David L. Kelly, Jr., MD, of Wake Forest School of Medicine, is the 1999 recipient of the Cushing Medal, the highest honor granted by The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). The Award, which recognizes Dr. Kelly for his many years of outstanding leadership and dedication to the field of neurological surgery, was presented to him at the AANS Annual Meeting, April 24-29, 1999, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Born in Elkin, North Carolina, Dr. Kelly earned both his bachelor's degree and medical degree from the University of North Carolina. He received his neurosurgical training at Bowman Gray School of Medicine/North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Children's Hospital and Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, and he did a fellowship in neurophysiology at Washington University.

A consummate physician and educator, Dr. Kelly currently serves as Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, a position he has held since 1979.

A leader in the field of neurosurgery, Dr. Kelly has served as President of several professional medical associations, including The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (1990-1991); American Academy of Neurological Surgery (1994-1995); Winston-Salem Surgical Society (1994); Congress of Neurological Surgeons (1978-1979); and North Carolina Neurosurgical Society (1976-1977). In addition, he has served on the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and Resident Review Committee for Neurosurgery. He is a member of the Southern Neurosurgical Society, the Fellowship of Academic Neurosurgeons, the Neurosurgical Society of America, the American Medical Association, and the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Kelly has authored more than 120 books and scientific journals. He also has served on the editorial boards of such research journals as Neurosurgery Quarterly (1991-present); Neurosurgical Consultations (1989-present); Science & Medicine (1985 - present); and Neurosurgery (1982-1987).

In recognition of his many professional accomplishments, Dr. Kelly has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the University of North Carolina in 1990, and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, with nearly 20 visiting professorships.

Founded in 1931 as the Harvey Cushing Society, The American Association of Neurological Surgeons is a scientific and education association with approximately 5,300 members in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It 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 must be certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. Neurosurgery is the medical specialty dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system, brain, spinal cord and spinal column.