Dr. Jean Louis Benae, MD

Biography

Dr. Jean Louis Benae is a distinguished, triple board-certified neurosurgeon with advanced expertise in both brain and minimally invasive spine surgery. Originally from Cameroon and raised in Paris, France, Dr. Benae moved to the United States at age 20 to pursue higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he graduated with honors in Physiological Sciences. He went on to earn his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

During his time in medical school, Dr. Benae developed a deep passion for neuroscience, which led him to a neurotrauma research fellowship at the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center. He later completed his neurosurgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals in Milwaukee, gaining comprehensive training in a wide range of advanced neurosurgical procedures.

Dr. Benae is a member of several prestigious national and international neurosurgical societies, including the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the North American Spine Society, and AO Spine. His commitment to excellence and continuous learning keeps him at the forefront of innovations in neurosurgical care.

Fast Facts

• Triple board-certified neurosurgeon

• Graduated with honors in Physiological Sciences at UCLA

• Medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

• Completed neurotrauma research fellowship at the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center

• Completed neurosurgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals

• Member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, North American Spine Society, and AO Spine

• Co-founded the Brain Project Africa Foundation in 2016

• Provides free medical services annually in Africa, including complex brain and spine surgeries

• Donated medical equipment and supplies to healthcare facilities in Africa with support from North Texas hospitals

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Benae is deeply dedicated to global health and giving back. In 2016, he co-founded the Brain Project Africa Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on empowering Africa’s healthcare system. Each year, Dr. Benae and his team travel to Africa for two weeks to provide free medical services—including complex brain and spine surgeries, general surgery, dental care, and more—to underserved communities.

Thanks to the generous support of hospitals in North Texas, the Brain Project has also donated large quantities of medical equipment and supplies to healthcare facilities in need across the continent.

When he's not in the hospital or on a mission trip, Dr. Benae enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Barbara, and their children. He’s an avid soccer player and can often be found on the field playing with his sons.