Professor Leon Lai

Overview

Professor Leon Lai is a leading Melbourne-based neurosurgeon specialising in cerebrovascular and skull base surgery. He has performed over 1,700 major brain operations, including treatment of aneurysms, AVMs, cavernomas, and complex skull base tumours. Known for his precision and calm approach, Professor Lai is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based care for patients with high-risk cranial conditions.

He completed his neurosurgical training in Australia, holds a PhD in aneurysm microsurgery, and undertook advanced leadership training at Harvard Medical School. He also holds an MBA in Health Leadership.

Professor Lai is Deputy Director of Neurosurgery at Monash Health and a Professor in the Department of Surgery at Monash University. He trains future neurosurgeons, serves as an examiner for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and leads a $1.3 million NHMRC-funded project applying artificial intelligence to improve outcomes in neurosurgery. He is advancing clinical decision support through translational research, participates in multicentre randomised controlled trials, and leads an investigator-initiated RCT at Monash Health, reinforcing his commitment to evidence-based innovation in neurosurgery.