We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Arnold H. Menezes, M.D., Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Menezes was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, where he attended Topiwala National Medical College at Bombay University, graduating in 1967. He completed his neurosurgical training at the University of Iowa in 1973 under George Perret, MD, and Carl Graf, MD, and followed this with a fellowship in pediatric neurology under William Bell, MD. He joined the University of Iowa faculty in 1974 and remained there throughout his distinguished career, continuing to care for patients until the very end.
Over five decades at Iowa, Dr. Menezes became an internationally recognized authority on disorders of the craniovertebral junction and skull base. His pioneering work defined the natural history and management of congenital, developmental and acquired abnormalities of the craniovertebral junction. Blending expertise in pediatric neurosurgery, spine and skull base disorders, he created a unique clinical practice with a major focus on congenital and acquired conditions of the developing spine.
Dr. Menezes authored hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, wrote foundational textbooks on craniovertebral junction abnormalities and delivered numerous presentations throughout the U.S. and abroad. He was a founding member of the North American Skull Base Society and played a key role in developing the first practical, “hands-on” spinal surgery courses in the United States. His commitment to education extended worldwide, as he helped establish training programs across the world. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, the University of Iowa established the Arnold H. Menezes Chair in Neurosurgery in 2016. He later received the Franc D. Ingraham Award for Distinguished Service and Achievement in 2019 from the AANS/CNS Section on Pediatric Neurological Surgery.
More than anything, Dr. Menezes was a devoted teacher and mentor. He inspired generations of residents and fellows through his humility, meticulous surgical approach and dedication to excellence. His influence lives on in the countless surgeons he trained and the patients whose lives he transformed. He and his wife, Dr. Meenal A. Menezes, were also pillars of the University of Iowa and Iowa City communities. Among other contributions, they generously created and endowed multiple philanthropic funds. These include a fund to provide financial assistance to low-income patients and families who experience extenuating non-medical costs related to the care journey. Another fund was created to support University of Iowa medical students in developing experience in global health.
Visitation was held Friday, November 14, 2025, from 5–7 pm (Rosary at 4:30 PM) at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City.
