CHICAGO (April 8, 2002) -- In recognition of his many years of dedication to neurosurgical science and the medical community, Edgar Housepian, MD, has been named the recipient of the 2002 Humanitarian Award of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Dr. Housepian is being commended for his extensive volunteer work with the Armenian Academy of Science and more globally with humanitarian efforts to aid the country of Armenia.

In the aftermath of a tragic earthquake that devastated Armenia in 1988, Dr. Housepian spearheaded efforts to provide the citizens relief and worked to gather medical supplies and recruit American physicians willing to travel to Armenia to provide medical care, food and disaster relief. Following these efforts, Dr. Housepain served as Medical Programs Director of the Fund for Armenian Relief. This effort, in cooperation with the Armenian Ministry of Health, has provided Medical Fellowships to over 80 young Armenia physicians in various university hospitals in the United States and Canada. In addition, Dr. Housepian has provided support to the Armenian National Medical Library by supplying American medical journals, computer facilities and English classes for physicians, and has sent teaching teams of visiting professors to Armenia.

Dr. Housepian earned his undergraduate degree from Columbia College and his medical degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. He completed his neurosurgical training at the Neurological Institute of New York. Dr. Housepian was board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery in 1961. He is currently at the Neurological Institute in New York and is Professor Emeritus of Neurological Surgery and Special Advisor for International Affiliations to the Vice President for Health Sciences and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.

In addition to his contributions to neurosurgical practice, Dr. Housepian also been an active member of several professional organizations including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Society for Neuroscience, AANS/CNS Section on Cerebrovascular Disease, AANS/CNS Section on Spinal Disorders, American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, Neurosurgical Research Society and Sigma Xi. He has also received numerous awards for his work over the years, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and Citation by the President of Armenia in 1994. In addition, Dr. Housepian was a Fulbright Scholar in Scotland in 1968.

Founded in 1931 as the Harvey Cushing Society, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is a scientific and educational association with nearly 5,500 members worldwide. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to provide the highest quality of neurosurgical care to the public. All active members of the AANS are certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Neurological surgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of disorders that affect the entire nervous system including the spinal column, spinal cord, brain and peripheral nerves.