Donald Frederick Dohn

On August 16, 2026, Donald F. Dohn, M.D., celebrated his 101st birthday. It was an occasion for not just lighting candles —but also celebrating a legacy that shaped the very foundation of modern neurosurgery.

Don died on September 1, 2026.

He was born in Buffalo, New York. After serving in the U.S. Army, he earned his medical degree from the University of Buffalo. He then trained under Dr. Walter Hamby and Dr. W. James Gardner at the Cleveland Clinic. More than 45 neurosurgeons and fellows passed through his tutelage as he helped formalize the educational structure of neurosurgical residency.

Don Dohn was one of the very few neurosurgeons in history to have served as president of both the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (1971) and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (1975). He had a deep belief in the power of organized neurosurgery to improve care through shared ideas and collective progress.

In 1981 he left the Cleveland Clinic for private practice in Pascagoula, Mississippi, only to be called back to launch the neurosurgical program at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Fort Lauderdale.

He happily retired to Fairhope, Alabama with his beloved wife, Carolyn. He spent his years flying planes, sailing the Gulf, traveling, and enjoying his ever-growing family. He played a key role in the development of the Eastern Shore Trail and was an avid supporter of Rails-to-Trails.

Don had three children: David (Linda Gillam), Douglas (Connie) and Deborah Roffe (Kirby), nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. To all, he was a cornerstone of family. A mentor. A visionary.

The family gives their sincere gratitude to Roberta Simpson, Karen Madeja, and Lucia Ortutova as well as the caregivers of ACG Hospice of Foley, Alabama and of Comfort Keepers of Daphne, Alabama for their compassionate care and support.

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