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Duke in Pictures: Celebrating the Department of Neurosurgery

neurosurgery celebration

Chancellor for Health Affairs Dr. A. Eugene Washington, right, addresses the crowd during the celebration of the Department of Neurosurgery becoming a full department in the Duke School of Medicine Wednesday outside of the Trent Semans Center.

Previously a division in the Department of Surgery, the elevation of the division to department status follows a national trend. Newly arrived at Duke, Washington said he was well aware of the neurosurgery faculty's international reputation as a leader in clinical practice, but he has since found the department is also an innovator in global health, research and classroom education.

"We think the department will develop a model for teaching and training that will be used in other departments," Washington said.  

He praised the leadership of inaugural chair Dr. John Sampson in getting the department off the ground. 

Other Duke officials were on hand to help launch the department. "I can sum up my feelings in three words: You did it!," said Dr. Nancy Andrews, dean of the School of Medicine.

The creation of the new department followed reviews of the proposal by several university committees, including the Academic Programs Committee and the Academic Council.

Below, Dr. John Sampson, second from left, chats with colleagues during the celebration. Photos by Megan Mendenhall/Duke Photography

john sampson