In Memoriam: Dr. Michael Groff, Neurosurgeon

Dr. Michael Groff, a distinguished neurosurgeon and esteemed colleague, tragically passed away in a plane crash in Copake, New York, on April 12, 2025. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Joy Saini, their two children, Jared and Karenna, and their partners, all of whom also perished in the accident. Dr. Groff was an associate professor of neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School and served as the executive medical director of neuroscience at Rochester Regional Health. ​Times Union

Dr. Groff's contributions to the field of neurosurgery were profound. His clinical expertise encompassed complex cervical spine surgery, spinal oncology, intradural spinal cord tumors, and minimally invasive procedures. He was deeply involved in research focusing on spinal biomechanics and health services, aiming to enhance patient outcomes. ​Becker’s Spine Review

Beyond his clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Groff was a dedicated educator and mentor. He played a pivotal role in developing guidelines for spinal fusion procedures, collaborating with peers to advance evidence-based practices in neurosurgery. ​U.S. News Health

Dr. Groff was a former chair of the AANS/CNS Spine Section and was highly involved in organized spine surgery. He was an advocate for spine surgeons and patients and was passionate about raising funds for research to improve spine care.

“Mike Groff’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to patient care, his contributions to neurosurgical education, and his leadership within the medical community,” said Zoher Ghogawala, MD, NASS Past President. “Michael was a good friend. He was the type of person who gave sound advice and was trusted by many. Residents who trained under him will always recognize and appreciate the extraordinary amount of time that he would take to teach them in the OR”.

NASS Executive Director Eric Muehlbauer, MJ, CAE stated, “Dr. Groff he was an esteemed member of NASS’ Payer Policy Review Committee as well as our Governance Committee. He was always very thoughtful and responsive. In remembrance of Dr. Michael Groff, we honor his impact on all of us. He was a loving father and husband and was rightfully very proud of his family. His wife and all three of his children are very accomplished in their own right. Mike was a good man, and his impact on the field will endure, inspiring future generations of neurosurgeons.”