Consultant Neurosurgeon
John M Duff, MD
Specialising in complex spinal and cranial conditions, with over 35 years of surgical experience. Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Consultations available in English and French · Les consultations sont disponibles en anglais et en français
Not sure if your symptoms need attention? Find out when to seek help Get in TouchMeet Dr Duff
Dr John Michael Duff
Dr John Michael Duff is a specialist neurosurgeon with expertise in complex spinal surgery and the treatment of conditions affecting the spine and nervous system. In this short presentation, Dr. Duff introduces himself, his clinical approach, and his areas of expertise.
Watch the video →Professional Memberships
You're in Good Hands
Experienced surgeon and active member of leading medical associations
Background & Credentials
Qualifications & Certifications
An extensive training pathway spanning four countries and leading institutions worldwide
Education & Training
Medical Degree
▼
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) — Ireland
General Surgical Training
▼
Halsted Residency, Johns Hopkins Hospital — USA
Neurosurgical Residency
▼
Mayo Clinic, Rochester — USA
Paediatric Neurosurgery Registrar
▼
Westmead Children's Hospital, Sydney — Australia
Skull Base Surgery Fellowship
▼
George Washington Hospital — USA
Senior Clinical Appointment
▼
Senior Fellow in Microsurgery in Geneva University Hospital — Geneva, Switzerland
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery — Tufts University / New England Medical Centre, Boston, MA, USA
Chief of Neurosurgery — Saint Elizabeth's Medical Centre, Boston, MA, USA
Staff Neurosurgeon, Head of Spinal Neurosurgery — CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
Neurosurgical Private Practice — Clinique de Genolier, Switzerland
Head of Department of Neurosurgery — Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, UAE
Board Certifications
Board Certification in Neurosurgery
▼
American Board Certified Neurosurgeon — United States
European Board Certification in Neurosurgery
▼
European Association of Neurological Surgeons
EANS →
FMH Equivalence Certification in Neurosurgery
▼
Switzerland
FMH →
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
▼
Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
▼
Surgical Robotics & Patent
▼
Named Inventor — U.S. Patent 9,833,292 B2
Robotic System and Method for Spinal and Other Surgeries
Patent →Chapter 01
Early Career & Training
Born and raised in Dublin, Dr. Duff graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1988 and completed his internship at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. He subsequently pursued general surgical training as a Halsted Resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, before undertaking a full neurosurgical residency at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, where he developed a particular interest in spine and skull base surgery.
Chapter 02
Academic & Research Career
In July 2000, Dr. Duff joined Tufts University as Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, also serving as Chief of Neurosurgery at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston. A named inventor on US Patent 9,833,292 B2, he was part of the team that developed a surgical robot at EPFL, Lausanne — technology now integrated into clinical use worldwide.
Chapter 03
Clinical Leadership
Returning to Switzerland in 2004 as Chief Physician for Spinal Neurosurgery at the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Dr. Duff became one of the rare neurosurgeons to perform in excess of 4,000 complex spine surgeries. He served as Chairman of the Spine Section of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies from 2019–21 and has been a sought-after invited speaker at national and international conferences for over 15 years.
Chapter 04
Today — Dubai
Since August 2024, Dr. Duff serves as Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai. Drawing on a career spanning Ireland, the United States, Australia, and Switzerland, he offers patients in the region access to world-class, highly specialised neurosurgical care. Dr. Duff welcomes consultations at Mediclinic City Hospital and internationally, in English and French.