Dr. David Gellinger Kline

Dr. David G. Kline, MD, FAANS(L), a trailblazer in the field of neurosurgery and one of the foremost authorities on peripheral nerve injuries, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20th, at the age of 89, surrounded by his beloved family. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to neurosurgery, Dr. Kline's career reshaped how nerve tumors are treated and injuries repaired, leaving an enduring legacy that has improved the lives of patients worldwide.

Dr. Kline's humanity and compassion, as much as his brilliance as a surgeon defined his life and career. Patients, colleagues, and students alike knew him not only as an expert in the operating room but also as a man of great humility. His passion for excellence and personal care for his patients were hallmarks of his practice, reflecting his deep commitment to easing suffering and restoring quality of life.

Over the course of five decades, Dr. Kline became the undisputed leader in the surgical treatment of peripheral nerve tumors and injuries, often taking on cases that others deemed too complex. His pioneering techniques in intraoperative electrophysiological assessment set new standards in the field, restoring nerve function for countless patients. He authored or co-authored seminal works, including Atlas of Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Nerve Injuries, and published over 400 papers, establishing himself as a cornerstone in medical literature.

Dr. Kline's medical journey began with undergraduate studies in chemistry and medical training at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a neurosurgical residency at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His interest in peripheral nerve injuries was sparked during his service in the U.S. Army at Walter Reed General Hospital. In 1967, he joined the LSU School of Medicine, where he rose to become Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, a position he held for 35 years, mentoring 36 residents and 70 fellows from around the world. His influence as a teacher was as profound as his surgical expertise, and he passed on his values of kindness, honesty, and meticulous care to the next generation of neurosurgeons.

Dr. Kline's contributions to the field were widely recognized. In 1995 LSU Dr. Kline was named an LSU "Boyd Professor," the university's highest faculty honor, one of only eight such professors at the LSU Medical Center. He received the Cushing Medal, the highest recognition from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, in 2006. He was also awarded the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Founders Award and the NSA Gold Medal.

Dr. Kline was a member of numerous neurosurgical societies at the local, national, and international levels, serving in various leadership roles including Secretary and President of the New Orleans Neurologic Society; Founder, Secretary, and President of the Louisiana Neurosurgical Society; Secretary and President of the Southern Neurosurgical Society; Secretary and Chairman of the American Board of Neurological Surgery, Treasurer; Vice President, and President of the Society of Neurological Surgeons; Corresponding or Honorary member of the American Association of Hand Surgery; Canadian Neurosurgery Society; the German Neurosurgery Society and Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Notably, he was a founding member of the Sunderland Society, which now includes worldwide nerve experts who meet to discuss the latest research.

Despite his many accolades, Dr. Kline's true essence shone through during moments of crisis. When Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005, Dr. Kline remained at Charity Hospital, providing care to patients under the most extreme conditions. With power outages, flooding, and limited resources, he led his team with unwavering resolve, offering life-saving treatments in the face of adversity. His courage and dedication during those dark days are remembered as a testament to his commitment to his profession and humanity.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Kline was an avid sailor, a Master Gardener, and a devoted volunteer within the Episcopalian church. His love for life extended to nurturing his garden, his faith, and the bonds he shared with his family. Dr. Kline's kindness, intellectual curiosity, and humility left an imprint not only on the medical community but on all who knew him. After his retirement from Neurosurgery, he spent periods in Blowing Rock devoting his time to becoming a Master Gardener, volunteering at Daniel Boone Native Gardens, and serving on the Board of Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Nell Levey Kline, his children Susan Kline Aviles, Robert Kline and his wife, Denise Wang-Kline, Nancy Kline Rathman and her husband William Rathman II, his stepchildren Mary Shay and her husband Nick Shay and Michael Furman and his wife Alexandra Burnsides, and ten grandchildren. While his passing is a great loss to the world of neurosurgery, Dr. Kline's legacy endures through the lives he touched and the medical advances he championed.

A memorial service will be held at St Mary's Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock at 11:00 am on November 23. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LSUHSC's David G. Kline, MD Endowed Chair in Peripheral Nerves (https://give.lsuhealthfoundation.org/klineChair) or Daniel Boone Native Gardens (https://gift.kindest.com/dbgardens). Dr. Kline's work, spirit, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.