Dr. Traynelis named 2023 WVU School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus

Vincent Traynelis, M.D., has been named the 2023 West Virginia University School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus.

Traynelis graduated from the M.D. program in 1983 and he also completed an internship in general surgery and a residency in neurosurgery. Following residency, he was a member of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Iowa for 20 years, rising to the rank of professor.

“WVU provided me with a strong scientific foundation and the tools needed to critically assess new information,” Traynelis said. “Given the countless graduates who have made significant contributions within the healthcare community, I am honored to be selected to receive this award.”

Currently, Dr. Traynelis has an active clinical practice that solely focuses on surgery of the cervical spine and craniovertebral junction. Working in this region, he specializes in complex spine surgery, spinal deformity, spinal arthroplasty, spinal reconstruction, and tumors of the spinal column and spinal cord.

Dr. Traynelis will be honored by his friends and colleagues during the Alumni Banquet on Friday, Oct. 20th. The banquet will begin at 8 p.m. and be held at the Hotel Morgan. Those who wish to attend must pre-register online.

The West Virginia University Distinguished Alumnus Award was established in 1984 by the Executive Council of the WVU School of Medicine Alumni Association to honor alumni whose distinguished careers and contributions to society have “enhanced the prestige of the West Virginia University School of Medicine and, in their own way, have helped upgrade the quality of healthcare.”