Introduction

Dr. Mario Zanaty is a dual-trained neurosurgeon-scientist. He earned his medical degree and a Maîtrise in Bioscience from Saint Joseph University in Beirut, followed by research training at Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and pursued advanced fellowships in complex cranial surgery at SAMG Boise; open and endovascular neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University; and complex cranial surgery at both Bergmannstrost Klinikum in Halle (Saale) and the University of Tübingen in Germany.

As Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery at the University of Iowa, Dr. Zanaty leads a research program focused on the central autonomic network (C.A.N.) and its role in interoception, blood pressure, and heart rate regulation. His team develops innovative neuromodulation strategies aimed at autonomic regulation and improving outcomes for stroke patients. With numerous publications in leading journals and presentations at international conferences, Dr. Zanaty continues to advance the field of neurovascular care through a unique combination of scientific inquiry and surgical expertise.

Current Positions

• Assistant Professor - Neurosurgery
• Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery 

Education

• Maîtrise (BS) in Bioscience, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
• MD in Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
• Preclinical Fellow in Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
• Neurosurgery Resident, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
• Fellowship in Open Vascular and Open Skull Base Enfolded, Saint Alphonsus Trinity Hospital, Boise, Idaho
• Fellowship in Open/Endovascular, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Fellowship in Open/Endovascular and Skull Base, Halle Saal and Tubigen, Germany

Licenses & Certifications

• Certificate in Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
• Iowa Board of Medicine

Professional Memberships

• American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)
• Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS)

Graduate Program Affiliations

• Neuroscience

Center, Program, and Institute Affiliations

• Iowa Neuroscience Institute

Research Interests