Lunsford Selected to Receive Mentorship Award

L. Dade LunsfordPittsburgh, August 3, 2021 -- L. Dade Lunsford, MD, Lars Leksell Distinguished Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and director of the UPMC Center for Image-Guided Neurosurgery, has been selected as the 2021 Andy T. Parsa Mentorship Award winner by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Tumors.

The Parsa award is given to individuals in honor of cumulative achievement and mentorship in neurosurgical neuro-oncology and recognizes the contributions of senior brain tumor neurosurgeons to the career development of their mentees and junior colleagues.

The award is given in honor of Andrew T. Parsa, MD, PhD, who passed away in 2015, shortly before he was to become the chair of the AANS/CNS Section on Tumors. Dr. Parsa was a renowned brain tumor neurosurgeon, innovative researcher and dedicated mentor who frequently gave impromptu teaching vignettes to medical students and residents— and even nearby grade schools and high schools—creating a culture of scholarship and education wherever he went.

Dr. Lunsford, former chair of the department, served as director of the department’s residency program for more than 30 years before stepping away from that role in 2020. He has trained dozens of residents—some of whom have gone on to lead departments of their own—countless fellows and numerous junior colleagues. He also is director of the popular Principles and Practice of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery professional training course that attracts medical professionals from around the world.

The award will be presented to Dr. Lunsford at the AANS/CNS Tumor Section’s gala dinner, on October 16, during the Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2021 Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.