Spring Fellow Bill Mack '92

Hopkins was honored to welcome neurosurgeon Dr. William Mack IV '92 to campus on Friday, April 25 as our 2014 Spring Fellow.

Bill began the day speaking to the students and faculty at assembly, where he shared examples of his important work in brain surgery, and how his Hopkins education helped lead him on his career path. Bill's presentation included an intriguing powerpoint containing images and animations of the types of surgeries he performs, both open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures aided by cutting edge technologies that allow him to clear blockages in the brain via a small incision in a patient's leg. Bill's engaging presentation fascinated the Hopkins community, and he fielded a variety of questions following his address.  

After assembly, Bill had the opportunity to attend a number of science classes in the Malone Science Center. In Kellie Cox's Contemporary Issues in Biology class, Bill brought out samples of the catheter and wire technology he uses in surgery, and explained how much he enjoys using his hands and his mind every day to problem solve and treat his patients. He urged the students to pursue a career in a field that they love and where they could imagine themselves enjoying every day. He also attended Jen Lane's Biology and Joel D'Angelo's AP Biology classes where he interacted with students and helped them with labs.

Following a busy morning in class, Bill joined his family, current faculty, faculty emerita/ae and friends for lunch in the Weissman Room. In attendance were his parents, Bill Mack III '65 HGS and Deena Mack (Senior Development Officer at Hopkins), as well as his brothers, Tim Mack '95 and Peter Mack '99. It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate Bill's achievements and the Mack family, a true Hopkins legacy!

The following provides background information on Bill and his career, as printed in the Fall 2013 issue of Views from the Hill.

When students expressed an interest in selecting a young neurosurgeon as a Hopkins Fellow, Dr. William J. Mack IV ’92 (Bill) immediately came to mind. The selection committee needed only to read his credentials to know they had the right person for the job! Dr. Mack will be honored as a Hopkins Fellow on Friday, April 25, 2014. He will speak to the Hopkins community at assembly, interact with students in classroom presentations, and be honored at a luncheon. Bill is a neurosurgeon who focuses on vascular diseases of the brain. His major areas of interest are stroke, brain aneurysms, carotid artery disease, and vascular malformations. He performs both open surgical and minimally invasive procedures to treat cerebrovascular disorders.

Bill is also the director of the Cerebrovascular Laboratory at the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute of the University of Southern California. He has received numerous local, regional, and national grants in support of his research efforts. His scientific interests are focused on stroke treatments. Using the information and experience gained in the laboratory, Bill is working to develop new technologies, techniques, and therapies to directly improve the clinical care administered to stroke patients. Bill received his Bachelor's degree with honors from Cornell University and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He then attended Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he graduated with honors from medical school and completed Neurosurgical residency training. During residency, he spent one year performing a post-doctoral cerebrovascular research fellowship. Following residency, he completed a Neuroendovascular Surgery fellowship at UCLA. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Clinical and Biomedical Investigation.

When not operating on brains, Bill spends his time with his wife, Courtney, his son, Jacob (3 1/2 years), daughter, Daniella (almost 2 years) and newborn son, Charlie. They enjoy walks with their dog, playing sports, going to the park, and skyping with their grandparents.