CINCINNATI—Michael Privitera, MD, a professor in the University of Cincinnati (UC) Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine and director of the Epilepsy Center at the UC Neuroscience Institute (UCNI), has been appointed second vice president of the American Epilepsy Society.

Privitera previously served as treasurer of the society, which is the world’s largest association of professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of epilepsy. The announcement was made at the society’s 2013 annual meeting, being held in Washington, D.C.

Privitera has been a neurologist specializing in epilepsy and has headed the Epilepsy Center at UCNI—one of four centers of excellence at UC Health and the UC College of Medicine—for more than 25 years. He has been a professor of neurology at UC for 14 of those years. 

Privitera is an internationally recognized expert on advanced treatments for epilepsy and has dedicated his career to discovering new treatments and caring for people with epilepsy. He established the Epilepsy Center over 25 years ago as the first comprehensive epilepsy program in the region. He has published over 100 scientific articles and a book on epilepsy, and has directed over 50 clinical studies on epilepsy treatment. 

Privitera received his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree from the State University of New York-Upstate Medical Center. He completed his residency at Georgetown University and a fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He has received numerous awards and honors during his career.