Department of Neurological Surgery Holds First Virtual Gamma Knife Training Course

The University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery and UPMC Center for Image-Guided Neurosurgery successfully conducted the first ever virtual Gamma Knife® training course in July. The new online format was held to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions and allowed participants from all over the world to attend.

While UPMC and Pitt have held more than 100 Principles and Practice of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery courses for neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, nurses, fellows, and residents, this was the first time they held one online.

The course was comprised of lectures, videos, and live hands-on supervised treatment planning for the Leksell Gamma Knife – one of the most advanced pieces of equipment available to manage brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations, and pain or movement disorders.

Directed by L. Dade Lunsford, MD, and Ajay Niranjan, MD, the course is held for centers that have just begun Gamma Knife use or for individuals joining existing Gamma Knife programs. Dr. Lunsford brought the first Gamma Knife to the United States in 1987 and has trained more than 2,500 professionals since then.

Learn more about the Principles and Practice of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery course and register for the next online session.

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