Pascal O. Zinn, MD, PhD, joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery in 2019. He is an assistant professor and director of the adult neurosurgical oncology program. Dr. Zinn has undergone subspecialty training in tumor biology and neurosurgical oncology at the Dana-Farber Harvard Cancer Institute and the MD Anderson Cancer Center in state-of-the-art, patient-tailored treatment paradigms.
At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Dr. Zinn is the principal investigator of a molecular biology laboratory, studying approaches in personalized tumor treatments and patient care.
Dr. Zinn strongly believes in the individuality of every patient and is an expert in patient-tailored treatment approaches throughout the course of diagnosis (imaging/biopsy), possible surgical tumor removal/medical management, and follow-up.
Dr. Zinn likes spending time with his patients and their families walking them through this seemingly complex treatment course through discussion, counseling, and review of evidence-based medicine approaches, thus reaching the very best—and most personalized—treatment plan.
Dr. Zinn's' publications can be reviewed through the National Library of Medicine's publication database.
Specialized Areas of Interest
Board Certifications
American Board of Neurological Surgeons
Hospital Privileges
Professional Organization Membership
Professional Activities
Education & Training
- MD, University of Zurich, Switzerland, 2007
- Research Fellowship, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 2012
- PhD, University of Lausanne, Switzerland, 2012
- Research Fellowship, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, 2015
- Neurosurgery Residency, Baylor College of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019
Honors & Awards
- Natus Award, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 2022
- Faculty Teaching Award, University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurosurgery, 2022
- Kinjiro Iwata Award for excellence and leadership in residency training, Baylor College of Medicine, 2019
- Caroline Ross Endowed Fellowship for outstanding achievements and dedication in the field of brain cancer research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018
- Rosenblum-Mahaley Clinical Research Award, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 2018
- Resident Award, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 2018
- Runner-Up Oral Platform Presentation Competition, Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, 2017
- National Brain Tumor Society Mahaley Award, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 2016
- Kinjiro Iwata Academic Award, Baylor College of Medicine, 2016
- Journal of Neuro-Oncology Award, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 2015
- William R. Cheek Award, Texas Children’s Hospital, 2015
- Best Oral Platform Presentation Award, American Society of Neuroradiology, 2015
- Best Scientific Poster Award, American Society of Functional Neuroradiology, 2014
- Kinjiro Iwata Academic Award, Baylor College of Medicine, 2013
- Best Scientific Poster Award, American Society of Functional Neuroradiology, 2013
- Travel Award, European Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2013
- Best Oral Platform Presentation Award, American Society of Neuroradiology, 2012
- Journal of Neuro-Oncology Award, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 2012
- The Thomas H. and Mayme P. Scott Fellowship in Cancer Research Award, 2012
- Poster Award, MD Anderson Brain Tumor Center Retreat, 2011
- First Prize, Clowes Visiting Professor Research Competition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 2010
- Cold Spring Harbor Course on Brain Tumors Scholarship, American Brain Tumor Association, 2010
- Swiss National Science Foundation two-year fellowship, Harvard Medical School, 2009
- Socrates-Erasmus Scholarship, 2004
- Acceptance to Swiss Army Special Forces: Honors in Marksmanship, Combat, Commando, and Fit Test, 2000
Research Activities
The Molecular Tumor Biology and Personalized Precision Therapy Lab, under the direction of Dr. Zinn, focuses on patient-centered care for brain and spinal tumors. Every patient is unique and so is every tumor; therefore, a personalized precision approach is fundamental to the treatment of tumors.
Utilizing humanoid brain disease models, Dr. Zinn replicates the patient’s condition in the laboratory and thus studies how tumors form and how tumors can be treated using tumor genetics precision approaches.
Media Appearances
What Wendy Rieger learned from Washington
Washington Post
December 27, 2021
Wendy Rieger: ‘I'm Just Gonna Go Back to Chasing Life'
nbcwashington.com
July 20, 2021
Wishing Wendy Well
nbcwashington.com
June 11, 2021
Couple brought flooded Braesvalley neighbors to their high-and-dry house
Houston Chronicle
May 11, 2018.