BYRON POLK STOOKEY, an outstanding clinician and teacher, served as Di
rector and Chief of Neurosurgery at the Neurological Institute of New
York Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. Highlights of his clinical
contributions include improved peripheral nerve and spine surgery and
subtemporal trigeminal nerve section for tic douloureux. Through diver
se activities in both the political and academic arenas of patient car
e, education, and research, Stookey helped to build and strengthen neu
rosurgery between the world wars and helped to prepare the foundation
for the accomplishments of recent decades.