Michael Link MD

Dr. Michael J. Link, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, internationally recognized for his expertise in skull base surgery, cerebrovascular neurosurgery, brain tumor surgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery. He serves as Professor of Neurosurgery and Professor of Otolaryngology at Mayo Clinic and holds the Charles B. and Ann L. Johnson Professorship in Neurosurgery.

After earning his medical degree from Mayo Medical School, Dr. Link completed a general surgery internship and neurosurgical residency at Mayo Clinic, followed by a fellowship in Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Cincinnati. He joined the Mayo Clinic faculty in 1999 and has developed an internationally respected practice focused on the treatment of complex skull base tumors, acoustic neuromas, cerebrovascular disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and other challenging neurosurgical conditions.

Dr. Link's research centers on improving outcomes for patients with skull base disorders through advanced microsurgical techniques, Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery, and quality-of-life research. He has led long-term studies evaluating treatment outcomes for acoustic neuromas and has contributed extensively to research on brain tumors, cavernous malformations, and functional neurosurgical disorders. His work aims to develop safer, more effective therapies while enhancing patients' long-term functional recovery and quality of life.

A respected educator and leader in neurosurgery, Dr. Link has served as President of the North American Skull Base Society and has held numerous leadership positions within the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He is also Program Director of the Mayo Clinic Neurosurgical Oncology Skull Base Fellowship and has received multiple Teacher of the Year awards in recognition of his dedication to mentoring the next generation of neurosurgeons. He has authored approximately 400 peer-reviewed publications and continues to advance the field through clinical innovation, education, and research.