L. Nelson Hopkins: A Legacy of Excellence

Dear Jacobs School Community,

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of our esteemed colleague, L. Nelson “Nick” Hopkins, MD,  this weekend. A true pioneer in neurosurgery, Dr. Hopkins was known for his groundbreaking research, innovative surgical techniques and commitment to patient care. His work in treatment of cerebrovascular disease and cross-specialty collaboration profoundly impacted our institution and the broader medical community.

As a founding figure in endovascular treatment for neurovascular disorders, Dr. Hopkins redefined vascular neurosurgery in stroke management and lesion stenting. His innovations in endovascular surgery set the benchmark for therapeutic intervention, and he trained a new generation of neurosurgeons in catheter-based technology for minimally invasive surgery.

His legacy lives on in the many successful neurosurgeons he mentored and his immeasurable impact on the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. For over three decades, people from around the world came to UB to learn from Dr. Hopkins, a professor of neurosurgery and radiology, who chaired the Department of Neurosurgery from 1989 to 2013.

Dr. Hopkins was dedicated to mentoring the next generation of neurosurgeons. His guidance, expertise and passion inspired countless students and residents, shaping them into skilled and compassionate professionals.

In 2019, Dr. Hopkins received the Chancellor Charles P. Norton Medal, UB’s highest honor. He was named SUNY Distinguished Professor of neurosurgery and radiology in 2018.

Dr. Hopkins was a leading advocate for global revascularization, a procedure designed to improve blood flow to the carotid artery and reduce the risk of stroke. Dedicated to enhancing outcomes for patients with vascular disease, he was a frequent faculty member at national and international symposia. Additionally, he hosted annual multidisciplinary seminars with industry leaders to discuss and address complications associated with minimally invasive catheter-based interventions.

Dr. Hopkins was a strong believer in interdisciplinary collaboration. He played a key role in establishing UB's Canon Stroke and Vascular Research Center and developed a new model for multidisciplinary care of vascular disease. Working with experts globally, he helped design and launch the Gates Vascular Institute (GVI) and the Jacobs Institute (JI). He served as chairman of the GVI board, president and CEO of the JI and its Center for Innovation in Medicine, and chief scientific officer of the JI.

Nationally, Dr. Hopkins served on the board of directors of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the executive committee of the Stroke Council of the American Heart Association. He was the scientific and annual meeting chairman for both the AANS and Congress of Neurological Surgeons, former chairman of the Joint Section on Cerebrovascular Surgery, and president of the American Academy of Neurological Surgery. He was the principal investigator of several national clinical trials and authored over 300 publications on stroke prevention and treatment.

After completing his undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, Dr. Hopkins earned his medical degree cum laude from Albany Medical College. His post-graduate training included a surgical internship at Case Western Reserve, followed by neurosurgical training at UB.

As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his wife, Bonnie, and his family during this difficult time. We will share information about services for Dr. Hopkins as soon as it become available. 

With deepest sympathy,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Vice President for Health Sciences and
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
University at Buffalo