Pittsburgh, October 12, 2018 -- L. Dade Lunsford, MD, Lars Leksell Distinguished Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and long-time director of the UPMC Center for Image-Guide Neurosurgery has been named a recipient of UPMC’s prestigious Excellence in Patient Experience Award for 2018. The award is given to only those physicians who have been rated at the very top of their specialty by their patients.
Dr. Lunsford is an internationally recognized authority on stereotactic radiosurgery and was responsible for bringing the Gamma Knife to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 1987, the first center in the United States to offer this state-of-the-art, minimally invasive form of brain surgery. He also help create the first neurosurgical operating room with a dedicated CT scanner for deep brain surgery at then Presbyterian University Hospital in 1981
The installation of the Gamma Knife revolutionized neurosurgical care, drastically reducing hospital stays while significantly improving patient care. The technology represents one of the most advanced means available to help patients with brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and pain or movement disorders. More than 15,200 patients have undergone Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery under the direction of Dr. Lunsford and his team at UPMC Presbyterian since it’s installation.
Dr. Lunsford will receive the award at the annual Loren Roth Quality and Patient Safety Awards Reception, held November 6, at the UPMC Passavant Cumberland Woods Conference Center.