R. Shane Tubbs, PhD, MS, PA-C
Professor of Neurosurgery; Professor of Structural & Cellular Biology; Anatomical Research Director, CNRC; Surgical Anatomy Director, Tulane School of Medicine
Biography
Dr. R. Shane Tubbs is a clinical anatomist and practiced in pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for 25 years. Dr. Tubbs’ research interests are centered around what his lab has termed “reverse translational anatomy research,” where clinical/surgical problems are identified and addressed with anatomical studies. This investigative paradigm has resulted in over 2,100 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Tubbs’ lab has made novel discoveries in human anatomy and many anatomical feasibility studies from his lab have been used by surgeons from around the world.
He has been a visiting professor to major institutions in the U.S. and worldwide and has trained over 100 international research fellows in his lab. Dr. Tubbs has authored/edited over 60 books including Gray’s Anatomy Review, Gray’s Clinical Photographic Dissector of the Human Body 1st-3rd editions, Netter’s Introduction to Clinical Procedures, Anatomy for Plastic Surgery of the Face, Head, and Neck, Nerves and Nerve Injuries volumes 1 and 2, A History of Human Anatomy, the 5th through 9th editions of Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy and Bergman’s Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Human Anatomic Variation. He is an editor for the 41st and 42nd editions of Gray’s Anatomy and now the co-editor-in-chief of the 43rd edition, Dr. Tubbs serves as the editor-in-chief of the journal Clinical Anatomy, which is the official journal of the American and British Associations of Clinical Anatomists and is the current President of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA).
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. R. Shane Tubbs has been selected as the recipient of the 2025–2026 Teaching Scholar Award.
This distinguished honor recognizes a faculty member who has made an exceptional and lasting impact on the educational mission of the School of Medicine through excellence in teaching, innovation, mentorship, and educational scholarship. Dr. Tubbs exemplifies these qualities through his remarkable dedication to medical education. A nationally and internationally recognized clinical anatomist, he has taught and mentored thousands of learners across the continuum of medical training and has played a key role in advancing anatomy education through innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, and widely used educational resources. His commitment to student success, passion for teaching, and ability to connect foundational science to clinical practice have had a profound and lasting influence on our learners and the broader medical education community.
As Dr. Tubbs often tells his students, “Learn the material until it is irreversibly yours.” This philosophy reflects his enduring impact as an educator and mentor.
In recognition of this achievement, Dr. Tubbs now joins the Society of Teaching Scholars, an esteemed group of educators who continue to shape and support excellence in teaching at Tulane.
