Dr. Daniel A. Donoho is a leading pediatric and adult neurosurgeon whose clinical expertise and innovative work in surgical data science have positioned him as a key figure in the global surgery landscape. He specializes in the treatment of complex neurological conditions such as brain tumors, pituitary tumors, spinal tumors, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, Chiari malformation, and craniocervical spinal disorders. Dr. Donoho's clinical focus extends to pediatric neurosurgery, including fetal neurosurgery and endoscopic surgery for skull base tumors.
His global health impact is rooted in the Surgical Data Science Collective (SDSC), a nonprofit he founded to revolutionize the sharing of surgical data, particularly through the use of surgical video. SDSC connects surgeons and researchers worldwide to collaborate, share techniques, and advance the field of surgery, especially in resource-limited settings. Through SDSC, Dr. Donoho works to make cutting-edge surgical knowledge and practices accessible to medical professionals across the globe, improving patient outcomes regardless of location.
Research & Advocacy Efforts
Dr. Donoho's research centers on surgical data science, with an emphasis on video-based surgical education and the global dissemination of surgical techniques. He advocates for the integration of data-driven approaches in surgical education and patient care, believing that the sharing of surgical videos can bridge gaps in knowledge and practice, especially in low-resource environments.
Dr. Donoho is also deeply committed to the global mission of expanding safe surgical access, with a focus on neurosurgical procedures in underserved regions. His work emphasizes the importance of training and collaboration across borders to improve surgical outcomes and patient safety, with a particular focus on pediatric neurosurgery and brain/spinal surgeries.
Funding
The Surgical Data Science Collective (SDSC) has garnered significant support to drive its mission forward. Through partnerships with academic institutions, hospitals, and international surgical organizations, SDSC is able to fund its global initiatives. This includes the creation of open-source platforms for sharing surgical data and the development of educational programs aimed at improving surgical techniques worldwide.
Dr. Donoho’s advocacy for global surgery also extends to securing funding for surgical training programs, particularly in low-resource settings, and for building research infrastructure in global surgical communities.
Educational Background & Clinical Training
Dr. Donoho holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Dartmouth College and earned his MD from SUNY-Stony Brook, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. His early research focused on clinical neuroendocrinology, specifically growth hormone replacement and oxytocin function.
He completed his neurological surgery residency at the University of Southern California, where he also pursued a fellowship in endoscopic, minimally disruptive surgery for skull base tumors. Dr. Donoho then advanced his expertise in pediatric neurosurgery through a fellowship at Texas Children's Hospital. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics at George Washington University, and a practicing neurosurgeon at Children’s National Hospital.
Industry Relationships and Collaborations
Dr. Donoho’s work is supported by various global and academic partnerships. Notably, the Surgical Data Science Collective (SDSC) collaborates with over 270 surgeons across 59 countries. SDSC also works with 30 research partnerships and a network of 35+ researchers to drive new discoveries in surgical data science.
SDSC is a proud member of the G4 Alliance, which supports global access to safe surgery and advocates for surgical infrastructure in underserved regions. Additionally, Dr. Donoho maintains active relationships with hospitals, universities, and surgical societies to foster the global exchange of knowledge and practices in neurosurgery.
Accolades & Recognitions in Global Health/Surgery
Dr. Donoho’s contributions to global surgery and surgical data science have earned him significant recognition. He is known for his leadership in making surgical knowledge accessible and for his advocacy in expanding safe surgery to underserved populations. His work with SDSC has been instrumental in creating a platform that brings together surgeons and researchers from all corners of the globe.
In addition to being recognized as a leader in pediatric neurosurgery, Dr. Donoho’s efforts have brought him recognition within the global surgery community for his work in surgical education and data science. He continues to be a strong advocate for collaborative global health initiatives and for improving the standards of surgical care worldwide.