grain, he developed partnerships with budding entrepreneurs in the med-tech space, building lasting relationships and founding multiple successful companies, which have helped millions of people around the world,” UBNS Neurosurgeon and Jacobs Institute CEO Dr. Adnan H. Siddiqui said. 

Dr. Hopkins graduated from Rutgers University before earning his medical degree cum laude from Albany Medical College. He completed a surgical internship at Case Western Reserve and received additional neurology and neurosurgical training at the University at Buffalo.

UBNS sends its deepest condolences to Dr. Hopkins’ family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren. His legacy will live on through those he treated, taught, and inspired.