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Shih-Chun Lin

Shih-Chun Lin, MD, PhD

Brain and Tumor NeurosurgerySkull Base SurgerySpine SurgeryNeurosurgery

Accepting New Patients

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Young Adult 18-25
  • Adult 26-64
  • Older Adult 65+

Languages

  • Chinese - Mandarin
  • English

Gender

Male

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Shih-Chun Lin

Professional Titles

  • Chair-Elect/Vice Chair, Medical Staff, Suburban Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Former Chair, Department of Surgery, Suburban Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Division Chief of Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery, National Capital Region
  • Chief of Neurosurgery, Suburban Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Primary Academic Title

Associate Professor of Clinical Neurological Surgery

Johns Hopkins Physician

Logo for Johns Hopkins Physician

Background

Shih-Chun (David) Lin, M.D., is a neurosurgeon with Johns Hopkins Neurosurgery in Bethesda, Maryland, as well as an associate professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 

Dr. Lin offers neurosurgical care to patients with brain or spine diseases. He was the first to introduce several procedures to Suburban Hospital, including endoscopic pituitary surgery, endoscopic extended skull base surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, neurosurgical complex spinal instrumentation surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery and microvascular decompression for cranial nerve compression syndrome, such as trigeminal neuralgia. He also has clinical expertise in MRI- and CT-guided surgical navigation. Dr. Lin typically treats brain tumors, spinal tumors, pituitary tumors, spinal stenosis, herniated intervertebral disc, skull base tumors, encephalocele, and skull base CSF leak (rhinorrhea or otorrhea).

Dr. Lin graduated first place from National Taiwan University College of Medicine, earning his medical degree at the age of 21, the youngest in Taiwan’s history. He then served as a medical/surgical officer in the 206th Infantry Division for the Taiwan Army. He received his Ph.D. in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University, awarded Phi Beta Kappa and Paul Ehrlich Research Award for his academic and research achievements. Dr. Lin completed his neurosurgical residency at Stanford University Medical Center, where he gained experience in the latest surgical technologies, such as endoscopic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, computer-guided surgical navigation and stereotactic radiosurgery. His research using optogenetics, from his fellowship at Stanford, was awarded by The Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Dr. Lin is a member of the Suburban Hospital Tumor Board. He has worked on several system innovation and quality improvement efforts at Suburban Hospital, such as standardizing critical care protocols for post-operative care for patients undergoing pituitary surgery and establishing MRI protocols for patients implanted with spinal cord stimulators or cardiac pacemakers. Dr. Lin is also a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Dr. Lin has earned numerous awards, such as the Teaching Excellence Award for Stanford University School of Medicine, the Service Excellence Award for Suburban Hospital, Best Consulting Physicians at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Surgeon of the Year Award at Suburban Hospital, and was named one of America's Top Surgeons for Consumers' Research Council of America, Washingtonian Top Doctors, and Bethesda Magazine Top Doctors. 

Dr. Lin's research interests are in optogenetics, investigating mechanisms behind epilepsy control and glial cell reaction to pathologic conditions. He has contributed to numerous publications and lectures. 

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

  • At night she suffered through searing pain, by morning it mysteriously vanished, Washington Post (05/26/2018)

Additional Academic Titles

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Associate Professor of Neuroscience

Research Interests

glial cell reaction to pathologic conditions, investigate mechanisms behind epilepsy control, Optogenetics

Research Summary

Through his research, Dr. Lin seeks to advance the field of neurosurgery by using the latest technology, such as optogenetics, to investigate mechanisms behind epilepsy control and glial cell reaction to pathologic conditions.

Selected Publications

  • Davis RJ, Lin SC, Mydlarz WK, A rapidly expanding scalp mass. JAMA Oncology 2017; 3(3):411-412

  • Lad SP, Li G, Lin SC, Henderson JM, "Intracranial hypotension from intrathecal baclofen pump insertion." A case report and review of the literature. Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, 2008; 86(2):75-79.

  • Lin SC, Bergles DE, "Synaptic signaling between GABAergic interneurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the hippocampus." Nature Neuroscience, 2004; 7(1):24-32.

  • Lin SC, Bergles DE, "Synaptic signaling between neurons and glia." Glia, 2004; 47(3):290-8.

  • Lin SC, Deisseroth K, Henderson JM, "Optogenetics: background and concepts for neurosurgery." Neurosurgery, 2011; 69(1):1-3.

  • Lin SC, Huck JH, Roberts JD, Macklin WB, Somogyi P, Bergles DE, "Climbing fiber innervation of NG2-expressing glia in the mammalian cerebellum." Neuron, 46(5):773-85 (2005).

  • Witten IB*, Lin SC*, Brodsky M*, Diester I, Anikeeva P, Prakash R, Gradinaru V, Ramakrishnan C, Deisseroth KA, Cholinergic interneurons control local circuit activity and cocaine conditioning. Science 2010; 330(6011):1677-1681. (*Co-first authors) 

Honors

  • Washingtonian Top Doctors, Washingtonian, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
  • Bethesda Magazine Top Doctors, Bethesda Magazine, 2021, 2022, 2023
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctors, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
  • America's Most Honored Doctors, The American Registry, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
  • The Michael J. Stanton MD Award for Outstanding Service, Suburban Hospital, 2019
  • Best Consulting Physician, Johns Hopkins Medicine: Clinical Excellence Award, 2018
  • Living The Hopkins Mission Honoree, Johns Hopkins Medicine 125th Anniversary, 2018
  • America's Top Surgeons, Consumers' Research Council of America, 2017, 2018
  • Service Excellence Award, Suburban Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2013

Memberships

  • American Association of Neurological Surgeons,

    Fellow

  • Congress of Neurological Surgeons,

    Member

Additional Training

  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Maryland)
    Ph.D.
    (2005)
  • Stanford University (Stanford, CA),
    Fellowship
    (2010)

Locations

  1. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda

Expertise

Education

  • Residency: Stanford University Medicine, Neurosurgery, 2012
  • Graduate School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neuroscience, PhD, 2005
  • Residency: National Taiwan University School of Medicine, Surgery, 2000
  • Medical Education: National Taiwan University School of Medicine, MD, 1997

Board Certifications

  • Neurological Surgery: American Board of Neurological Surgery, 2016

Insurance

Please contact the location directly to confirm your health plan is accepted.
Search plans
  • Aetna
  • CareFirst
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Geisinger Health Plan
  • HealthSmart/Accel
  • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
  • MultiPlan
  • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
  • Point Comfort Underwriters
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5

185 ratings, 90 reviews

The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

Overall Rating by Patient
Provider Listened Carefully
Provider Explained Things Clearly
Provider Knew Medical History
Provider Showed Respect
Provider Spent Enough Time
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/20/2026

    Highly competent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/20/2026

    I like that Dr Lin listens and answers all questions so that I can understand

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/20/2026

    Dr. Lin spent quallity time carefully explaining my condition and using spine model to describe potential issues and risks and benefits of treatments.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/19/2026

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/12/2026

    Dr. Lin has a great bedside manner. He takes the time to explain things in an understandable way and makes sure that he answers all of my questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/11/2026

    I would go back to this doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/11/2026

    It's the first time I see Dr. Shin, I was very pleased, I listened carefully and examined me in detail and sent me the corresponding studies.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    They gave me good service.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/23/2026

    Dr. Lin explained throughly of what will be needed for my procedure.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/19/2026

    Good mix of professional and personal.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/18/2026

    Nice and efficient

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/12/2026

    Dr Lin is an excellent surgeon and I have a neck problem and back and leg issues. I had an mri on neck and he explained options to help the pain

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/12/2026

    Good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/11/2026

    Dr. Lin examined my MRI cd before talking with me. He listened to me and examined my leg and foot carefully and answered all my questions processionally.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/28/2026

    Very professional, highly courteous, and knowledgeable

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/28/2026

    SHIH-CHUN LIN.is an excellent surgeon

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/28/2026

    Obviously very well qualified, very respectful, knows his subject. I have complete trust.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/21/2026

    Dr. Lin is a knowledgeable and careful provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/21/2026

    Best

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Gave me advice on mt back injury

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Doctor very knowledgeable, personable and professional.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/14/2026

    I Love Dr Lin and trust no one else with my brain! He saved my life!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Demonstrated excellent communication and knowledge

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Dr. Lin is an impressive Neurosurgeon

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/8/2026

    Dr Lin was so very nice! He spent a lot of time talking and explaining everything to me!!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/23/2025

    Continued excellence, best experience.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/17/2025

    The Doctor made me feel at ease

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/17/2025

    Dr. Lin is terrific. Takes all the time needed to answer all questions and does a great job of explaining everything. Never felt rushed or came away not understanding my health situation.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/17/2025

    My dr was excellent, on the point.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/17/2025

    Dr. Lin explained my condition and answered all of my questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/11/2025

    Understood my needs

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/11/2025

    Very practicalAnd excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/10/2025

    Dr. Lin is excellent Surgeon. I had my back surgery performed by Dr. Lin. My recovery was successful with no Issue. I am be able to go back to my normal life activities in a short time period (around 6 weeks). Thank you Dr. Lin and your care team helping me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/10/2025

    Only issue is that it was difficult to understand Dr Lin at times as he spoke softly but quickly while wearing a mask. I just had to listen carefully, which I should do anyway. He was great. Very thoughtful and kind.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/3/2025

    Dr. Lin was courteous and responsive to my questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/3/2025

    Doctor was friendly & knowledgeable. Did his research on my health.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/3/2025

    Dr. Lin is extremely skilled and focused on his surgeries. He listens well and concerned with my care - especially post-op care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/26/2025

    Best Doctor (Neurosurgeon) in this area.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/19/2025

    Very relatable. Good grasp of the situation.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/19/2025

    Very professional, listened to all concerns and a complex history

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/14/2025

    It is easy to grade a provider well when the news is good. Dr. Lin had good news and was able to share that in a professional but personable way. He answered all my questions. Thank you, Dr.Lin.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/5/2025

    I like him

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/31/2025

    Excellent advice concerning my injury

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/30/2025

    The best provider, I am very happy with my doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/16/2025

    Dr Lin is very, very good. He is personable, clear and concise. I consider myself fortunate to have him as my neurosurgeon!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/8/2025

    He was extremely knowledgeable.Listened and engaged with everything I said.I actually have yet to ever have care where the physician actually listened to the details I gave them and wasn't ignoring them for the ""standard"" number type treatment. Accurately explained risks, recovery, his professional opinion, everything.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/8/2025

    Dr. Lin is an outstanding physician. Dr. Lin has performed two successful surgeries. I would recommend Dr. Lin to my family and friends for the most serious neurosurgical issues.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/1/2025

    Dr. Shih has been excellent throughout the process as I deciding to get surgery, the surgery itself and the follow up care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/25/2025

    Dr. Lin is patient, always listens to me,encourages questions and gives thorough answers.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/25/2025

    Easy to talk with and very helpful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/18/2025

    He was without a doubt one of the kindest, most respectful doctors I have seen in my life. Once I met him he put me at ease and I immediately had confidence in him! His brilliant mind was evident as he thoroughly explained his findings and plan. I was anxious due to my symptoms but I left knowing I was in good hands with Dr.Lin..

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/17/2025

    Very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/17/2025

    Dr Lin is compassionate, extremely knowledgeable, and very patient. I am 72 years old & a cancer survivor. Dr. Lin gave me the most thorough explanation of my diagnosis, my spine, and what treatment I needed ( in this case none!). He took the time to explain how MRI scans are interpreted, detailed anatomy of the spine, and allayed my concerns about the pain I was experiencing. Dr. Lin gave me a new lease on life. I love Dr. Lin!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/17/2025

    Good dept of knowledge in his field with good bedside manner.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/11/2025

    Excellent Doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/11/2025

    Excellent

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/11/2025

    Dr. Lin read the MRI and explained what he saw. Then he asked me questions and listened. After that, he ordered an X-ray and CT scan along with a follow-up appointment to review the results and discuss next steps.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/11/2025

    Excellent communicater. Explains medical information in understandable fashion.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/10/2025

    Knowledgeable, well informed, caring, good plan for treatment

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/8/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/3/2025

    Dr. Lin made me feel at ease immediately, explained my diagnosis in user friendly terms, and recommended a treatment to avoid or postpone surgery. His bedside manner also was superb.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/27/2025

    Perfect doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/20/2025

    Excellent ""bedside manner""; this physician was also a careful and responsive listener.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/20/2025

    Nice person

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/31/2025

    Top notch Physian!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/31/2025

    Dr. Lin is an excellent doctor and spine specialist.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/30/2025

    Thank you

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/29/2025

    Very pleasent and professional

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/24/2025

    He's great! Just very busy.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/23/2025

    Dr. Lin is a very caring person, listen to every single details, very professional, with great attitude and good sense of humor, making more laid-back and easy to understand the situation of the visit.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/17/2025

    Excellent doctor, knowledgeable, explains clearly, patient, and polite.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/16/2025

    Dr.Lin is very knowledgeable.Good Clinician, excellent bedside manners.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/10/2025

    Very appreciated the time arranging for clarification about my MRA image

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/10/2025

    Excellent surgeon and great physician

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/26/2025

    Excellent surgery results, very good communication

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/25/2025

    Outstanding doctor in a class of his own

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/20/2025

    Clear. No nonsense, to the point. Understood the issues and provided a clear assessment.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/20/2025

    Dr. Lin is a very knowledgeable and an amazing doctor. He was kind, caring and d professional.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/11/2025

    He did excellent from the surgery to follow up. He is a very kind and personable Dr

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/11/2025

    Dr Lin was excellent! Much better at explaining my condition than another neurosurgeon at another facility had been.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/5/2025

    He heard my interests and comments. I felt his interest in my health.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/4/2025

    He was very forthright about what he thought was the best course for me. However, I really wanted a different procedure which he was not comfortable with. At this point I'm not sure what I'm going to do

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/28/2025

    I never seen specialist like Dr. Lin.He advised me the best for me.He knows what I should do.He directs me to right place eventhough I do not know what to do next for myself.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/28/2025

    He is highly skilled and my choice for a neurosurgeon

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/14/2025

    Listened, gave good advise and recommendations

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/14/2025

    Dr Lin was patient and attentive to our needs. He provided excellent advice.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/7/2025

    He is absolutely the best. Very professional and knowledgeable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/7/2025

    Performed excellent job

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/30/2025

    This is my second surgery and recovery and Dr. Lin has provided excellent care the whole time!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/25/2025

    Very knowledgeable, relatable and professional.