Residents from the Department of Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine joined more than 50 neurosurgery residency programs nationwide in Central Park on June 7 for the 20th Annual Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament, a signature event that combines competition, philanthropy, and community-building across academic neurosurgery programs.
Hosted by Columbia University and benefiting the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF), the tournament draws residency teams from across the U.S. Teams contribute between $5,000 and $25,000 to support brain tumor research and education.
Weill Cornell Medicine residents competed in Division C, facing West Virginia, Tulane, and North Carolina. The team, coached by Dr. Michael Virk and Dr. Sergio Guadix, secured a win against West Virginia, marking their second consecutive year earning a tournament victory.
“This is about more than softball,” said Dr. Natasha Kharas, neurosurgery resident. “It’s a chance to bond with colleagues, connect with mentors, and represent our program in a different arena.”
The event has become a meaningful tradition for Weill Cornell Medicine’s neurosurgery residency program, offering a break from the operating room while reinforcing teamwork, leadership, and camaraderie among residents, fellows, and faculty.
Faculty members including Dr. Justin Schwarz regularly participate, with other attendings and families showing up to support from the sidelines. This year's highlights included a home run by Dr. Guadix, a diving, inning-ending catch by Dr. Schwarz, and cheerleading support from Dr. Virk's daughters.
Now in its 20th year, the tournament continues to grow in size and impact, with more than eight divisions playing simultaneously across Central Park’s North Meadow fields. For residents, the event also provides a chance to meet peers from across the country, reconnect with former mentors, and build new professional relationships.
“We’re aiming to win multiple games and advance further to the playoffs.” Dr. Kharas said. “But the real win is showing up together as a team.”
Learn more about the Department of Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine: neurosurgery.weillcornell.org
