News

Born and raised in Peru, where she completed her medical training, Dr. Clio Rubinos has always felt a deep connection to her roots and a strong desire to give back to her country. An assistant professor in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill department of Neurology, the division of neurocritical care and epilepsy, …

David Y. Hwang, MD, Professor and Division Chief of UNC Neurocritical Care, has been elected a Fellow of the American Heart Association (AHA), conferred by its Stroke Council. The AHA bestows fellow designation on members based on their scientific and professional accomplishments and contributions, volunteer leadership, and service in support of the AHA mission to …

David Y. Hwang, MD, Professor and Division Chief of UNC Neurocritical Care, is serving as a secondary mentor for a newly funded 3-year American Heart Association (AHA) Career Development Award, “Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence for Post-Cardiac Arrest Neuroprognosis.” The award recipient, Morteza Zabihi, DSc, MSc, and his primary mentor, Eric Rosenthal, MD, are members of the …

A new article out of Neurology® Clinical Practice investigates using the 2HELP2B seizure risk score to guide the duration of continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring for critically ill patients. Continuous EEG monitoring is a non-invasive medical test that measures and records the electrical activity of your brain. While cEEG is standard practice for these patients, it demands …

The American Brain Foundation (ABF) has announced that Dr. Monica Diaz is the recipient of the 2025 Mridha Spirit of Neurology Award. This prestigious humanitarian honor recognizes exceptional dedication within the field of neurology. The Mridha Spirit of Neurology Award is given to a neurologist or neuroscientist who demonstrates outstanding altruism, compassion, integrity, and leadership. …

The Association of Indian Neurologists in America (AINA) has recognized Dr. Vinay Chaudhry for his exceptional contributions to neurology education by selecting him as this year’s recipient of the Kapil Sethi, MD, FRCP Teaching Award. In announcing the award, the AINA Awards Selection Committee expressed deep admiration for Dr. Chaudhry’s work. The committee highlighted his …

Our UNC Health Pardee partners recently spotlighted the work that Drs. LaRoche, Sheikh and Callahan are coordinating between Chapel Hill and Pardee. UNC Health Pardee’s partnership with UNC Health allows Pardee to deliver specialized neurologic care while reducing travel for patients. Dr. Suzette Laroche, MD, UNC School of Medicine, works in partnership with Pardee’s neurology …

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has announced the induction of Yen-Yu I. Shih, Ph.D., Professor of Department of Neurology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to its College of Fellows. Election to the AIMBE College of Fellows is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to medical …

A unique course at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is providing undergraduate students with an in-depth exploration of the latest advancements in neurological disease research and treatment. Titled “Next-Generation Treatments for Neurological Diseases,” the course offers a rigorous examination of five critical conditions: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Glioblastoma, ALS, and Schizophrenia. The curriculum, tailored …

Dr. James F. Howard Jr., was one of six School of Medicine members inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece.

This weekend, our epilepsy team participated in the Epilepsy Foundation Walk, and it was a huge success! Over 300 participants joined in, and UNC exceeded its fundraising goal — thank you to everyone who donated! The event was filled with games, music, inspiring patient stories, and meaningful moments shared by families and caregivers. Ramses had …

Each year, UNC Hospitals & UNC Faculty Physicians celebrate the empathy and expertise of our physicians and advanced practice providers. Congratulations to this year’s honorees of the 2025 UNC Hospitals & UNC Faculty Physicians Award for Carolina Care Excellence, named below. UNC Hospitals administers the Press Ganey Medical Practice survey to solicit feedback from our …

“It is because of Dr Jobe’s research that many premature infants are alive today, including my older daughter. It has been an honor to take care of Dr Jobe.” Dr. Alan Jobe is a world-renowned neonatologist and frequent invited guest speaker at various symposiums around the world. You would never guess that nearly six years …

Faculty within UNC Neurology collaborated with the Comprehensive Stroke Center + the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) to submit a proposal to NC Department of Human Health Services to improve post-discharge stroke care. The Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program aims to provide funds to private, public, and non-profit organizational; and local governmental …

UNC Neurology is absolutely thrilled to welcome its newest cohort of neurology residents! This exceptional group, from across the United States, has chosen to train at UNC Hospital, Department of Neurology. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge, a passion for neurological care, and a shared commitment to excellence. We eagerly anticipate witnessing their …

This past weekend (Feb. 28 – March 2, 2025) marked the annual North Carolina Neurological Society meeting at the Washington Duke Inn in Durham, NC. UNC Neurology faculty, residents, and staff attended as participants, presenters, and speakers throughout the weekend. Neurologists and researchers from across North Carolina joined together starting Friday, February 28th for …

UNC Neurology applauds Residency Coordinator Sharon Ward for completing the GME Leadership Academy. Including Sharon, six UNC GME administrative professionals participated as the first cohort of the program, led by Ms. Julie Seger, UNC Neurosurgery Resident Training Program Coordinator. Congratulations again to Sharon and the other members of her cohort for completing this program. UNC …

Co-led by UNC School of Medicine’s David Y. Hwang, MD, newly released updated guidelines from the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) reveal how family centered care for adult ICUs is paramount and an invaluable approach.

Dr. Vibhor Krishna and Dr. Daniel Roque travel to New Delhi to celebrate a landmark development for neurological care in India and present at the “Transforming Neuroscience: MR-Guided HIFU – A Game Changer” Symposium.

Congratulations to our 2025 – 2026 Chief Neurology Residents: Ray Jhun, Sean Hamill, and Tricia Factora! The new chief residents will predominantly be working towards plans for the upcoming academic year and will assume their full chief responsibilities in May 2025.

Researchers from the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University of Cincinnati developed an art therapy application to help improve quality of life in young adult cancer survivorship patients.

Neurologists Winnie K. Lau, MD, and David Y. Hwang, MD, highlight needed research in the emerging field of neuropalliative care.

UNC Neurology is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Matthew Sharrock from Clinical Assistant Professor to Clinical Associate Professor based on excellence in clinical activity. Dr. Sharrock’s work focuses on neurocritical care, traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, acute ischemic stroke, neurogenetic shock, and acute neuromuscular weakness. Additionally, Dr. Sharrock serves as the Director of …

The Eastern North Carolina and Southern Virginia RegIonal Stroke trIal cONsortium (ENVISION) is seeking applicants for a 1-year, $50,000 research fellowship. The fellowship application is open to clinical fellows or junior faculty members who are interested in stroke clinical research and has a minimum of 50% protected time for research. This support can be used …

The final Neurology Department quarterly newsletter is here! Read all about division updates, faculty promotions, and staff celebrations. Happy Holidays!

Drs. Tricia Factora and Amanda Crooks presented at the 8th annual UNC Heart Brain Connection Conference on Friday November 22, 2024. The conference is hosted by the UNC Health Care Stroke and Chest Pain Centers to connect with UNC emergency medical personnel. Dr. Factora Dr. Factora is a 3rd year Neurology resident at UNC Chapel …

Dr. Soma Sengupta, Division Chief of Neuro-Oncology in the Department of Neurology, and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Neurosurgery, was selected by the Mayfield Foundation as the first Mayfield Scholar, enabling Dr. Sengupta to dedicate a significate portion of her practice to brain tumor research.

Dr. Senyene Hunter has been appointed as co-chair for The (Not So Rare) Epilepsies Series: Brining Genetic Diagnosis with Complex Care – 2025. The ECHO seeks to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of health care practitioners treating these patients nationwide. The program launches January 22nd and is recruiting adult and pediatric neurologists, epileptologists, RNs, …

Thanks to a generous philanthropic gift from Nancy and Tom Chewning, UNC Health is now among the select few health systems in the United States to have a full spectrum of focused ultrasound equipment for image-guided brain surgery.

UNC Neurology is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Anahit Mehrabyan from Clinical Assistant Professor to Clinical Associate Professor based on excellence in clinical activity. Dr. Mehrabyan’s work focuses on muscular disorders, both acquired and genetic. The impact of her work is demonstrated by the Muscular Dystrophy Association interdisciplinary clinic she established at UNC …

The Department of Neurology is pleased to announce that Dr. Julia Carlson was recruited to the position of editor for the NeuroICU Board Review Book, 2nd edition, as a neurocritical care fellow due to her interest in neurocritical care education. This review has been an opportunity to expand and improve the first edition of the …

UNC-Chapel Hill faculty members Ian Shih and Adam Hantman, along with John Krakauer from Johns Hopkins University, are working on improving outcomes for people with brain damage thanks to a recently awarded $1.3 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation.

UNC Neurology is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Clio Rubinos from Clinical Assistant Professor to Clinical Associate Professor based on excellence in clinical activity. Dr. Rubinos is a member of the Neurocritical Care & Epilepsy Divisions and Director of the Post-acute Symptomatic (PASS) clinic as well as the Co-Director of the Global Health …

Dr. James F. Howard, Jr., was presented with the AANEM’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at the AANEM’s annual meeting on October 15 – 18. This award is the highest honor bestowed by AANEM and recognizes major contributors in neuromuscular (NM) and electrodiagnostic (EDX) medicine. Dr. Howard has received this honor for his substantial impact in …

On Friday, October 18, 2024, Dr. James F. Howard, Jr., M.D., FAAN was recognized as a recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Academic Achievement Award by the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine Alumni Association. The Distinguished Academic Achievement Award is presented to alumni in recognition of outstanding scientific or academic achievement. Dr. Howard is …

On October 15, 2024, the UNC Neurology Epilepsy Team gathered together at the October Ammon’s Horn dinner to showcase the division’s faculty and passion for epilepsy surgery. Drs. Yang and Waters shared how we can overcome barriers in epilepsy surgery for both children and adult patients. Dr. Wabulya demonstrated where the future may lie with …

Dr.-Soma-Sengupta-and-Dr.-Daniel-Pomeranz-Krummel

“The research was personal as it was carried out in honor of my mother-in-law, Rifke Krummel, and my close friend and fellow neuro-oncologist Tara Benkers.” – Dr. Soma Sengupta

During National APP Week (September 22-29) the UNC APP Center hosted a gathering and dinner to celebrate all of the amazing APPs employed across UNC! During this event each year they announce the nominations and winners of the APP Excellence Awards. These awards currently recognize excellence in clinical practice, teaching, leadership, and unsung hero categories with …

In May 2022, Yael Shiloh-Malawsky, MD, a neurologist at the UNC School of Medicine, met two new patients combatting a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder called Batten disease. With help from UNC, the twin girls were able to get personalized treatment from bench to bedside in record time.

UNC Health and Neurology mourns the loss of Carey Dean Debnam, affectionately known as Dean, a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on our healthcare community both as a patient and through his philanthropic efforts. Dean, 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Raleigh, N.C., on Sept. 12, 2024. Born in nearby Louisburg, …

A new commentary article by Santiago Uribe-Cano, PhD candidate, and Andreas H. Kottmann, PhD, Medical Associate Professor at CUNY School of Medicine, describe how recent findings by Dr. Khan and colleagues provide key insights into Parkinson’s Disease (PD) pathogenesis. “The primary cilium of cholinergic neurons may be a linchpin in the progression of Parkinson’s Disease“(1) …

On August 17th, the adult and pediatric epilepsy teams came together for a much-anticipated team-building event, made possible by the wellness grant, which funded an exciting escape room experience. For many of the team members, this was their first escape room adventure, but the enthusiasm was palpable as everyone geared up for the challenge. From …

We are excited to announce that Wesley Parker, MSN, AG-ACNP has accepted the role of APP Supervisor for the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit effective September 29, 2024. Wesley graduated with his BSN from the University of South Alabama in 2014. He immediately began working in the University Hospital’s Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit until 2016 when he …

Neurology is please to announce Joanna Tallon’s promotion to APP (Advanced Practice Provider) for CICU, MICU, & NSICU! Joanna has been a member of the Neurocritical Care team since 2010 where her passion for complex patient care and a supportive team environment has flourished. Over the years, Joanna took on increasing leadership responsibilities, initially in …

Paper Alert: Association of CSF alpha-synuclein-SAA seed amplification results with clinical features of possible and probable dementia with Lewy bodies Dr. Andrea Bozoki, Neurology Division Chief, contributed to a recent paper accepted for publication in Neurology. The clinical diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is based on the presence of significant cognitive decline with …

Dr. Manisha Chopra has been awarded the 2024 Dean’s Performance Award for her work in Research. In her nomination, Chopra’s colleagues celebrate her expertise in clinical trials and her commitment to patient care. Her focus on patient safety and wellbeing as well as her attention to detail make her the gold standard for research coordination. …

Dr. Diana Cejas has been named as one of the 2024 MacDowell Fall-Winter Fellows for artists working across disciplines. She has been awarded a fellowship in Literature for her writing focused on “patient advocacy and improving communication between healthcare providers and the disability community, particularly young disabled patients of color.” Dr. Cejas is an Associate …

The UNC Whole Brian Health Program (WBHP) has been awarded funding from the Health Resources and services Administration (HRSA) via a Transition for Youth with Autism and/or Epilepsy Demonstration Project. This funding award will provide $2,248,752 over the course of 5 years to expand the existing UNC Neurology Transition to Adult Clinic into the Whole …

Leading Transformation in Academic Medicine (LTAM), which provides leadership and career development opportunities, welcomes the 2024-2025 cohort.

The UNC Neuromodulation Team comes together for a retreat: celebrating a successful year of providing the very best-in-care options for patients with advanced movement disorders, while planning to pave the way to contribute to local, national, and international advancements in the field.

The August 2024 Newsletter encompassing all department news from May 2024 – August 2024. 2024 August Newsletter by UNC Neurology

New research published in the Journal of Neurology address the Association of CSF alpha-synuclein-SAA seed amplification results with clinical features of possible and probable dementia with Lewy bodies. Dr. Andrea Bozoki, UNC Neurology Division Chief for Memory and Cognitive Division was a member of the main research team behind this work. The clinical diagnosis of dementia …

A research team led by Priya Palta, PhD, MHS, an associate professor of neurology at the UNC School of Medicine, has found that certain Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative blood biomarkers in midlife and late life had strong associations with late-life dementia.

UNC Department of Neurology is pleased to announce Dr. Suzette LaRoche’s appointment to the Carol Masters Schiller Distinguished Professorship in the UNC School of Medicine, Department of Neurology. Established in 2005, the Carol Masters Schiller Distinguished Professorship in the Department of Neurology was created to attract or retain a distinguished teacher and scholar to the …

The AANEM Lifetime Achievement Award, the organization’s highest honor, recognizes members for their significant contributions to NM and EDX medicine through teaching, research, and publications. James (Chip) F. Howard, Jr., MD, has been recognized with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for his substantial impact in these fields.

Featuring Myasthenia Gravis expert, Dr. James Howard, Professor of Neurology at UNC School of Medicine – Medical Stories features Myasthenia Gravis: Stacey’s Story.

The Department of Neurology is pleased to welcome Christopher Hilliard, BS, CCRC to the position of NCTU Director. Chris will join the department of Neurology with 10 years of experience in clinical research trials, training, mentoring, and leading large research teams. In his previous role, Chris served as the Assistant Director of Clinical Operations at the UNC Lineberger Cancer …

UNC Neurology is please to announce the promotion of Dr. Diana Cejas from Clinical Assistant Professor to Clinical Associate Professor based on excellence in clinical activity. Dr. Cejas is a member of the Child Neurology Division and is dually appointed with the Carolina Institute of Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Cejas supports both the Health Care Transition …

UNC Neurology Meadowmont clinic just received it’s Patient Safety Survey results from the past year. In the question about good relationships between staff and physicians, Neurology scored 100%! Dr. Almodovar, Associate Professor of Neurology and Medical director of the Neurology Meadowmont Clinic, stated his appreciation for all the hard work each staff member and physician …

UNC Neurology is please to announce the promotion of Dr. Winnie Lau from Clinical Assistant Professor to Clinical Associate Professor based on excellence in clinical activity. Dr. Lau is a member of the Neurocritical Care Division in Neurology and is joint appointed in the UNC Neurosurgery Department. Dr. Lau acts as the Program Director for …

Dr. Clio Rubinos provides a virtual lecture on “Refectory and Super Refractory Status Epilepticus: what can we do?” on VuMedi.

The Department of Neurology is please to announce that the Movement Disorders Outpatient Clinic received Honorable Mention at the 2024 Carolina Quality and Safety Award for “Addressing the Pillars of Palliative care: Advance care planning in movement disorders outpatient clinics”. This award program was developed to recognize quality improvement efforts across the UNC Hospitals and …

The following Special Edition Graduation article was developed and written by Dr. Nina Browner, Neurology Vice Chair of Education. Resident Teaching Award Dr. Laura De Lima Xavier (Adult Neurology ’24) Recognized for her highest level of creative and devoted learning, of inspiration of residents, love of scholarship and service to the department. …

UNC Neurology is please to announce the promotion of Dr. Steven Trau from Clinical Assistant Professor to Clinical Associate Professor based on excellence in clinical activity. Dr. Trau is a member of the Child Neurology Division. His work focuses on treating patients with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. Dr. Trau earned his doctorate in …

Dr. Soma Sengupta, Division Chief of Neuro-Oncology at UNC Health at Chapel Hill was selected as co-chair of the AANS/CNSDr. Soma Sengupta, division chief of neuro-oncology at UNC Health Section on Tumors and Medical Neuro-Oncology subcommittee.

UNC Neurology extends our heartfelt gratitude to all our staff and faculty for their years of service to UNC and the State of North Carolina. Specifically, we would like to give a shoutout to those individuals who have been with the university for over 10 years! 15 Years of Service Manisha Chopra, MBBS Senior Research …

Dr. Clio Rubinos has been selected as a UNC School of Medicine Simmons Scholar and has been awarded the SIREN MAGNETIC Hub Junior Faculty Subaward from Duke Emergency Medicine. Both awards will support research career development for Dr. Rubinos. Since its launch in 1994, the Simmons Scholars Program has offered support to faculty members from …

Dr. Qian-Zhou Jojo Yang and Dr. Kiran McCloskey were recently awarded the Promoting Clinical Research in Southeastern NC award from the Research Advisory Council (RAC). Their project, Understanding pediatric epilepsy surgery disparities within the state of North Carolina, will be funded for the next year.

UNC Neurology celebrated graduation this Spring with two UNC system medical students, Dr. Maria Melendez and Dr. Aiden Walker. Both Drs. Melendez and Walker participated in Neurology’s medical student rotation program, directed by Dr. Mike Wang. Dr. Melendez described her journey to neurology as an overwhelming positive experience while stressing the importance of great mentorship. …

Congratulations to Neurology faculty and trainees for their recent Academy of Educator (AOE) accomplishments 2024. We are so grateful for their enthusiasm, dedication, and talents as UNC AOE educators! TAR HEEL Graduates Dr. Priya Raju Dr. Nikash Shankar Newly Inducted AOE Members: Dr. Lindsey Krawchuk Dr. Nikash Shankar

Over the past few years, the UNC Department of Neurology has developed two specialized follow-up clinics for Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit patients recovering from severe acute brain injuries: the Post Acute Symptomatic Seizure (PASS) and Neurorecovery clinics. PASS Clinic The PASS clinic, overseen by Dr. Clio Rubinos, who has dual training in clinical neurophysiology-epilepsy and …

The following article was written by Sonya Lester, BSN, RN, CCRN, Patient Services Manager III, Neurosurgical ICU. Melissa Massenburg, BSN, RN, CCRN, was selected by the UNC Medical Center nursing leadership as a UNCMC Nurse of the Year. She was nominated by nursing staff colleagues to honor her for exceptional service over the past year. The …

The UNC Department of Neurology welcomes Andrea Corse, MD as Clinical Professor and Director of the UNC Myasthenia Gravis Clinical Center. Dr. Corse is a neuromuscular specialist with expertise in neuromuscular clinical care, neuromuscular clinical pathology and nerve and muscle biopsy, and electrodiagnostic testing. She previously spent 30 years on faculty at The Johns Hopkin …

Within the department of Neurology, UNC undergraduates are offered the opportunity to join faculty research labs. One such lab is Dr. Boerwinkle’s RS-fMRI Lab which supports several undergraduate students – like Aryan Kodali. Kodali recently applied for the UNC 2024 Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship with the proposal “NeuroConnect – An Integrative Analysis of resting state …

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2315167121), Dr. Harry Chao from the Shih Lab and researchers in Stanford University have provided new insights into the brain’s default mode network (DMN), particularly focusing on the retrosplenial cortex’s role in spatial exploration. Traditionally, the DMN has been studied under behaviorally …

Each year, UNC Hospitals & UNC Faculty Physicians celebrate the empathy and expertise of UNC Health physicians and advanced practice providers. Based on UNC Hospitals Press Ganey Medical Practice survey, 205 of UNC Health providers received the highest recommendations, which places them in the top quartile nationally. The honorees receive 2024 UNC Hospitals & UNC Faculty …

The UNC Epilepsy Center has received reaccreditation as a Level IV Epilepsy Center from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). This accreditation level indicates that the center offers advanced neurodiagnostic monitoring and comprehensive medical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial treatment. Level 4 centers also offer a complete evaluation for epilepsy surgery, including intracranial electrodes and a …

Dr. Monica Diaz spoke with Neurology Today about her work in Peru and the UNC Neurology Residency Exchange Program. Dr. Diaz coordinates exchange program in the city of Lima, Peru at the public hospital, Cayetano Heredia Hospital. Ideally, Dr. Diaz said, “residents will learn how to truly rely on the neurologic exam to make …

Adult Neurology Meadowmont Clinic Exterior

A new article out of UNC Neurology focuses on Managing Patient Dissatisfaction and Billing Reconsideration Requests in Outpatient Clinics, authored in partnership by Jorge L Almodovar MD, Heather Ritchie, MSN, RN, NE-BC and Sharmila Soares MSN, RN, CNRN,. This article will be published in the April 2024 issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration. Understanding how drivers …

On the late afternoon of March, 19, 2024 faculty, staff, patients, and stakeholders from Neurology, Neurosurgery, the Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC), UNC Hospitals, and UNC School of Medicine gathered to celebrate the official launch of the Focused Ultrasound program at Marsico on UNC campus. Focused Ultrasound therapies involve an exciting new technology at UNC …

A landmark study lead by Dr. Ian Shih, could alter how researchers interpret results from functional magnetic resonance imaging.

The Adult Neuro and Child Neuro residency programs are pleased to announce our newly matched residents! Thank you for all the support of our residency coordinator team, our faculty, and our top rated residents for helping recruit and match this stellar group of future residents. Residents – we extend a warm welcome to UNC Neurology …

Neurology 2023 Wrap Up Newsletter by Lindsey Womack

UNC Neurology Faculty Dr. Nina Browner and Movement Disorder Fellow, Dr. Abigail O’Reggio assisted in developing the American Association of Neurology online course “NeuroBytes: Task Specific Focal Dystonia – “Writer’s Camp”‘ Course Description: Task specific dystonia is a commonly missed focal dystonia. This is in part due to the symptoms being observed in specific anatomical …

Head for the Cure 5K 2024 was an incredible success! A record number of participants gathered at Southern Village in Chapel Hill, NC on Saturday, February 25, 2024 to support Brain Cancer treatment and research. Through incredible community support, Head for the Cure 2024 beat it’s own previous fundraising efforts! Thank you to everyone who …

The UNC Neurocritical Care fellowship obtained ACGME accreditation in January 2024. The two-year fellowship graduated the first fellow in 2016 and has expanded to two positions per year since 2018. The fellows rotate through a 22-bed neurocritical care (NCC) unit and other critical care electives, with an emphasis on milestones and progressive responsibility, extensive formative …

Congratulations! Dr. Rebecca Traub has been elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (FAAN). Fellow status recognizes outstanding work and accomplishments in neurosciences, clinical neurology, academic/administrative neurology, within the AAN, and the community. Traub specializes in neuromuscular diseases, as well as inflammatory and hereditary nerve and muscle conditions. She serves as the …

This article was originally published by UNC School of Medicine on January 9,2024. UNC School of Medicine contact: Mark Derewicz, Director of Research News. David Y. Hwang, MD, professor of neurology and division chief of neurocritical care, is co-principal investigator along with colleagues at Duke for a new eastern North Carolina and southern Virginia stroke …

UNC Neurology is please to announce the promotion of Dr. Casey Olm-Shipman from Clinical Assistant Profess to Clinical Associate Professor based on excellence in clinical activity. Dr. Olm-Shipman currently serves as Neurology Vice Chair of Quality Improvement, Interim Leader of UNC Hospital Neuroscience Service Line, Associate Director of UNC Institute for Healthcare Quality Improvement, and …

Clinical Research: Irena Dujmovic Basuroski, MD led the UNC MS center to Comprehensive Care recognition. Monica M. Diaz, MD received an Alzheimer’s Association research grant to study frailty and dementia among elderly in Eastern Uganda. Gwenn A. Garden, MD, PhD contributed to understanding microglia in AD (Prater et al., Nature Aging). James F. Howard …

Sharing from the University of California’s Global Health Institute: Dr. Stephen Ojiambo Wandera and Dr. Monica Maria Diaz at Makerere University. “The GloCal Health Fellowship is excited to share that two of its alumni are collaborating on a new research study to assess dementia and frailty among older persons in rural Eastern Uganda. Dr. Stephen …

The MSA coalition is the largest non-profit foundation in the US supporting patients/families and researchers in multiple system atrophy, which is a relatively rare but devastating neurodegenerative disease. The Purpose of the MSA Center of Excellence program, which is new as of 2023 (2023 was the first year), is to provide access to the best …

Rachel Degrange, ACNP and member of the Division of Neurocritical Care, was selected as the 2023 recipient of the APP Excellence Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice! Rachel was selected from a pool of outstanding nominees across UNC Medical Center and Clinics. Rachel is an exceptional team member. She has been instrumental in the development …

The October issue of Seminars in Neurology, a review journal on current trends in clinical neurology, is focused on the topic of “Neuroprognostication” and is comprised of 12 articles that collectively feature 18 co-authors from UNC Neurology. The issue, co-edited by Dr. Zachary D. Threlkeld, clinical associate professor in the Division of Neurocritical Care at …

Dr. David Y. Hwang, professor and chief of the UNC Division of Neurocritical Care, is the lead author of a new joint guideline on behalf of the U.S. and German Neurocritical Care Societies on best practices for outcome prognostication for critically ill patients admitted with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The guideline, one of a series that …

James F. Howard, MD, Distinguished Professor of Neuromuscular Disease, Professor of Neurology, Medicine and Allied Health at the UNC School of Medicine, was the lead investigator of the clinical trial. James F. Howard, Jr., MD UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, announced on October 17th that ZILBRYSQ® (zilucoplan) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug …

Congratulations to Dr. Miriam Sklerov for being awarded the James Wood Junior Faculty Award! Dr. Sklerov was nominated by Dr. Gwen Garden and a letter in support of this nomination was also submitted by Dr. Eran Dayan. She will be giving a speech during 2023 research week!

Biosystems QuantStudio 6 Pro Real-Time PCR System

The School of Medicine has provided The Department of Neurology $35,360 to support the purchase of the Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 6 Flex Real-Time PCR! About the device and how it will aid the department: How genes are expressed and the amount of their transcript (i.e., gene expression) is a staple of many labs that can …

Dr. Clio Rubinos – A Journey Rooted in Passion

Hwang Elected as Fellow of the American Heart Association

Hwang Co-Mentoring New American Heart Association Career Development Award Recipient

Paper Alert: Implementation of 2HELPS2B Seizure Risk Score

Dr. Monica Diaz awarded the Mridha Spirit of Neurology Humanitarian Award

Dr. Vinay Chaudhry Honored with AINA’s Prestigious Kapil Sethi Teaching Award

Carolina Care from UNC Pardee

Dr. Yen-Yu Ian Shih Inducted into the 2025 Class of the AIMBE College of Fellows

UNC Undergraduates Delve into Cutting-Edge Neurological Disease Treatments

Dr. James F. Howard Jr. inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece

Neurology Walks for Epilepsy + Beats Duke!

2025 UNC Hospital & UNC Faculty Physicians Award for Carolina Care Excellence

World-renowned Physician Travels to UNC Health for Brain Tumor Care

New Grant Awarded to Improve Post-Discharge Stroke Care

MATCHED! Next cohort of Neurology Residents Trainees Announced

UNC Neurology Impresses at the 2025 NCNS Conference

Residency Coordinator, Sharon Ward, Completes GME Leadership Academy

A Fresh Approach to Family-Centered Care for Adult ICUs

Drs Vibhor Krishna & Daniel Roque Travel to India for Educational Symposium on Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound

2025 – 2026 Adult Neurology Chief Resident Announcement

Digital Art Therapy Application Designed to Improve Mood in AYA Brain Cancer Survivors

Drs. Lau & Hwang Outline New Research Priorities in Neuropalliative Care

Promotion – Dr. Matthew Sharrock

ENVISION Research Fellowship

December 2024 Department Newsletter

Neurology Residents Present at the 8th Annual UNC Heart Brain Connection Conference

Dr. Soma Sengupta Selected as Mayfield Scholar by the Mayfield Education & Research Foundation

Dr. Senyene Hunter Co-Chairs the ECHO Project

Low-Frequency Focused Ultrasound Donation Allows UNC to Enroll Brain Tumor Patients in a New Clinical Trial

Promotion – Dr. Anahit Mehrabyan

Dr. Julia Carlson named as Editor for the NeuroICU Board Review Book, 2e

Dr. Shih’s lab awarded W.M. Keck Foundation Grant for Research

Promotion – Dr. Clio Rubinos

Dr. James F. Howard, Jr., Receives AANEM’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. James Howard, Jr. Honored as the 2024 Distinguished Academic Achievement Award

Epilepsy Team Celebrates their Passion for Epilepsy Care

Drs. Sengupta and Pomeranz Krummel Study New Approach to Treat Lung Cancer that has Spread to the Brain

Neurology APPs Recognized at 2024 APP Excellence Awards

Neurology Rett Center Fast-Tracks Personalized Treatment for Twins with Ultra Rare Genetic Disorder

In Caring Memory of Dean Debnam

Paper Alert! Dr. Khan’s research uncovers a key to understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Epilepsy Team Escapes in Style: A Fun-Filled Adventure

Wesley Parker, MSN, AG-ACNP Announced as APP Supervisor for NICU

Joanna Tallon, named APP Manager for CICU, MICU, & NSICU

Paper Alert: Association of CSF alpha-synuclein-SAA seed amplification results with clinical features of possible and probable dementia with Lewy bodies

Dr. Manisha Chopra awarded a 2024 Dean’s Performance Award

Dr. Diana Cejas awarded a 2024 MacDowell fellowship in Literature

New UNC Whole Brain Health Program receives funding!

Dr. Olm-Shipman named to the Leading Transformation in Academic Medicine 24 – 25 cohort

Neuromodulation Team Retreat

Neurology Department August 2024 Newsletter

New Research Published on Improving Clinical Diagnosis for Individuals with Potential Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dr. Priya Palta’s Research Links Midlife Blood Biomarkers to Late-life Dementia Risk

Dr. Suzette LaRoche Appointed to the Carol Masters Schiller Distinguished Professorship

Dr. James F. Howard Jr., Receives AANEM’s Prestigious 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

UNC Neurology Myasthenia Gravis Patient Shares Her Story

Chris E. Hilliard Appointed as NCTU Director

Promotion – Dr. Diana Cejas

UNC Neurology Meadowmont Clinic receives 100% in Patient Safety Survey in relationship between Staff & Physicians

Promotion – Dr. Winnie Lau

Dr. Clio Rubinos -“Refectory and Super Refectory Status Epilepticus: What can we do?”

2024 Carolina Quality and Safety Award

Special Edition Graduation 2024

Promotion – Dr. Steven Trau

Dr. Soma Sengupta Selected as Co-chair of the AANS/CNS Section on Tumors and Medical Neuro-oncology Subcommittee

Thank you for your service!

Dr. Clio Rubinos awarded SIREN & Simmons Award

Grant Award – Dr. Qian-Zhou Yang Receives Promoting Clinical Research in Southeaster NC Award

UNC Medical Student Graduation, Spring 2024

Academy of Educators Accomplishments 2024

UNC Health Follow-Up for Neuro ICU Patients

Melissa Massenburg wins Nurse of the Year!

Welcome Dr. Andrea Corse, Professor and Director of the UNC Myasthenia Gravis Clinical Center

UNC Undergraduate work in Neurology

Collaboration Between the Shih Lab and Stanford University Sheds Light on the Function of Retrosplenial Cortex in Spatial Exploration

2024 Carolina Care Excellence Awards!

UNC Epilepsy Center Accredited as Level IV Epilepsy Center

Dr. Monica Diaz talks with Neurology Today

New Paper from Clinical Neurology focuses on Billing & the Patient Experience