Department of
Neurosurgery (April 2026)

DEV - Alumni

Notable Alumni

Robert Nugent, MD (Residency program founder)

Dr. George Robert “Bob” Nugent was a foundational figure in the development of neurosurgery at West Virginia University, remembered for his profound academic contributions and unwavering dedication to both the university and its neurosurgery residency program. Joining WVU in 1961, Dr. Nugent helped establish the neurosurgical services at the newly expanded medical center, playing a critical role in shaping the department's early growth and clinical excellence. Over his 15-year tenure as Chairman of Neurosurgery, and 55 years (1961-2016) of active participation in the department, he was deeply committed to academic rigor, mentoring countless residents and fostering a culture of surgical innovation and compassionate patient care. Dr. Nugent's leadership extended beyond the hospital walls, as he became a pillar of the WVU medical community, serving as team physician for the Mountaineer football program for over four decades. His dedication to education was evident in his efforts to build the neurosurgery residency into a respected training program, ensuring WVU’s place as a national leader in neurosurgical education. Dr. Nugent’s legacy is reflected in the generations of neurosurgeons he trained, whose careers continue to impact patient care across the country, and in the enduring strength and reputation of the WVU neurosurgery program he helped create. 

Regis Haid, MD (1988)

Dr. Regis W. Haid Jr. is a distinguished alumnus of the West Virginia University Neurosurgery Residency program, widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to spine surgery and his influential leadership within the neurosurgical community. Graduating from WVU in 1988, Dr. Haid has dedicated his career to advancing the field of spinal reconstruction, becoming a renowned expert, educator, and innovator. After serving as a U.S. Air Force neurosurgeon, he established a prolific academic career at Emory University, where his leadership as Medical Director of the Piedmont Spine Center and founding partner of Atlanta Brain and Spine Care demonstrated his commitment to clinical excellence and patient care. Dr. Haid’s innovative work includes the development of FDA-approved artificial cervical discs and numerous patented spinal implants that have transformed surgical treatment options worldwide. His academic influence spans over 650 scientific presentations, more than 135 publications, and authorship of multiple textbooks. Additionally, Dr. Haid has held prominent roles in numerous neurosurgical organizations, including serving as President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Chair of several key neurosurgical research and education foundations. His global reputation as a thought leader and educator is reflected in his frequent invitations to speak at conferences, conduct visiting professorships, and direct courses internationally. Dr. Haid’s remarkable career not only showcases the excellence of WVU’s neurosurgical training but also highlights his enduring impact on the practice and development of spine surgery worldwide. 

Vincent Traynelis, MD (1989)

Dr. Vincent C. Traynelis is a highly accomplished neurosurgeon and proud graduate of the West Virginia University Neurosurgery Residency program. Known for his expertise in complex spine and cranial surgery, Dr. Traynelis has built an impressive career marked by leadership, innovation, and dedication to patient care. Following his residency at WVU, he has held key roles including President of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and Vice Chair of the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS), reflecting his respected status among neurosurgical peers nationwide. Dr. Traynelis currently serves as the A. Watson Armour and Sarah Armour Presidential Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. His clinical focus includes advanced spine surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and treatment of complex cranial disorders, where he emphasizes meticulous surgical planning and multidisciplinary care. A prolific educator and researcher, Dr. Traynelis has contributed extensively to neurosurgical literature and professional education, consistently advancing the field through innovative approaches and leadership in shaping neurosurgical standards. His career stands as a testament to the rigorous training and mentorship provided by WVU, demonstrating the enduring impact of its alumni on national neurosurgical progress. 

Ossama Al Mefti, MD (1978)

Dr. Ossama Al-Mefty is a world-renowned neurosurgeon and distinguished alumnus of the West Virginia University Neurosurgery Residency program. Recognized internationally as a pioneer in skull base surgery, Dr. Al-Mefty’s career has been marked by groundbreaking surgical innovations, prolific scholarship, and influential leadership in neurosurgery. After completing his residency at WVU in the late 1970s, he went on to hold prestigious academic positions, including professor and chairman roles at several leading institutions, before joining Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital as director of the Skull Base Surgery Program. Dr. Al-Mefty has authored hundreds of articles and several seminal textbooks, shaping the modern understanding and treatment of complex brain and skull base tumors. He is a founding member and past president of the World Academy of Neurological Surgery and has received numerous honors including the prestigious Scoville Award from the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Al-Mefty has been a tireless educator and mentor, training countless neurosurgeons worldwide. His remarkable legacy reflects the rigorous training and innovative spirit fostered at WVU, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in contemporary neurosurgical history. 

Vikram Prabhu, MD (2000)

Dr. Vikram Clifford Prabhu is a distinguished neurosurgeon and esteemed alumnus of the West Virginia University Neurosurgery Residency program. Specializing in neurosurgical oncology, Dr. Prabhu has developed a respected career as a clinician, educator, and researcher at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. Following his medical education at St. John’s Medical College in India and his residency training at WVU, he completed a fellowship in neuro-oncology at the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Prabhu’s clinical expertise encompasses brain tumor surgery, skull base tumors, and peripheral nerve disorders, where he employs advanced surgical techniques combined with a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. As a former residency program director at Loyola, he has been instrumental in mentoring the next generation of neurosurgeons while maintaining an active research portfolio focused on improving outcomes in brain tumor treatment. Recognized by his peers for both clinical excellence and compassionate care, Dr. Prabhu’s career exemplifies the high standards and impactful legacy of WVU’s neurosurgical training program. 

Past Graduates

  • Jesse Lawrence (2024)
  • Azeem Rehman (2023)
  • Gene Katsevman (2021)
  • Cletus Cheyuo (2021)
  • Rahul Singh (2019)
  • Roy Hwang (2018)
  • Darnell T Josiah (2016)