From British Columbia to the Bayou: Dr. Aaron Dumont’s Journey to Neurosurgical Leadership
From humble beginnings to leading one of the most innovative academic neurosurgery departments in the country, Dr. Aaron Dumont’s journey is both inspiring and impactful. Dumont serves as Associate Dean and Vice President of Health System Clinical Affairs and Chair of Neurosurgery at Tulane University School of Medicine, and he's a nationally recognized leader in neurological surgery.
Raised in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Dumont grew up in a close-knit family as the middle of three boys. His parents, both schoolteachers, instilled in him the values of resilience, education, and hard work. His mother was born prematurely while in a World War II internment camp, and his father’s family had immigrated from France to Canada—experiences that deeply shaped his understanding of perseverance and purpose.
Dr. Dumont’s interest in medicine began early, first sparked by his family physician and later nurtured by outstanding high school teachers in chemistry and biology. A pivotal moment came when he shadowed a plastic surgeon, solidifying his decision to pursue medicine. During this time, he was also introduced to the brain and the fascinating field of neuroscience, which would ultimately shape his career path.
He went on to train under renowned neurosurgeon Dr. John A. Jane during residency and fellowship. Dr. Dumont then served in a leadership role at Thomas Jefferson University, where he was one of 26 neurosurgeons on staff. Following Hurricane Katrina, Tulane University sought to rebuild its neurological surgery program—and found in Dr. Dumont the right leader whose values and expertise aligned with their vision.
Since becoming chair, Dr. Dumont has focused on building a faculty and staff team united by a shared vision and committed to creating a culture that is collaborative, resilient, and self-perpetuating. Reflecting on his leadership philosophy, Dr. Dumont shared, “I've always tried to leave a place, a situation, or a circumstance better than the state it was in when I started.” He added, “The future for neurosurgery at Tulane is very bright, and I think we're going to see great things to come. I hope to be a contributor—at least in a small part—to that.”
