John W. Engstrom

[(Author photo)]With considerable admiration and satisfaction, Seminars in Neurology welcomes Dr. John Engstrom as Guest Editor for this issue dealing with spinal disorders. Dr. Engstrom was born in Pomona, California. He is currently professor of clinical neurology, and holds the title of the Betty Anker Fife Chair in Neurology at the University of California San Francisco. He also serves as vice chairman of his department and is the director of the neurology residency program, the outpatient services, and also director of the spine and nerve service. Dr. Engstrom views his most important professional activity as the establishment, maintenance, and enrichment of the optimal teaching environment for his neurology residents.

He received his bachelor of science degree from the University of California Davis in genetics and his M.D. degree from Stanford. Dr. Engstrom is board certified in internal medicine, having completed full internal medicine residency training at Johns Hopkins. He then trained in neurology at the University of California San Francisco, where he served as chief resident prior to joining the faculty. He is board certified in neurology as well, has added qualifications in neurophysiology through the ABPN, and is also certified by the AAEM.

Dr. Engstrom has made a huge contribution in sharing his great wealth of knowledge with medical students and residents (as well as full professors in neurology) throughout his career. He received the teaching award from the medical students at the University of California in 1988; was awarded ``Outstanding Leadership in Clinical Preceptorship'' by the Class of 1992 and the teaching award from the second year medical students in 1991; was nominated multiple times for the Kaiser Award for Excellence in Teaching; and was voted outstanding clinical teacher for neurology residents in 1992. In 1997 he received the Maria Dixon Award for Medical Student Advocacy, and in 2002 was chosen to serve as the Visiting Professor of Neurologic Education at the Mayo Medical School.

Neurologists can reach him live by attending one of his courses at the American Academy of Neurology annual meetings. He directs the medical myelopathies course and participates in a variety of spine, neuromuscular, and internal medicine/neurology courses at the academy. Those who have had the good fortune to sit in the audience and listen to John lecture know that he ``has it''-that special something that allows one to hook up with the audience, determine what they know and don't know, and educate in a fashion that stimulates thinking, inhibits narcosis, and leaves the audience walking out with pockets full of new pearls that can be translated into a better clinical practice for our patients as well as new gifts for our own students and residents. He has the right blend of humor, wisdom, and experience, and a communication arsenal that sits behind his very kind face as he shows that he really cares about the learning experience for all those in the audience. The kindness element should not be minimized. As we all realize, the kindness element is a truly important feature of the role models for the future neurologist, and it is difficult to imagine a better role model than Dr. Engstrom.

In addition to the high-powered academic lectureships and presentations, he is also found doing brown-bag community lectures, coordinating the ``Take Your Daughters to Work Day,'' and presenting a workshop on ``The Brain'' at local elementary schools.

Dr. Engstrom has authored a stack of peer review articles, book chapters, and electronic materials.

Dr. Engstrom is married to Frances H. Engstrom, a physical therapist. Their two children are Erica (14) and Kelsey (9). His hobbies are senior-style basketball, hiking, and following his children around to their school activities (sports, plays, etc.).

The topic of spine disorders represents a vast arena comprising common and very important disorders, many of which are unrecognized, improperly diagnosed, and inadequately managed. I have always felt that neurologists over the years have tended to become less and less focused on spine disorders. The whole ``territory'' seems to float as an island between the continents of orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and neurology. My sense is that neurology should take more responsibility for running this island as there are so many patients living on it-this island of spinal disorders-many of whom have chronic and progressive problems that need attention. For that we will be forever grateful for John Engstrom's expertise and interest in the topic, and his commitment to promoting, enhancing, and enriching the knowledge and capability of his colleagues in neurology so as to better serve our patients. John, we greatly thank you for your time and effort, and that of your distinguished colleagues, for this remarkable compendium.