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Montefiore in the News

May 22, 2013

Ira R. Abbott, M.D., Receives Pioneer Award for Pediatric Surgical Neuro-Oncology

NEW YORK (May 22, 2013) - Ira (Rick) Abbott, M.D., director of Surgical Neuro-Oncology at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, received the Pioneer Award for Pediatric Surgical Neuro-Oncology from The Children's Brain Tumor Foundation at the 2013 Dream & Promise Awards Benefit. The gala was held at the Marriott Marquis in celebration of 25 years of helping kids with cancer and brain and spinal cord tumors. Funds raised at the benefit will support research to advance cancer treatments and support education efforts including the only national survivorship program for childhood brain tumor survivors.

Dr. Abbott, who is a fellow of both the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics with advanced specialty training in pediatric neurosurgery, has been at Montefiore for eight years. He was selected for the award based on recommendations from The Children's Brain Tumor Foundation's medical advisors, who recognize him as a prominent expert with a history of successes and contributions in the field of neurosurgery. He is renowned for his extensive experience in managing tumors of the nervous system. An integral part of this experience has been developing techniques for monitoring the health of the nervous system during surgery. Dr. Abbott also developed a service in "Functional Neurosurgery," which enables physicians to improve function by delivering novel treatments to children and adults with injured nervous systems.

"I'm so honored to receive this prestigious award from The Children's Brain Tumor Foundation. I am extremely proud and consider myself lucky to have worked closely with this organization throughout my career in New York," Dr. Abbott said. "The Foundation's assistance has allowed me to provide world-class care to patients at Montefiore, and I appreciate the ongoing support of my research, which aims to offer improved outcomes for all patients."

Dr. Abbott, a resident of Scarsdale, N.Y., has held numerous senior level posts at national and international pediatric neurosurgical organizations, including president of the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons and president of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and served as editor for several pediatric neurosurgery publications. Dr. Abbott is professor, Clinical Neurological Surgery, The Leo M. Davidoff Department of Neurological Surgery and Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

"The Montefiore community congratulates Dr. Abbot on his award from the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation," said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Montefiore Medical Center. "As an academic medical center, we strive to develop new knowledge and excel in patient care. This award is a testament to Dr. Abbott's skill, dedication and relentless pursuit to advance medicine on behalf of children."

The Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, a New York-based 501 (c) (3), was founded in 1988 by a group of parents, physicians and friends to improve the treatment and quality of life for children with brain and spinal cord tumors. The foundation funds scientific research and is the only organization operating nationwide that provides psycho-social support across the continuum of care to patients, families and survivors. More information is available at www.cbtf.org.