The Division is synonymous with the UPMC Stroke Institute, the only JCAHO certified stroke center in Western Pennsylvania. The Stroke Institute continues to lead as a major referral center, provider of high quality acute stroke management, and participates in progressive clinical research trials. Lawrence R. Wechsler, MD, Division Chief and Director of the UPMC Stroke Institute, leads the program, which focuses quality patient care using a multiple-discipline team approach, flourishing clinical research program, and ongoing educational efforts for health professionals and the community at large.

The Stroke Institute is comprised of a stroke-specific clinical service which sees over 1000 acute cerebrovascular patients annually on the in-patient service. The outpatient Stroke clinic is staffed by the stroke specialists, fellows, and a nurse practitioner. Multiple medical and ancillary services are coordinated to provide the patient with a comprehensive approach to care and to promote the best outcome for the patient. Dr. Tudor Jovin is the Fellowship Director for the UPMC Stroke Institute, an ACGME neurovascular fellowship, which sponsors two stroke fellows and one interventional fellow. The fellows, residents, medical students and visiting physicians from abroad enjoy a rich educational experience supported by multiple resources and experts from other disciplines interested in cerebrovascular disease and research.

Drs. Max Hammer and Ken Uchino are stroke specialists who support fellowship, resident and medical student education, attract exciting and novel clinical trials, and bring the Stroke Institute a wealth of clinical knowledge and new energy that inspires others to produce high quality care and strive for a high quality of cerebrovascular scientific knowledge. Dr. Tudor Jovin has been very productive in his new role as a stroke interventionalist. His approach to acute stroke has pushed new limits and expanded interventional approaches through clinical research trials.

Throughout the year the Stroke Institute faculty and staff provide education for health professionals and the community at large. An annual CME program is provided aimed at physicians to provide current information on medical surgical management and update clinical trial activity. The Institute supports community programs and provides stroke screenings n many local settings. Both faculty and staff are active on the local, state and national level providing education and participating in legislative activities to promote stroke care.

The unique UPMC hospital system allows the faculty and staff to work with up to 11 UPMC community-based hospitals, improving the standards of stroke care. This year the Stroke faculty began to share call and provide acute stroke management at partner hospital UPMC Shadyside. The UPMC Stroke Institute has plans for further expansion of services at other UPMC hospitals to improve access to acute stroke care.