Pittsburgh, January 15, 2005 -- William Welch, MD, director of the Spine Services Division at the Department of Neurological Surgery and chief of neurosurgery at UPMC Presbyterian, has been named recipient of the Peter E. Sheptak Chair in Neurological Surgery.

Dr. Welch specializes in advanced spine surgical techniques—including new methods for spine fusion and artificial disc replacement—and has established one of the largest spine programs in the United States.

The chair honors the career of Peter E. Sheptak, MD, vice chairman of clinical affairs for the department. Dr. Sheptak has served with great distinction performing innovative, investigative and clinical work related to spinal degenerative disorders, pain management, cerebrovascular disease, and brain tumors.

Known for years as a consummate, energetic and gentlemanly surgeon, Dr. Sheptak has been one of the major teaching influences in the Department of Neurological Surgery for more than 35 years. During that interval, he has assisted in the training of almost 100 neurosurgical practitioners in the United States and abroad.

An endowed chair confers special recognition to the holder of the chair and provides annual benefit to the holder by facilitating his or her work.