Pittsburgh, October 6, 2011 -- Robert Ferrante, PhD, professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and co-director of the university's Center for ALS Research, received the first annual Leonard Gerson Distinguished Scholar Award, at a special event October 6 at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association.

The award was established by Sandy Gerson Snyder in memory of her father Leonard Gerson who passed away from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) at age 70. The award supports educational programs for faculty and staff at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine as well as the community at large, with the goal of broadening horizons and pushing the boundaries of knowledge as scientists, physicians, and patients work together in the fight against ALS.

Robert Ferrante, PhD, (right) with Sandy Gerson Snyder.

Dr. Ferrante is a leading expert on ALS research and has garnered national and international recognition for his work. He is regularly invited to lecture nationally and internationally on the subject.

The event featured a lecture by Dr. Ferrante on ALS research and other presentations by Robert M. Friedlander MD, chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery, David Lacomis, MD, co-director of the Center for ALS Research and Neil Alexander, who presented a patient's perspective on ALS.