Pittsburgh, June 23, 2007 -- A special black-tie graduation reception and dinner was held June 22 at the Pittsburgh Field Club honoring chief residents Pedro Aguilar, MD, Joseph Ong, MD, and Michael Sharts, MD, on their successful completion of the University of Pittsburgh’s seven-year neurological surgery residency program. The event was attended by faculty members, colleagues, family and friends.

Dr. Aguilar will remain with the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery as an assistant professor specializing in spine care treatment and pain management.

Both Dr. Ong and Dr. Sharts will be entering private practice. Dr. Ong is joining Neurosurgery at the Beach in Virginia Beach, VA, and Dr. Sharts is joining Eastern Neurosurgical and Spine Associates in Greenville, NC.

During the reception, annual teaching awards were announced. Dr. Sharts was selected as best resident teacher by the staff and Amin Kassam, MD, was chosen as best faculty teacher by the residents.