By the decision of the Academic Council of the Institute of Neurosurgery dated September 26, 2025 (Minutes No. 17), the academic title of “Honorary Professor” was conferred upon Professor James Rutka.
This honorary title recognizes Professor Rutka’s outstanding achievements in global neurosurgery and neuro-oncology, his exceptional contributions to the development of brain tumor surgery in both children and adults, as well as his longstanding support of the Ukrainian neurosurgical school. Professor Rutka’s many years of collaboration with Ukrainian physicians, along with his participation in joint scientific programs, lectures, and educational initiatives, have made a significant contribution to improving the standards of neurosurgical care in Ukraine.
Biography of James Rutka
• Birth and Background: James Rutka is a Canadian neurosurgeon, born on January 14, 1956, in Toronto, Ontario.
• Education:
— Graduated from Princeton University.
— Received his medical degree from Queen’s University.
— Completed a PhD in Experimental Pathology at the University of California, San Francisco.
— Underwent clinical and research training, including in Japan.
• Career:
— Since 1990, he has worked in the Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto, affiliated with The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).
— He founded the first brain tumor research laboratory at SickKids, focused on the molecular biology of pediatric and adult tumors.
— In 1997, he took part in establishing the Arthur & Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre — one of the largest neuro-oncology centers in the world.
— In 1999, he became a Professor of Neurosurgery and later was appointed the Dan Family Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery.
— From 2011 to 2022, he served as the RS McLaughlin Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto.
• Scientific Activity:
— He has published hundreds of scientific papers on topics including brain tumors, epilepsy, and the molecular biology of neurosurgery.
— In 2014, he became Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS), the first Canadian neurosurgeon to hold this position.
• Honors:
— He has received numerous prestigious awards, including fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada.
— In 2015, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to brain research and neurosurgery.
— In 2020, he received the Hetman Ivan Mazepa Cross from the President of Ukraine for his contributions to humanitarian and medical support for Ukraine.
Contribution to Ukrainian Neurosurgery
James Rutka has had a significant impact on the development of neurosurgery in Ukraine:
1. Medical Missions and Surgeries
— Rutka has visited Lviv and other Ukrainian cities multiple times with a team of neurosurgeons from SickKids Hospital.
— During these visits, he performed complex surgeries on children, consulted Ukrainian physicians, and shared his expertise.
— He organized master classes and lectures for Ukrainian neurosurgeons.
2. Equipment and Technology
— In 2014, Rutka donated a neuroendoscope worth $86,000 to the Lviv Children’s Hospital, greatly improving the capacity for minimally invasive pediatric surgeries.
— Such donations enhance the technological capabilities of Ukrainian neurosurgery and improve access to modern treatment methods.
3. Educational Collaboration
— Through exchange programs between SickKids and Ukrainian hospitals (including Lviv and the Romodanov Institute), Canadian specialists—Rutka among them—provide mentorship to Ukrainian neurosurgeons.
— As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Neurosurgery, he supported access to scientific publications for Ukrainian doctors.
— Translation initiative: under his encouragement, leading JNS articles in neuro-oncology were translated into Ukrainian for a special issue of the Ukrainian Neurosurgical Journal.
4. Professional Development and Cultural Connection
— With his Ukrainian heritage, Rutka emphasizes the importance of cooperation between Canada and Ukraine in medicine.
— His efforts strengthen not only clinical care but also the training system for young Ukrainian neurosurgeons, enabling the transfer of knowledge and integration of modern techniques into local hospitals.
Significance of His Contribution
• Thanks to Rutka, Ukrainian pediatric neurosurgery has gained access to advanced surgical technologies and equipment (endoscopy, neuronavigation, microsurgery).
• His educational programs accelerated professional development among Ukrainian neurosurgeons through training, master classes, and scientific exchange.
• He helps build a bridge between the Ukrainian and international neurosurgical communities, improving patient care in Ukraine and enabling Ukrainian physicians to stay informed about the latest scientific advances.
• His charitable contributions (including equipment donations) have had a direct impact on the treatment of children in Ukraine and on the development of local neurosurgical centers.
