News

Dr. Ray Installed as Henry G. & Edith R Schwartz Professor of Neurological Surgery

By •
Dr. Ray being installed.
The Award
Dr. Ray posing with the Taylor Family, Andy and Barbara Taylor who have been incredibly supported of WashU Medicine and the Department of Neurosurgery.
Dr. Ray addressing the attendees.
Dr. Ray presenting on “Intertwined pathologies – peripheral nerve and spina cord injury- what we have learned“
The Family of Dr. Ray
Dean David H. Perlmutter, MD, Former Chair of Neurosurgery, Ralph Dacey, Jr., MD, Chair of Neurosurgery Gregory Zipfel, MD, gather to congratulate Dr. Ray on his installation.

Ray described as a “Colossus” in the field of Neurosurgery by Dr. Gregory Zipfel

Wilson Zachary Ray, MD, MBA, Executive Vice-Chair, Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery, Chief of Spine Surgery, Professor in the Departments of Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, and Biomedical Engineering, was installed as the Henry G. & Edith R. Schwartz Professor of Neurological Surgery. A celebration to mark the event took place on Thursday, Feb. 27th at the Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building.

Dr. Ray posing with the Schwartz’s grandson, Tom, on the left and their great grandson, Andy, on the right.

In his introductory remarks, Chair Gregory J. Zipfel, MD, reflected on the qualities that made Dr. Ray have such an impact on the department. He not only stated that Dr. Ray was a “Tremendous Leader” but also called him a “Colossus” in Neurosurgery something he doesn’t say lightly.

Through his innovative research, Dr. Ray has honed nerve transfer procedures for treating spinal cord injuries, particularly in the cervical spine. By performing nerve transfers, Dr Ray helps patients regain additional hand function, significantly enhancing their quality of life. Even the most minor functionality improvements through this procedure drastically changes patients’ lives and catalyzes the process towards enhanced functionality.

Dr. Ray is truly an innovator and leader in the neurosurgery spine field. His work has not only improved the lives of his patients but also inspired the next generation of spine surgeons. He has received numerous awards and held many leadership roles in the areas of spine and peripheral nerve care. He once stated, “My priority is to provide compassionate, patient-centric care for complex spinal and peripheral nerve disorders,” and this award shows that he continues to uphold this commitment. Congratulations again to Dr. Ray, who truly lives out the mission of the department, the school of medicine, and the field of neurosurgery as a whole.