UTSW Honors the Career of Dr. Bruce Mickey
Revered by patients and colleagues alike for his precision and compassion, Bruce Mickey, M.D., retired this past February after a 36-year career at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Recognizing his impact, the institution named him a Professor Emeritus of Neurological Surgery.
“I’m grateful to receive the honor,” Dr. Mickey said when UT Southwestern announced his emeritus position. “Nothing that I have done was the product of my work alone. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped me along the way, who helped me help other people.”
At the time of his retirement, Dr. Mickey was a Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery. In honoring his legacy while carrying on UT Southwestern’s excellence in patient care, research, and education, the University announced the establishment of the Bruce Mickey Chair of Neurological Surgery.
New endowed Chair honors neurosurgeon’s legacy
Endowed chairs are the gold standard for recruiting and retaining distinguished faculty and for supporting academic endeavors. Chairs not only elevate the holder but also honor, in perpetuity, the person they are named after. Recognizing the continued contributions of senior-level faculty as well as providing funds to push the frontiers of medicine are key functions of this endowed position.
A Louisiana native who earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Harvard College, Dr. Mickey graduated from UT Southwestern Medical School in 1978. After completing his internship and residency at the institution, he joined the Medical Center’s faculty.
Credited with creating surgery programs for brain and pituitary tumors as well as epilepsy, Dr. Mickey established and served as Director of the Annette G. Strauss Center for Neuro-Oncology. He also held the William Kemp Clark Chair in Neurological Surgery and led efforts to build and support the Neurosurgery resident training laboratory.
“Dr. Mickey’s legacy is defined by his passion for delivering outstanding clinical care and his commitment to teaching the next generation of neurosurgeons to do the same,” said Nader Pouratian, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at UT Southwestern. “I have been overwhelmed by the number of his patients and trainees who have taken the time to personally let me know the impact he has had on their lives.”
Donations to the endowed fund to honor Dr. Mickey can be made by contacting the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 214-648-2344 or visiting engage.utsouthwestern.edu.
Dr. Pouratian holds the Lois C.A. and Darwin E. Smith Distinguished Chair in Neurological Surgery.
