James Doty

James Doty established himself as a pivotal figure in both medical innovation and the study of compassion, notably commercializing the groundbreaking CyberKnife robotic radiation system. As CEO of Accuray, he played a critical role in securing the company’s funding and achieving FDA approval for the CyberKnife in 1999, revolutionizing radiation treatments. Earlier in his career, Doty earned his medical degree from Tulane University in 1981, completed a neurosurgery residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1987, and was board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery in 1990. He served nine years in the U.S.

He strategically funded CCARE using stock proceeds from Accuray, cementing its foundation and mission. A New York Times bestselling author, Doty published _Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart_ in 2017, a memoir exploring his personal journey with mindfulness that resonated widely with readers. He continued his exploration of the human mind with the release of _Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation_ in 2024, which delved into the scientific underpinnings of manifestation techniques. In 2021, Doty formally retired from clinical practice to dedicate his focus entirely to writing, teaching, and advancing compassion-related projects.

As a neurosurgeon, entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author, he leaves a profound legacy as a leading expert in compassion and altruism, with his work continuing to influence medical practice, neuroscience research, and personal development globally through his books and the ongoing initiatives of CCARE at Stanford Medicine.