In Memoriam: Dr. David Kline
Dr. David Kline, retired chair of the department of neurosurgery, died on September 20, 2024, in South Carolina. Dr. Kline dedicated his life to advancing the field of neurosurgery, particularly in peripheral nerve surgery.
Dr. Kline received his A.B. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1956 and his MD in 1960. His illustrious career began at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and Walter Reed General Hospital, where he established a peripheral nerve injury research laboratory. He completed his neurosurgery training at the University of Michigan under Edgar Kahn and Richard Schneider, and further developed intraoperative methods for evaluating nerve lesions in Elizabeth Crosby's laboratory.
In 1967, Dr. Kline joined the LSU School of Medicine and became head of the division of neurosurgery in 1971. He was appointed professor of surgery in 1975 and became chairman of the newly founded Department of Neurosurgery in 1976. His exceptional contributions were recognized in 1995 when he was named Boyd Professor, one of only eight such professors at LSUHSC.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kline trained 41 neurosurgeons and over 60 fellows in peripheral nerve surgery. His leadership extended to numerous professional organizations, including:
- Secretary and President of the New Orleans Neurologic Society
- Founder, Secretary, and President of the Louisiana Neurosurgical Society
- Secretary and President of the Southern Neurosurgical Society
- Secretary and Chairman of the American Board of Neurological Surgery
- Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Society of Neurological Surgeons
- Founding member of the Sunderland Society
- Corresponding or Honorary member of the American Association of Hand Surgery, Canadian Neurosurgery Society, and the German Neurosurgery Society.
“He was a giant in all respects, whose dedication to teaching, learning, and patient care left an immeasurable legacy. His towering presence in our field will be felt for generations to come. I am honored to follow in his stead and hold the Chair endowed in his name,” said current department head Dr. Frank Culicchia and David G. Kline Professor.
Dr. Kline's contributions to the field were widely recognized. He received the Cushing Medal, the highest recognition from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, in 2006. He was also awarded the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Founders Award and the NSA Gold Medal. A prolific author, Dr. Kline published over 350 articles and chapters, along with two books. He served on numerous editorial boards, shaping the discourse in neurosurgery for decades.
Dr. Kline's passing marks the end of an era in neurosurgery. His legacy lives on through the countless surgeons he trained, the patients he treated, and the advancements he made in the field. He will be deeply missed by his wife Nell, and children Susan, Robert, and Nancy, colleagues at LSUHSC, and the entire neurosurgical community.
His obituary can be read here.