Lawrence R. Wechsler MD

Dr. Lawrence Wechsler is the Henry B. Higman Professor and Chair, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences; the Vice President of Telemedicine Services, Physician Services Division; and the Founder of the UPMC Stroke Institute and of the Telestroke Network at UPMC. Dr. Lawrence Wechsler is a leader in the field of vascular neurology and has both led and participated in numerous clinical trials that have improved outcomes for stroke survivors. He was also among the first physicians to report on direct intra-arterial injections of urokinase to dissolve blood clots in the brain of persons suffering stroke.

Under his direction, the UPMC Stroke Institute was a leading contributor to many pivotal trials of neuroprotective agents, IV thrombolysis, intra-arterial thrombolysis, advanced imaging in stroke, secondary stroke prevention and stem cell therapies. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and is the co-editor of a leading textbook on transcranial Doppler ultrasound in cerebrovascular disease. Dr. Wechsler was an early proponent of telestroke program development, including multiple medical and surgical specialties. UPMC has expanded telemedicine into 21 service lines in 23 facility locations.

Dr. Wechsler’s interests include acute stroke therapy, imaging, and telemedicine. He is a leader in the field of vascular neurology and has participated on steering committees, advisory boards, or as a DSMB member for numerous national and international clinical trials that have impacted practice and improved outcomes for stroke survivors. Dr. Wechsler, along with Douglas Kondziolka, MD, formerly of the Department of Neurosurgery, spearheaded the first clinical trials of cellular therapy for treatment of stroke.