In this powerful episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol — one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons, pioneer of 30+ minimally invasive brain procedures, founder of the globally renowned Neurosurgical Atlas, and recipient of the Wilhelm Magnus Medal (the highest honor in neurosurgery).
With over 7,500 complex brain surgeries performed and more than 100,000 patients impacted by his work, Dr. Cohen-Gadol opens up about the deep humanity, discipline, and spiritual grounding required to operate on the organ that defines who we are.
From escaping Iran at 17 as a Persian Jew, to reshaping modern neurosurgical techniques, to launching Atlas AI — an unprecedented medical AI tool built on peer-reviewed science — this conversation goes far beyond medicine. It’s about resilience, purpose, excellence, and the emotional weight of life-and-death responsibility.
If you’re fascinated by human potential, innovation, spirituality, or the psychology of high performance, this is a must-watch conversation with one of the most extraordinary minds in modern medicine.
🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding
In this interview, you’ll learn:
The unbelievable story of how Dr. Cohen escaped Iran at 17 to build a new life in America
Why he believes resilience is the true foundation for greatness
How neurosurgery became his life’s calling — and why he sees it as art, not work
The emotional and spiritual toll of giving (and taking away) hope
How minimally invasive brain surgery is revolutionizing patient outcomes
The origin of the Neurosurgical Atlas — now the “Bible of Neurosurgery” worldwide
How Atlas AI is transforming medical decision-making with peer-reviewed precision
The balance between ambition, faith, family, and legacy
His advice to young doctors, creators, and anyone chasing personal excellence
In this interview, we discuss:
2:28 Journey From Tehran to the United States
3:54 The Importance of Resilience
8:18 Balancing Tradition and Innovation
14:55 The Emotional Toll of Neurosurgery
28:47 Technological Advances in Neurosurgery
32:12 Minimally Invasive Techniques
33:28 The Neurosurgical Atlas: A Global Resource
35:58 Atlas AI: Revolutionizing Medical Knowledge
38:46 Common Reasons for Brain Surgery & Symptoms to Watch For
40:43 Awake Brain Surgery: Benefits and Challenges
41:45 The Resilience of the Brain
43:15 Advice for Aspiring Brain Surgeons and Final Thoughts
Episode Resources:
Neurosurgical Atlas: https://www.neurosurgicalatlas.com
Atlas AI: https://www.atlasmeditech.com/
https://www.instagram.com/aaroncohengadol
https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation
https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding
https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation
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