Dr. Eelco F. Wijdicks is a distinguished neurologist and internationally recognized authority in the specialized field of neurocritical care. He currently serves as Professor of Neurology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and has been Chair of the Division of Critical Care and Hospital Neurology since 2003. After earning his medical degree from the University of Leiden in 1980, he completed his fellowship training at Mayo Clinic in 1992, establishing the foundation for his pioneering career. Dr. Wijdicks has dedicated his professional life to advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological emergencies, transforming what was once a niche area into a recognized medical subspecialty with standardized protocols and training programs.
Dr. Wijdicks pioneered the establishment of the Mayo Clinic Neurocritical Care Program in 1992, creating one of the nation's first comprehensive systems for managing patients with life-threatening neurological conditions. His seminal research on the diagnosis and management of acute brain injuries, particularly in the areas of brain death determination and hepatic encephalopathy, has fundamentally reshaped clinical practice guidelines worldwide. His influential publications, including multiple textbooks on neurocritical care, are considered authoritative references that have been translated into numerous languages and cited extensively throughout the medical literature. The protocols he developed for neurological assessment in critical care settings have been adopted by hospitals across the globe, significantly improving outcomes for patients with severe neurological emergencies.
Beyond his clinical and research achievements, Dr. Wijdicks has been instrumental in establishing neurocritical care as a formal medical subspecialty through his leadership roles in professional organizations including the Neurocritical Care Society. He has mentored countless neurologists and critical care specialists who now lead programs at major medical centers throughout the world, creating a lasting legacy of excellence in neurological critical care. His 2022 Distinguished Educator Award from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science recognizes his profound impact on medical education in this specialized field. Dr. Wijdicks continues to advance the science of neurocritical care through ongoing research, editorial work for leading medical journals, and development of innovative approaches to complex neurological emergencies, ensuring continued progress in patient care for the most vulnerable neurological patients.
