Eccentric neurosurgical virtuoso: the life and times of William Sharpe

Abstract

William Sharpe was an intriguing figure in the history of American neurosurgery. He was an extraordinarily bright and gifted man who led a flamboyant, colorful, and unconventional life. He had an international impact on the field of neurosurgery during the first half of the 20th century, yet few practicing neurosurgeons know his name. In this report, the authors discuss Sharpe’s contributions to neurosurgery along with the remarkable quirkiness that came to define his professional and personal life.