James D. Prokop, MD Lecture in Neurosurgery

The James D. Prokop, MD Lecture in Neurosurgery series was founded by Mrs. Katherine Prokop in honor of her late husband James D. Prokop, MD a prominent and beloved faculty member in the Department of Neurosurgery for many years. The annual lecture usually takes place in late April or May and features a prominent Neurosurgeon chosen by the residents. The lecture also provides an opportunity for faculty and residents to meet with the speaker, share their research ides, and gain valuable insight. This year marked the inaugural James D. Prokop Lecture in Neurosurgery with Edward Chang, MD from UCSF as the inaugural speaker.

James D. Prokop, MD graduated from Yale University in 1955, and then from the Yale School of Medicine in 1959. Following his training Dr. Prokop practiced neurosurgery for his entire medical career.

Dr. Prokop was a true son of Yale, a “double blue,” an active member of the Medical School Class of 1959 for a myriad of alumni activities, and service to the Association of Yale Alumni Executive Board, as well as a delegate to the Yale University Assembly, representing the School of Medicine. The Class of 1959 considers Mrs. Katherine Prokop a true member of their class, and she regularly attends their class reunions and other special occasions.

Mrs. Prokop is a retired attorney and during her illustrious career served as senior counsel to several corporations. She earned her B.A. from Smith College and her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Mrs. Prokop has been a close friend to the Department of Neurosurgery for more than 20 years. Mrs. Prokop has been active in helping the School of Medicine plan and orchestrate a series of very successful lectures, symposiums and social events in her hometown of Greenwich CT.