Ehsan Dowlati1, Jin Ye Yeo2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; 2ASJ AME Publishing Company
Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. ASJ Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: asj@amegroups.com
This interview can be cited as: Dowlati E, Yeo JY. Meeting the Editorial Board Member of ASJ: Dr. Ehsan Dowlati. AME Surg J. 2025. Available from: https://asj.amegroups.org/post/view/meeting-the-editorial-board-member-of-asj-dr-ehsan-dowlati.
Expert introduction
Dr. Ehsan Dowlati (Figure 1) is a current fellow in skull base and open cerebrovascular neurosurgery at Northwell Health. He completed his neurosurgery residency at Georgetown University, followed by an endovascular neurosurgery fellowship at the University of Michigan. He holds an MD from the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha in recognition of his academic excellence. He also earned a Master of Science in Biotechnology and a Bachelor in Neuroscience, both from Johns Hopkins University.
A leader in his field, Dr. Dowlati has held key positions, such as serving on the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Resident Committee and contributing to various academic and clinical committees. His research interests include endovascular, skull base, open vascular, neuro-oncology, and neurocritical care. He has published extensively, contributing to over 70 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and presentations at national and international conferences.
Dr. Dowlati’s dedication to advancing neurosurgery is evident through his numerous awards, including the Amy and Ed Knight Neurosurgery Research Award and the String of Pearls award for his consistent recognition for excellence in teaching. He is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the North American Skull Base Society, and the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery.
Figure 1 Dr. Ehsan Dowlati
Interview
ASJ: How did your early education shape your interest in neurosurgery, particularly in the areas of endovascular and cerebrovascular surgery?
Dr. Dowlati: From a young age, I was drawn to problem-solving disciplines such as mathematics and the sciences, which naturally led me toward medicine. I had an interest in the mind and neurosciences. As I progressed through my education, I became particularly fascinated by neuroanatomy and the intricate relationship between physiology and brain function, and eventually obtained a degree in neurosciences. During medical school, my exposure to neurosurgical cases solidified my passion for this field. I was captivated by the ability to intervene in real time during critical situations, whether through open microsurgical techniques or minimally invasive endovascular approaches. The precision required in cerebrovascular surgery, combined with its rapidly evolving technological advancements, resonated with my intellectual curiosity and technical skill set.
ASJ: As a fellow in skull base and open cerebrovascular neurosurgery at Northwell Health, what are some challenges and complexities of these highly specialized surgeries, and how do you overcome them?
Dr. Dowlati: Skull base and open cerebrovascular neurosurgery present some of the most technically demanding challenges in neurosurgery due to the intricate anatomy, limited surgical corridors, and the high stakes involved in preserving critical neurovascular structures. These surgeries require meticulous preoperative planning, advanced microsurgical skills, and a deep understanding of both vascular and skull base anatomy. For skull base tumors, such as meningiomas or schwannomas, the proximity to the cranial nerves and major vessels requires a careful balance between maximizing tumor resection and preserving function. In open cerebrovascular cases, such as aneurysm clipping or bypass procedures, one has to achieve adequate exposure while avoiding ischemic complications. I depend on my mentors and peers to get through these challenging cases. Additionally, working within a multidisciplinary team—including neuro-otologists, plastic surgeons, and interventional neuroradiologists—enhances surgical outcomes by integrating expertise across specialties. The ability to adapt, think critically in high-risk situations, and continuously refine surgical techniques is key to overcoming the complexities of these procedures.
ASJ: You have contributed to over 70 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and presentations. Could you share some of your most significant research findings, particularly in the areas of cerebrovascular surgery and neuro-oncology?
Dr. Dowlati: My research in cerebrovascular neurosurgery has highlighted the efficacy of endovascular techniques for treating complex cerebrovascular pathologies, including dural arteriovenous fistulas and aneurysms, particularly in cases where conventional open surgery poses higher risks. I have also published in the popularized middle meningeal artery embolization techniques for chronic subdural hematomas. I have co-authored research on novel treatment paradigms for glioblastoma, including targeted immunotherapy and CAR-NK cell therapies, which are paving the way for personalized medicine in neuro-oncology.
ASJ: What advancements in endovascular neurosurgery do you find most exciting right now, and how do you see these innovations improving patient outcomes in the future?
Dr. Dowlati: Endovascular neurosurgery is undergoing a transformative period with several groundbreaking advancements that are reshaping how we treat cerebrovascular diseases. The most exciting innovations right now revolve around bioactive and surface-modified flow diversion devices, which have significantly improved aneurysm healing while reducing thromboembolic complications. Another is the use of the endovascular shunt for the treatment of communicating hydrocephalus. Looking ahead, I see endovascular neurosurgery becoming even more minimally invasivewith the integration of robotics for precision-controlled interventions, whichwill continue to push the field forward. These innovations will allow us to treat more patients safely, expand the indications for intervention, and ultimately improve neurological outcomes in ways we previously thought impossible.
ASJ: As a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Resident Committee, how do you think neurosurgery education is evolving, and what improvements would you like to see in training programs for future neurosurgeons?
Dr. Dowlati: I was a member of the Resident Committee until 2024, where I was involved with developing a fellowship directory as well as helping with social media outreach for residents. Some evolutions I see include:
Early Subspecialization Opportunities: Given the increasing complexity of neurosurgical subspecialties, there is a need for earlier exposure to focused areas such as endovascular neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery, and skull base surgery. Allowing residents to develop niche expertise earlier—through tailored rotations, fellowships, or even dual-training pathways—could produce better-prepared subspecialists while still maintaining core neurosurgical competencies.
Enhancing Work-Life Balance and Wellness in Training: Neurosurgery remains one of the most demanding medical specialties, and burnout among trainees is a growing concern. While maintaining rigorous training standards, programs should emphasize resident wellness, structured mentorship, and support systems to ensure longevity in the field. Addressing fatigue, mental health, and work-life balance can help foster resilient and highly effective neurosurgeons.
ASJ: As an Editorial Board Member of ASJ, what are your expectations and aspirations for the journal?
Dr. Dowlati: I hope to help bring quality research to the journal. I am committed to ensuring that ASJ maintains rigorous peer-review standardsand prioritizes research that has a tangible impact on clinical practice. My focus is on promoting studies that offer novel surgical techniques, high-quality evidence-based approaches, and cutting-edge innovations in neurosurgery and spine surgery.