The Sonntag Academic Pavilion
Volker K.H. Sonntag, MD, performed the final surgery of literally thousands during his more than 32-year neurosurgical career in November. He stopped seeing patients in mid-December, when his fellow took over to wrap things up for a few months.
During his career, Dr. Sonntag discovered a passion for spine and has since contributed significantly to the understanding of spinal disorders. He has written 500 professional articles, co-edited six major textbooks, authored more than 90 textbook chapters, and made 900 presentations throughout the world. He has been involved in the development of spine instrumentation and played a major role in the shift of spinal surgery from a mainly orthopedic practice to the field of neurosurgery.
He also discovered a passion for teaching young physicians, and he has served as director of the Neurosurgery Residency Program since 1995. Barrow currently has the largest program in the country and one of the most sought after, with 24 active residents. Since Dr. Sonntag first came on board, Barrow has trained 138 residents and fellows. Today nearly half of them serve in academic positions.
Given that he has been a Barrow icon for more than 30 years, Dr. Sonntag won’t soon be forgotten.
In fact, his legacy will be honored when a new educational pavilion will be designated the Sonntag Academic Pavilion.
The proposed structure will be located outside the entry to the Marley Lobby and will provide much-needed additional space for large events, such as conferences, that are held in the Goldman Auditorium.
If you would like to honor Dr. Sonntag, please consider contributing to the fund for the Sonntag Academic Pavilion. For more information, contact Barrow Neurological Foundation at 602-406-3041.
To make a donation to the Sonntag Academic Pavilion, click here.
