Robert H. Wilkins, MD, who served as the director of academics for the Department of Neurosurgery, passed away on Friday, March 31st.

Dr. Wilkins was a giant in the field of neurosurgery, founding the journal Neurosurgery in his garage and watching it grow to become the leading academic neurosurgery journal. He led the Division of Neurosurgery at Duke from 1976-1996, and after retiring there in 2004, he joined the UNC Neurosurgery faculty in 2012 with a focus on teaching and academics. In addition to his many academic and philanthropic accomplishments, Dr. Wilkins was thoughtful, dedicated and a true gentleman. UNC Neurosurgery will greatly miss him and his leadership.

A memorial service for Dr. Wilkins is planned at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 in the Hugh Chapin Auditorium in Galloway Ridge at Fearrington, located at 3000 Galloway Ridge Road in Pittsboro, NC.

Read more about Dr. Wilkins’ life and accomplishments.