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Petty Endowed Professorship
Backbone of Support
Dr. Coric is the inaugural holder of the Dr. Jerry and Audrey Petty Endowed Professorship in Spine Surgery. A neurosurgeon, partner, and dedicated leader at CNSA, he serves as the executive medical director of SpineFirst – a joint venture between CNSA and Atrium Health.
Dr. Jerry M. Petty
In March, Atrium Health Foundation announced a transformational gift to establish an endowed professorship in spine surgery at Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute. The professorship – which honors Dr. Jerry M. Petty – was made possible with a leading $2.3 million gift from Rick and Linda Hendrick, with Felix Sabates, Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, Downie and Sally Saussy, and the Petty family among additional contributors. Dr. Domagoj Coric, the inaugural holder of the Dr. Jerry and Audrey Petty Endowed Professorship in Spine Surgery, was recognized at an investiture on March 22. The endowment will support Dr. Coric’s research and education initiatives strategically envisioned by Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute and SpineFirst leadership.
Dr. Petty, who concluded his extensive career in 2021, is regarded as one of the most distinguished neurosurgeons in the nation, and one of the most admirable healthcare providers in the history of the Charlotte region. Over the last several decades, Dr. Petty’s spirit of innovation has paved the way for thousands of patients in the region to access the most advanced care available.
“Our family is honored and humbled to support the Dr. Jerry and Audrey Petty Endowed Professorship in Spine Surgery,” shared Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group. “As one of the most respected neurosurgeons in the world, Jerry has dedicated the entirety of his professional life to helping patients and has done immeasurable good here in our region and across the country. The endowment will ensure that the impact of his unparalleled 53-year career practicing medicine will continue to be felt for many, many more years to come.”
