Donald Quest

Donald O. Quest (born November 20, 1939) is a J. Lawrence Pool professor of neurosurgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where he also serves as an assistant dean for student affairs.

Early life and education
Quest was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the first child in the family to attend college and earning Navy scholarship to the University of Illinois to study mathematics. Following graduation, in 1961, he joined the United States Navy in Vietnam. He was reassigned to be a single-engine fighter pilot position at the USS Kitty Hawk, serving as such from 1963 to 1966. While serving, Quest managed to study physics and chemistry, and following the service, passed MCAT entrance exam, to become a physician in one of two medical schools. The options for him was either to join the University of California, San Francisco or Columbia University Medical Center. After making his decision on choosing Columbia, Quest spent studying neurosurgery under guidance from Bennett Stein at the Columbia Neurosurgery Department.

In 1970, Quest earned his MD degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and was an elected member of the Alpha Omega Alpha fraternity. After graduation from Columbia, Quest did his training in surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital for a year, and then was its resident until 1972. Between 1972 and 1975 Quest worked as neurological surgeon at the Neurological Institute of New York at the NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital and until 1976 served as its chief resident. He then returned to Columbia to work as a neurosurgeon with J. Lawrence Pool, who trained him further.

Career
Upon completion of his training, Quest became an assistant professor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, for two years, before returning to Columbia, where he joined the faculty of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, eventually becoming professor of clinical neurosurgery in 1989. From 1991 to 1993, Quest served as vice chairman of the department of neurological surgery, a position which he retained again in 1997. His other appointments include, being a servant of the executive committee of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons from 1978 to 1988 and since 1987 serving as scientific program chairman, treasurer and president of the Congress.

Since 2006, Quest serves as president of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and prior to it served as president of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons.

Honors

 * Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
 * Member of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (1987)
 * Cushing Medal (2012)
 * Gold Medal for Meritorious Service (2015)
 * Donald O. Quest Award (established by him)