Michael Lim, M.D.

Neurosurgeon


Professor of Neurosurgery and, by courtesy, of Radiation Oncology (Radiation Therapy), of Medicine (Oncology), of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) and of Neurology

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Biography


Dr. Lim is the Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery and a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in brain tumors and trigeminal neuralgia.

Dr. Lim’s clinical interests include the treatment of benign and malignant brain tumors, with special interest in gliomas, meningiomas, metastatic tumors, and skull base tumors. Dr. Lim also specializes in surgical treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. During his time at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Lim built one of the largest brain tumor and trigeminal neuralgia practices and utilized the most advanced surgical technologies and techniques for his patients. As a passionate voice for patient experience, he has been recognized by his peers and patients for his integrity and compassionate care, including a Service Excellence Award from HealthNetwork Foundation.

As a mentor, he has garnered numerous teaching awards, including being honored as an outstanding teacher by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is actively involved in shaping education for neurosurgery and oncology across the United States and around the world. He is the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Abhijit Guha Award in Neuro-Oncology.

Dr. Lim’s research interests focus on harnessing the immune system to fight cancer. His laboratory focuses on understanding mechanisms of immune evasion by cancer cells. He has successfully translated his findings from the laboratory to the clinics and has conducted and led several large national immunotherapy clinical trials for brain tumors.

Dr. Lim’s bibliography contains well over 300 articles on topics such as immunotherapy for glioblastoma, long-term survival of glioma patients treated with stereotactic radiation, and treatment of neuropathic pain. His work has appeared in Science Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Research, Lancet Oncology, Nature Immunology, and many more publications. He also has written 20 book chapters and monographs.

Dr. Lim is a world leader in immunotherapy for brain tumors. In addition to being invited world-wide to give lectures and seminars, he has given platform presentations on the topics of immunotherapy for brain tumors, neurosurgical techniques and management of brain tumors at the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, Radiological Society of North America, Annual Symposium on Brain and Spine Metastases, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and other meetings. In addition, he has served as platform chairman of the CNS session at the American Society for Clinical Oncology conference.

Dr. Lim is a member of the American Society for Clinical Oncology, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and Society for Neuro-Oncology. Dr. Lim served as the program co-chair of the Society for Neuro-Oncology and CNS section of the American Society for Clinical Oncology. He also served on many executive committees, including the Executive Committee for the Joint Tumor Section of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Professional Summary


Education & Certifications
  • Residency: Stanford University Dept of Neurosurgery (2007) CA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery, Neurosurgery (2012)
  • Medical Education: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2000) MD

Honors & Awards
  • Abhijit Guha Award, AANS/CNS Section on Tumors and Society of Neuro-Oncology (September 2023)

Memberships
  • Co-Chair, SNO Scientific Program Committee (2018 - 2020)
  • Member, NCI Brain Malignancy Steering Committee (2021 - Present)

Publications

Clinical Trials

Practice Locations


Facial Pain Program at the Neuroscience Health Center Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

213 Quarry Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 497-7777

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Brain and Spine Tumor Center at Stanford Neuroscience Health Center Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

213 Quarry Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 497-7777

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Skull Base Surgery at the Neuroscience Health Center Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

213 Quarry Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 497-7777

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

CyberKnife Program at the Neuroscience Health Center Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

213 Quarry Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 725-0084

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Stanford Neuroscience Health Center Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

213 Quarry Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 723-6469

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Neurosurgery Program Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

Pituitary Center Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

Patient Ratings

(101 Ratings)

Overall Rating
4.9/5

View Ratings by Category

5.0/5
Friendliness
Friendliness/courtesy of the care provider
4.9/5
Explanations
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.9/5
Listens
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.9/5
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your treatment
5.0/5
Recommended to others
Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others

How Our Ratings Work

The Patients Ratings and comments are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety.

Patient Satisfaction Survey Disclaimer

Patient Reviews

(129 reviews)

Excellent provider. Very pleased with Dr. Lim and Elizabeth.
Great doctor!!
The doctor was very easy to talk with and kept telling my best friend and I how honored he was to be providing medical care to me.
From first arrival, staff were attentive & compassionate.
Super nice and trust worthy surgeon
professional, capable, kind
Very nice man, very professional and extremely well-versed in his specialty. He was polite and easy to talk to, and did not rush the conversation as many doctors do. Thank you, Dr. Lim.
Everyone I met was very nice and caring.
Excellent experience. Thank you Stanford Health and Doctor Lim.
Excellent, intelligent, nice, and caring physician..
Highly recommend Stanford health care. Dr. Michael Lim and NP Elizabeth Lee genuinely care for their patient and it shows as they take the time to explain process/ procedures as well as listening and answering all our questions.
Dr. Lim and staff made me feel comfortable and cared for
Vert good
Very helpful and cordial
Dr Lim very thorough and engaged
He is very caring and listens and has helped me very much.
1st class all the way. My son is a 2009 graduate and I was pleased then. First time at the medical campus and I am more pleased than I was then.
Dr. Lim is the epitome of professionalism. I have dealt with scores of Doctors related to my condition.. Dr. Lim is the first to build 100% confidence and trust
I couldn’t have asked for a more expert, professional, and yet kind neurosurgeon!
Dr. Lim, I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me virtually and address my concerns. I am incredibly grateful for you looking into my case and consulting with your colleague about my concerns. Your staff has moved very quickly at getting all the follow up appointments scheduled, which is very much appreciated. Look forward to meeting you in person soon!
Excellent Doctor!!
Dr. Lim is a great physician.
Very generous, caring and talented.
Caring, kind, attentive. Explaining upcoming surgery to me.
Michael Lim is a terrific doctor. Perhaps the best I have encountered.
Prior to meeting with Dr. Michael Lim, I learned of his expertise, stellar reputation, his passion for research, and commitment to his work. I knew that my husband was in very capable hands for his 3rd GBM resection. In addition to his surgical skills, I appreciate Dr. Michael LIm's kind and thorough manner of communication. When speaking Dr. Lim to our family and friends, I describe him as "The' Mr Rodgers' of Neurosurgeons." I hope this does not offend, I mean this as a compliment and hold Dr. Micheal Lim in the highest regard.
Very informative and kind
He is an amazing Dr. Kind, caring, understanding, etc. Best doctor/surgeon I've ever had!
He is the vet best of the best neurosurgeons.
Not only Dr. Michael Lim is a highly skillful doctor, he also instills hopes and confidence in patients. His mannerisms are so down to earth, I am amazed that a world famous doctor could be so humble!
Thank Dr. Lim, it's a great video visit.
An amazing Dr and person. Very grateful to have had the opportunity to speak w him.
Dr Lim explained my condition as well as treatment options very well. He was very personable. I felt very comfortable speaking with him.
Dr. Michael Lim is extremely compassionate, nurturing, and quite caring about his patience, and it is a pleasure to work with him…. In fact, I am grateful, he is my neurologist monitoring the fourth ventricle brain tumor above my brain stem…
Good communicator with an agreeable, gentle demeanor.
Continues to be an excellent listener of his patients as well as an advocate for them to expeditiously receive timely care in their complex medical management. I would highly recommend Dr. Michael Lim because of his professionalism, friendliness, good listening skills and ongoing advocacy on behalf of his patients' ongoing medical and emotional well being.
He was very thorough and succinct and very compassionate.
Great, caring, professional
Excellent experience. Given the opportunity to be heard and understood. Included in reviewing the plan as to what I was hoping to have done.
He is very nice & good Doctor .
Dr Lim patiently answered all my questions and put me at ease. Kelli Jew also spent time going over all my concerns and prepping me for my discussion with Dr Lim. It is the most competent care team I’ve ever experienced.
I felt very comfortable with him
Dr. Lim seems like a compassionate person he is intelligent and presents him self well
Very kind, helpful and understanding.
Dr. Lim is a very busy man and I appreciate the fact that he makes the time to connect with me personally. Thank You Dr. Lim!!!
The doctor and his team were very clear and helpful
Dr. Lim was clear, knowledgeable, and very straight forward. I thought the interview was a success.
Extremely helpful
VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND SEEN AS EXPERIENCED AND CONFIDENCE DOCTOR
Dr. Lim is always cheerful and optimistic. He listens carefully, then makes a decision on what to do next.
He is a great doctor.
I am very impressed by the rapid response time from Stanford staff! I am even more impressed by the kindness and respect with which I was handled! Stanford should be very proud! From a patient's point of view, I am amazed that each and every individual who talked with me was so kind and respectful!
Extremely knowledgeable and very personable!!!!
Excellent doctor
Very through, compassionate and confident. Happy he will be my doctor.
He and his team are amazing, I couldn’t ask for a better team to help me navigate my healthcare.
Learned a lot
Dr. Lim is a fantastic, compassionate provider. Highly recommend!
Very friendly, considerate, compassionate, and overall wonderful experience.
Very empathetic. Answered all questions.
Dr Lim and his staff are amazing, kind and compassionate
Caring, relatable, explains situation, an over-all excellent doctor.
I am grateful to you and will always be.
He's very articulate, which i enjoy about a surgeon. He takes time to explain up coming surgery, he takes his time does not rush through the apt. Very comforting.
Dr Lim is the very best provider in the world in my opinion. His counsel, follow up and care exceeds anyone I have ever met. The ease in which Stanford allows access to him is exceptional and I wish all health care systems provided the same. I am humbled that one of the best neurosurgeons in the entire country did my surgery, continues to follow up as needed and that Stanford makes accessing top Tier healthcare so accessible to all patients. A model guide for modern healthcare solutions. Couldn’t be happier.
My thanks and gratitude
If you have to be at a dr visit or hospital for for surgery. Im at 9 !! Stanford is the only place and only professionals i want to be with.. They are so wonderful.
Dr Lim is the best!
A wonderful, caring doctor!
Dr. Michael Lim addressed all my questions and conditions regarding my condition. He is very thorough and straightforward in his approach which was helpful to me.
Thank you for helping me uderstanding my healing process not to give up.
He was very thorough and explained his rationales. He was extremely kind and I greatly appreciated his hope and optimism.
Thank you for being patient and answering questions in ways that made me feel I was taken care of & that you wished for my best (including recommendation about other 2nd opinion surgeons).
He was caring, helpful and assured me he could help me. I liked him very much and feel confident in his care and expertise. Look forward to the surgery!
It was FANTASTIC getting to see and speak with you about my new scan. You have REALLY helped to calm my mind/nerves about it all, I knew that you would. I am forever grateful for what you have done and continue to do for me! I just cannot thank you enough!
Very Friendly and very knowledgeable
Very compassionate, great listener and thorough. Highly recommend Dr. Lim.
His professionalism, demeanor and knowledge are impeccable. An absolute asset that has changed the lives of so many
Dr. Michael Lim is an excellent neurologist, and extraordinarily patient oriented professional, and I would highly recommend him to anyone I know who may have neurological issues… Dr. Lim is simply first rate!
Very thorough with questions being taken by staff and consulted with the doctor before his consultation.
Dr. Lim is #1 in the world. His team is outstanding.
I was highly impressed with Dr. Lim’s clear to the point discussion of my issue. I felt respected and regarded by Dr. Lim. I was at peace and very relieved to be in the hands of a highly regarded Dr. at a superlative hospital.
Dr Lim and his office is the core reason I visit stamford. He is one of the most thorough and caring providers.
Caring knowledgeable gentle
Clear communication!
Dr. Lim is amazing!!!!
Gave an overall possible plan if symptoms don’t resolve
I’m so grateful to Dr Lim and his team!
He is a very nice and caring physician. He answered all of my questions and concerns. Excellent doctor overall.
Thank you for the complimentary zoom visit!
The personal are very sweet
Dr. Michael Lim is extraordinarily compassionate. I never feel rushed in my appointments with him, and it feels that he makes every effort to listen to and address all of my concerns, and explains all of the possible treatment options in an easy to understand way.
I really appreciated how relational Dr. Lim was during our video visit. He was thorough, empathetic, honest, and remained approachable even when the topic was over my head.
Very thankful for my appointment with Dr. Lim & his team.
Dr. Michael Lim is the best doctor of my life.
Dr. Lim has an excellent side manner. He explains everything in a way that I can understand and is careful to answer questions and make me feel at ease. I trust him. He is a miracle worker!
He is amazing, and his team is A++++ too!
Dr. Lim is a thorough and kind doctor. He provides all the information in an easy to understand matter. He is always willing to answers any and all questions. I am continuously happy with care he provides.
Very nice and helpful!
Both doctors and their staff were Top notch
He is very kind
It was an absolute perfect experience. I have already recommended Dr. Lim and his staff to others.
Great doctor who I believe cares about his patients and improving their health and well being.
Dr. Lim was incredibly informed before we met. The appointment was succinct, efficient and I left with a high degree of confidence about the options that were presented to me.
Dr. Lim is so compassionate and caring to his patients - his goal is to give you the best care possible and for you to have the best quality of life. Have never encountered a physician with such personal attention and availability- thank you Dr. Lim you have demonstrated what a Dr. Should do for his patients - treating them as individuals and not just the next patient! May God bless him and his entire staff
He is a phenomenal doctor that goes above and beyond for his patients. He is what the definition of healthcare should be
Whatever you are paying him you should double! He is an excellent surgeon, but beyond that he is an exceptional person. When we talked it was obvious he was listening to what I was saying and I believe he genuinely cares for his patients. For me that is rare, my typical experiences with other neurosurgeons have been frustrating and left me feeling unheard. Dr. Lim should be the the bar that others hope to rise up to that level. Great surgeon and an exceptional person!
Dr Lim was very Kind and companionate, Helped me to understand what I should do next.
Dr. Liam was friendly, professional, and answered all of my questions.
Amazing doctor and staff, wish I lived closer.
Dr. Lim seems to be a very caring and thoughtful surgeon. I felt comfortable discussing my diagnosis with him and have a great sense of trust in his capabilities to provide superior care. He presented the options clearly so I feel I can weigh each in order to decide which treatment path to follow.
Dr. Lim and Elizabeth have GREAT compassion and respect for us.
Every single person I encountered was so nice! Great service.
He's amazing!
Wonderful doesn't adequately cover it. Getting quick appt (Thank you!), then an Outstanding Dr! . Need a new category like "Super Amazing"
Dr Lim was very helpful and resourceful. I appreciated his compassion.
Absolutely the best Surgeon. He gave me my life back.
Excellent visit Dr. Lim is very kind and caring along with being very knowledgeable.
It was an excellent visit with Dr. Lim. Dr. Lim changed my life that I can live painfree for the first time in over a decade. His compassion and care are beyond reproach. Elizabeth Lee and Kelli Jew have been amazing as well and share that same spirit. The whole Stanford team is outstanding and made me feel very comfortable with every visit. I highly recommend Stanford Hospital!
I found Dr. Lim to be extremely personable and knowledgable. His demeanor is very reassuring and his self-confidence and intention to help his patients as much as he possibly can, while doing no harm, is evident in the clear and honest answers he gave to my questions and concerns. I felt that he gave me his full attention throughout the consult. I am certain that if I choose to proceed with any surgical intervention to treat my condition that I will feel as confident as possible by choosing Dr. Lim.
Dr. Michael Lim is a very caring compassionate and knowledgeable individual. He is a blessing to the medical field
He’s an amazing physician. He explains the information very well and is sure to check for understanding before continuing.
Very helpfully and insightfully
Dr Lim is most caring and professional medical expert I have been experienced. I live in east coast and used to be a patient his tenure in Johns Hopkins. I was very sad when he left for Stanford but he happily agreed to be my doctor in Stanford. I am very happy and satisfied with his service and Stanford is very fortunate to have a medical professional like Dr Lim in its faculty member.
Dr Lim is the highest caliber doctor and physician and surgeon, and the best neurosurgeon in the world
Very nice and respectful. He answered all my questions, he made me feel very comfortable before and after my procedure.
Excellent, caring doctor who takes the time to address patient's concerns.
I am very pleased with Dr. Lim . HE HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL TO ME. Being from Fresno it was nice to be able to do a video follow up.
I am following Dr Michael Lim across the continent. I have been his patient since 2018 when he was in John Hopkins. I did research online and found out great comments on him. My three years experiences echoed that. I can’t thank him more for taking me as his patient since then. Amongst all the stress and frustration that I have to seek help from a neurosurgery department. One lucky thing is that I am in good hands of Dr Lim. He is professional and compassionate. He is super talented. But you know when you talk to him , his decision is around your well being instead of showing off his talent and skills. Don’t ask me why I say this. I talked to other doctors prior to seeing Dr Lim. Thank you Dr Lim!

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