Matt Ewend, MD, Kay M. and Van L. Weatherspoon Distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery, has been named interim chair of the department of neurosurgery. The role is a homecoming for Dr. Ewend, who served as the department’s first chair from 2010-2018. He will assume the role on May 2, 2026.
He joined the UNC faculty in 1997 after completing medical school, neurosurgery residency, and brain tumor fellowship at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Ewend’s clinical career has focused on the care of brain tumors, especially pituitary tumors, skull base tumors, and metastases.
Dr. Ewend will assume the role from Nelson Oyesiku, MD, who last fall accepted the role of Neuroscience Service Line Leader at Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. A national search is well underway for a permanent chair.
Dr. Ewend will continue to serve in UNC Health system leadership role as the Chief Clinical Officer of UNC Health, and President of UNC Physicians, where he oversees all physician practices at UNC Physicians, the quality program for UNC Health, the population health program, and the partnership between UNC Physicians and system hospitals.