Our Alumni - Neurology Residency Program

Dr. Conner Reese

Education Chief 2022-2023

Dr. Reese was born in Mobile, Alabama. He attended, and played collegiate baseball, at the University of South Alabama during his undergraduate studies, before receiving his medical degree from The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. He enjoys watching and playing sports, fishing, and skydiving in his free time.

Birthplace: Mobile, Alabama
Undergraduate: University of South Alabama
Medical School: The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
Interests: sports, fishing, skydiving

Dr. Elham Azizi

Education Chief 2021-2022

Dr. Azizi received her MD from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. During medical school she became interested in neurology due to the complexity of cases and her ambition to find new treatments for such diseases. Prior to joining Ochsner, she was involved in neurological research projects working on movement and memory disorders as well as clinical and translational neuroimaging at Purdue University and University of Pennsylvania. She likes to spend her free time riding her scooter, hiking, biking, and gardening.

She is going to pursue a Vascular Neurology fellowship at University of Chicago next year.

Birthplace: Iran
Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Interests: Outdoor activities, biking, gardening

Notable Publications and Presentations

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles/Abstracts

• Azizi, E., Staisch, J., & Camilo, O.. New Onset Cervical Dystonia after Resolving Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): A Case Report and Literature Review. Annals of Neurology. 2020, Oct; Vol 88(suppl 25): S86. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 32975821. Pub Status: Published.
• Ashrafi ,M., Mohebbi, H., Mohamadi, M., Azizi, E., Zamani, G., Tavasoli, A., Badv, R., & Hosseini, F.. Clonidine versus chloral hydrate for recording sleep EEG in children. Iranian Journal of Child Neurology. 2019, Dec; 14(1): 85-92. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 32021632. Pub Status: Published.
• Edmondson D.A., Ma R.E.,Yeh, C.L., Ward, E., Snyder, S., Azizi, E., Sabbagahi, A., Zauber, S., Wells, E., & Dydak, U.. Reversibility of neuroimaging markers influenced by lifetime occupational manganese exposure.. Toxicological Sciences. 2019, Aug; 172(1): 181-190. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 31388678. Pub Status: Published.

Poster Presentation

• Azizi, E., Moussavi, K., Eshraghi, Y., & Posas, J... The Application of Ultrasound in Diagnosis and Surveillance of Chronic Occipital Neuralgia. American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting. 2020, Oct; Pub Status: Submitted.
• Azizi, E., Staisch, J., & Camilo, O.. (October, 2020). New onset Cervical Dystonia after resolving Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): A Case Report and Literature Review. Poster presented at: American Neurological Association annual meeting; Washington, DC, USA.
• Azizi, E., Huttner, M., Wilson, M.C., &Posas, J.. (May, 2020). High Efficacy of IV Lacosamide in Controlling Trigeminal Neuralgia – Flare Literature review and Case Report of Two Refractory Cases. Poster presented at: Ochsner Neuroscience Symposium; New Orleans, LA, USA.
• Azizi, E., Liu, C.Y., & Collins, C.. (May, 2020). The Importance of a Thorough History Review: A case study of a Patient with Acute Rapidly Progressive Encephalopathy. Poster presented at: Ochsner Neuroscience Symposium; New Orleans, LA, USA.
• Azizi, E., Yeh, C., Ward, E., Snyder, S., Zauber, S.E., & Dydak, U.. (March, 2016). Comparing brain iron content between Parkinson’s disease patients and welders. Poster presented at: Society for Neuroscience (SfN) 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA.
• Edmondson, D.E., Yeh, C., Azizi, E., Ma, R., Ward, E., Snyder, S., Zauber, S.E., & Dydak, U.. (March, 2016). Parkinson’s disease versus Manganese Toxicity: A Neuroimaging Comparison. Poster presented at: Society of Toxicology ; New Orleans, LA, USA.
• Khan, R., Pepper, M.R., Azizi, E., Posas, J, & Eshraghi, Y.. (November, 2020). Onabotulinumtoxin A versus Anti-CGRP Antibody Therapy for Chronic Migraine Management. Poster presented at: 19th Annual Pain Medicine Meeting- ASRA; Las Vegas, NV, USA.
• Moussavi, K., Azizi, E., Boggio, N.A., Eshraghi, Y., & Posas, J.. (May, 2020). Ultrasound Evaluation of Inflammation Size Difference of Nerves in Occipital Neuralgia: A Literature Review. Poster presented at: Ochsner Neuroscience Symposium; New Orleans, LA, USA.
• Okwechime, R., Azizi, E., Reyes, N., & Posas, J.. (Sep, 2020). Distinct Video EEG Patterns as a Diagnostic Tool in the Evaluation of Patients with Serotonin Syndrome- A Case Report. Poster presented at: Neurocritical Care Society; New Orleans, LA, USA.

Ongoing projects

• Prevalence of Non-Stenotic Carotid Plaque in Ipsilateral Carotid Territory Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS). PI: Dr Richard Zweifler

• MicroRNA and gene expression in cerebrospinal fluid and blood in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. PI: Dr. Ifeanyi Iwuchukwu

Books

• Azizi, E and Heidarzadeh, N. “Biology for students”; Ghalame Elm Press, 2005, Tehran, Iran, ISBN: 964-8804-11-7.

Dr. Mike Pepper

Wellness Chief 2021-2022

Dr. Pepper was born and raised in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. He attended Tulane University where he earned a BPH in Public Health and a BA in French and Francophone Studies before continuing on to earn a Master’s in Public Health. He then attended the University of Queensland School of Medicine in Brisbane, Australia. His interest in medicine stems from his work at an EMT in New Orleans and a continued lifelong running joke about his last name. His interests in Neurology include Epilepsy, Headache and Intensive Care. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys scuba diving, traveling and cooking.

Birthplace: Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate: Tulane University, BPH in public health and BA in French and Francophone studies; Master in Public Health
Medical School: University of Queensland, Australia
Interests: Scuba diving, traveling, and cooking

Dr. Mohona Reza

Administrative Chief 2021-2022

Dr. Reza was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh but was raised in Queens, New York from the age of 3. She completed her undergraduate career at Stony Brook University in New York, and obtained her M.D. at American University of the Caribbean. Her passion for medicine and neurology stemmed from volunteering in underdeveloped countries and low-income areas. She has an ongoing interest in neurological autoimmune diseases and will be pursuing a fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuroimmunology at Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University. Her research interest includes investigating the relationship between socioeconomic status and disability in patients with MS, and ways to decrease health care disparities. In her spare time, she loves to read, hike, paint, travel, and cook.

Birthplace: Bangladesh
Undergraduate: Stony Brook University, BS Biology
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Interests: Reading, Painting, Cooking, Hiking, Traveling

Notable Publications and Presentations:

Reza M, Lasghari G, Bagert B. A Diagnostic Dilemma: Primary CNS Lymphoma versus Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis
Abstract of the Annual Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Neuro Oncology Symposium: Updates in Medical and Surgical Management of Brain Tumors, March 11, 2020-March 14, 2020, Orlando, FL

Reza M, Seals D. The Recognition, Treatment and Management of Pseudotumor Cerebri in tretinoin treated Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Abstracts of the 17th Annual Ochsner Research Day; September, 22, 2020, New Orleans, LA

Maslov A, Ernst C, Deyeva J, Reza M, Chilukuri R, Posas J. Proactive Ochsner Encounters: engaging all members of the neurology clinical care team in reminding patients of their overdue cancer screenings and immunisations. Neurology. April 2020; 94 (15 Supplement).

Gunturu S, Reza M. Reducing Use of Antipsychotics with High or Moderate Risk of Metabolic Side Effects in Individuals with Cardiometabolic risk factors
Abstract of the 2016 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting, May 14-16, 2016, Atlanta, GA

Pho T, Reza M. Cannabis Consumption as an Individual Risk Factor for Acute Coronary Events in an Inner City Hospital: A Retrospective Observational Study
Abstract presented at the 2016 Hospital Abstract Day at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, November 16, 2016, Bronx, NY

Dr. Julia Deyeva

Dr. Deyeva was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and moved to the United States at a young age. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and received her MD from St. George’s - University of London. During medical school she developed a passionate interest in Neurology and Neuroscience through a combination of memorable patient encounters and a deep fascination with neuropathology. She has particular interests in Vascular Neurology and general inpatient Neurology. When she’s not working at Ochsner, she’s gardening, exploring the great city of New Orleans, and tending to her extremely rowdy dog. Dr. Deyeva is currently in her 4th year at Ochsner and will pursue a Vascular Neurology Fellowship after she completes her residency.

Birthplace: St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin - Madison, BA in Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Russian Language & Literature
Medical School: St. Georges - University of London
Interests: Traveling, gardening, exploring New Orleans and working out (sometimes).

Dr. Ghazal Lashgari

Chief Resident 2020-2021

Dr. Lashgari was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. She completed her medical education at Shahid Beheshti Medical University, where she developed an interest in neurosciences and neurology. After receiving her MD, she moved to the United States to pursue her interest in neuroscience research. She completed several research projects in the neuro-oncology, molecular imaging, as well as neuromuscular fields. During the course of her research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston, she received the ‘Partners in Excellence’ award and was also elected as a member of selection committee for postdoctoral abstract competitions. Dreaming of eventually combining her research interests and clinical practice, she started her residency in neurology at Ochsner, where she is now a 4th year resident. She will be pursuing a fellowship in neuroimmunology and MS at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. In her imaginary free time, she likes nonscientific reading, painting, sports, and sleeping!

Birthplace: Tehran, Iran
Medical School: Shahid Beheshti Medical University
Interests: Neurology, Arts, Sports, Traveling

Notable Publications and Presentations:

A mimicker of Multiple Sclerosis: Levamisole-induced leukoencephalopathy associated with cocaine use. Lashgari G, Sheldon NN, and Bagert BA. Ochsner’s 17^th Annual Research Day. 2020.

Multiple Sclerosis Management: First-line Disease Modifying Therapies. Ghazal Lashgari. American Academy of Neurology (AAN). NeuroBytes educational videos. July 2020.

A Diagnostic Dilemma: Primary CNS lymphoma versus Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis. Reza M, Lashgari G, and Bagert BA. 2020 Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Neuro-Oncology Symposium, Orlando, FL, USA.

Intraparenchymal hemorrhage in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a liver transplant patient. Lashgari G*, Smith TE*, and Tarsia J. 2019 AMA EXPO Research Symposium. San Diego, CA, USA. *Equal contribution

Secreted Reporters for Monitoring Multiple Promoter Function. Lashgari G, Kantar RS, Tannous BA; Methods Mol Biol. 2017.

Imaging Tumor Vascularity and Response to Anti-Angiogenic Therapy Using Gaussia Luciferase. Kantar RS, Lashgari G, Tabet EI, Lewandrowski GK, Carvalho LA, Tannous BA; Sci Rep. 2016 May 20.

Evaluating multi-detector CT scan findings for patients suffering primary bronchogenic cancer Babak Shekarchi, Samane Fartookzadeh, Ghazal Lashgari, Int. J. Curr. Res. Aca. Rev. 2014.2(6): 212-219

Intranasal Delivery of a Novel Anticancer Compound, Obtusaquinone, for the Treatment of Pediatric Gliomas Ghazal Lashgari, Jian Teng, Litia A. Carvalho, Bakhos A. Tannous, ASGCT Annual Meeting Abstracts. Molecular Therapy 25, 1-363 (p-66), Washington D.C.., 5/2017

Olfactory Ensheathing Cells for Glioblastoma Gene Therapy Litia A. Carvalho, Ghazal Lashgari, Elie Tabet, Jian Teng, Bakhos A. TannousASGCT Annual Meeting Abstracts. Molecular Therapy 25, 1-363 (p-129), Washington D.C. - 5/2017

Predictive Factors of Survival and Disease Progression After Gastrostomy Tube Placement in ALS: An Interim Analysis Nicholson K, Haley K, Cornacchio S, Lashgari G, Scalia J, Schoenfeld D, Berry J, and Atassi N, AAN 2016 Annual Meeting. Neurology April 5, 2016 vol. 86 no. 16 Supplement P3.187

Prognosis after Gastrostomy Tube Placement in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Scalia J, Haley K, Cornacchio S, Lashgari G, Chan J, Schoenfeld D, Berry J, Atassi N, Nicholson K15th Annual NEALS (Northeast ALS Consortium) Meeting, Clearwater Beach, FL - 2016

Dr. Uday Nadimpally

Dr. Uday Nadimpally was born in a small town on the eastern coast of India. He was raised in Muscat where he did most of his schooling. He attended medical school at Kasturba Medical College in India. It was in his final year that he began to realize his underlying passion for Neurology, after which he never looked back. He is planning to pursue a fellowship in Vascular Neurology at the University of Rochester. He is also an avid gamer, loves playing cricket and enjoys traveling.

Birthplace: India
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore (India)
Interests: Gaming, Trekking, Cricket, Travelling

Notable Publications and Presentations:

Clobazam-induced pedal edema: "An unrecognized side effect of a common antiepileptic drug"..Epilepsia. 2016, Mar; Volume 57(Issue 3): 524-525.

Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia as a presenting feature of Neuromyelitis Optica: "A rare combination of two uncommon disorders"..Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. 2016, Mar; Volume 6(March 2016): 73-74.

Drug-induced Parkinsonism on the rise: Beware of levosulpiride and its combinations with proton pump inhibitors. Neurol India 2017;65:173-4.

“Out-Patient Burden of Neurological Disorders: A prospective evaluation of 1500 Patients.” Oral Presentation presented at IANCON 2015 (Annual Conference of Indian Academy of Neurology); Agra, IND.

Dr. Laura Ades

Dr. Ades is from Mansfield, Ohio. She completed her undergraduate work at Purdue University where she received a BA in English and received her MD at Indiana University. She developed an interest in neurology early on in her undergraduate education through research involving neurodegeneration. Dr. Ades is a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. In her free time, she likes to explore all the restaurants and live music New Orleans has to offer and cheer on her Purdue Boilermakers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Dr. Ades is in her 3rd year of Neurology at Ochsner.

Birthplace: Kalamazoo, MI
Undergraduate: Purdue University
Medical School: Indiana University
Interests: Live Music, Reading, Football, Basketball

Notable Publications and Presentations:

Ades, Laura MC, Hernandez-Gordillo, Victor, Riese II, David J. (2010). Functional analysis of soluble and cell-associated EGFR ligands using EGFR mutants found in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Poster presented at: Discovery Undergraduate Research Internship Spring Poster Session; West Lafayette, IN.

Ades, Laura MC, Tang, Xiayou, Morré, Dorothy M, Morré, D James. (2011). Characterization of ENOX1 in Arabidopsis Poster presented at: Interns for Indiana Summer Poster Session; West Lafayette, IN.

Ades LMC, Morré DM, & Morré DJ. Cloning and characterization of a candidate auxin plant growth regulator-activated cell surface hydroquininone (NADH) oxidase. Advances in Biological Chemistry. 2014, Dec; 4(7): 415-427.

Ades LMC, Morré DM, & Morré DJ. (2013). Age-related NADH oxidase (arNOX). Potential link between cancer and cardiovascular risk. Journal of medicine and life 1(2): 38. http://www.vkingpub.com/VkUpload/201406161100055635.pdf, Published.

Morré DJ, Korty T, Meadows C, Ades LMC, Morré DM. ENOX2 target for the anticancer isoflavone ME-143. Oncology Research. 2014, Oct; 22(1): 1-12. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 25700353.

Tang XY, Ades LMC, Morré DM, & Morré DJ. Molecular cloning and characterization of a candidate plant growth-related and time-keeping constitutive cell surface hydroquinone (NADH) oxidase (ENOX1) from Arabidopsis lyrata. Advances in Biological Chemistry. 2015, Feb; 5(1): 1-15.

Wilson KJ, Mill C, Lambert S, Buchman J, Wilson TR, Hernandez-Gordillo V, Gallo R, Ades LMC, Settleman J, & Riese II DJ. EGFR ligands exhibit functional differences in models of paracrine and autocrine signaling. Growth Factors. 2012, Apr; 30(2): 107-116. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 22260327.

Dr. Mugilan Poongkunran

Dr. Poongkunran was born and raised in Chennai, the capital of the South Indian of Tamil Nadu. He completed his medical degree at the P.S.G Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Tamil Nadu.

He chose medicine as it fit best with his values of being empathetic and caring. The art of bedside diagnosis that drives patient care with the least possible intervention was his key stepping-stone into Neurology. He is intrigued by the complexity and mystery behind brain dynamics and the nature of neurological disorders. His ongoing interest is in clinical research, neurocritical care, and neuroimaging. In his free time, he loves to sleep, listen to music, and watch F1.

Birthplace: Tiruppattur, Tamil Nadu, India
Medical School: P.S.G Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Tamil Nadu, India
Interests: Sports, Music

Notable Publications and Presentations:

Desensitization of stimulation-induced weight loss: A secondary finding in a patient with vagal nerve stimulator for drug-resistant epilepsy. Khan FA, Poongkunran M - Epilepsy Behav Case Rep. 2017 Jul 20;8:51-54.

Use of vigabatrin in super refractory status epilepticus - Poongkunran M, Khan FA, Sabharwal V, Menon U, Ramsay R.E – Poster presentation, ICCN 2018 - American Clinical Neurophysiology Society; Washington, DC, USA.

Spontaneous Hypothermia in Patients with Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus Managed with Ketamine and Propofol - Sabharwal V, Poongkunran M, Iwuchukwu IO, Ramsay R.E et.al – Epilepsia (in-process); 2018

Cardiovascular Mortality in ESRD Patients Undergoing CABG vs. PCI - Meta Analysis - Kannan A, Balamuthusamy S, Medina R, Poongkunran M, Ramanujam V, Nagajothi N, Borgstorm M – Circulation Journal. 2013 Jun; 1(1): 128.

Dr. Tyler Smith

Chief Resident 2019-2020

Dr. Smith was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. He completed his undergraduate work at The University of Texas at Austin and received his MD at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He developed an interest in medicine and neurology in college that blossomed in medical school. In his free time, Dr. Smith enjoys photography, hiking, and cooking. Dr. Smith will be pursuing a multiple sclerosis fellowship at NYU after residency.

Birthplace: San Antonio, TX
Undergraduate: The University of Texas at Austin; B.S. Cellular and Molecular Biology
Medical School: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School; M.D.
Interests: Photography, hiking, birding, cooking

Notable Publications and Presentations:

Smith, T., Gonzalez, A., Lloyd, A. (2010, April). Genetic Analysis of bHLH Regulation of Epidermal Cell Fates in Arabidopsis thaliana. Poster presentation at The University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Forum, Austin, TX.

Smith, T., Abel, E., Fischer, S. (2010, August). The Role of IGF-1 in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Survival in vitro. Oral presentation at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX.

Smith, T., Gonzalez, A., Lloyd, A. (2012, April). transparent testa glabra2 (ttg2) Enhancer/Suppressor Screen Identifies Novel Trichome Mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana. Poster presentation at The University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Forum, Austin, TX.

Smith, T., Vue, T., Johnson, J. (2014, May). In vivo Gene Expression Analysis of Brain Tumors in a Mouse Model of Glioblastoma. Oral presentation at The University of Texas Southwestern Research and Medicine conference, Dallas, TX.

Gonzalez, A., Brown, M., Hatlestad, G., Akhavan, N., Smith, T., Hembd, A., . . . Lloyd, A. (2016). TTG2 controls the developmental regulation of seed coat tannins in Arabidopsis by regulating vacuolar transport steps in the proanthocyanidin pathway. Developmental Biology, 419(1), 54-63. doi:10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.03.031

Smith, T., Peskin, A., Hand, J., Baumgarten, K., Bagert, B. (2018, May). Quality Improvement: Optimizing Antibiotic Use and Bacteriuria Screening in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Other Central Demyelinating Diseases. Poster presentation at The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers annual meeting, Nashville, TN.

Smith, T., Steven, A., Bagert, B. Gadolinium deposition in neurology clinical practice. Ochsner J. 2019 Spring; 19(1): 17–25. doi: 10.31486/toj.18.0111. PMID: 30983897

Lashgari, G., Smith, T., Tarsia, J. (2019, November). Intraparenchymal hemorrhage in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a liver transplant patient. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at The American Medical Association Research Symposium, San Diego, CA.

Smith, T., Seals, S., Van Hook, C. (2020, May). Successful Treatment of Refractory LGI-1 Antibody Encephalitis with Cyclophosphamide. Online poster session at Ochsner Neuroscience Symposium, New Orleans, LA.

Dr. Rinu Abraham (Formerly Rinu Manacheril)

Dr. Abraham was born and raised in Kuwait. She moved to the United States during her senior year of high school. She completed her undergraduate work and received her MD from the University of Arizona. She has an interest in autoimmune neurology. In her free time, she likes to cook, try new restaurants, travel, and watch crime shows. Dr. Abraham is in her 4th year of residency and will be pursuing a neuroimmunology fellowship after residency.

Birthplace: Kuwait
Undergraduate: University of Arizona, BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
Medical School: University of Arizona
Interests: Cooking, traveling, watching TV

Notable Publications and Presentations:

Muralidhar A; Borbon I; Dyadin D; Wangjing K; Manacheril R; Erickson R. "Pulmonary function and pathology in hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin‐treated and untreated Npc1−/− mice." Molecular Genetics and Metabolism June 1, 2011:142‐147.

Manacheril R, Faheem U, Labiner D, Drake K, Chong J. Psychosocial Impact of Epilepsy in Older Adults. Healthcare (Basel). 2015 Dec 18;3(4):1271-83.

Kolomensky A, Manacheril R, Bagert B. An atypical presentation of Neuromyelitis Optica. Ochsner Neurosciences Symposium. Mar 2017.

Khan FA, Manacheril R, Ulep R, Martin JE, Chimakurthy A. Trigeminal Trophic Syndrome Associated With the Use of Synthetic Marijuana. Ochsner J. 2017 Fall;17(3):292-295.

Hann M, Manacheril R, St Pierre J, Gala R. Recurrent Pneumothoraces in a Patient with Pulmonary Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma. Ochsner J. 2017 Fall;17(3):284-287.

Posas J, Verter E, Wen Y, Iliceto A, Tran V, Manacheril R (2017). Hospital management of Migraine. Clinical Approaches to Hospital Medicine: Advances, Updates and Controversies. Springer

Manacheril R, Wilson M. Magnesium oxide: a potential treatment in retinal migraine. Ochsner Neurosciences Symposium. Mar 2018

Manacheril R, Khan F, Steven A, Menon U, Billeaud N, Sabharwal V, Ramsay R. Focal status epilepticus in stroke like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome. International Congress of Clinical Neurophysiology. May 2018.

Dr. Isabel Stephens

Born in NY, Izzy spent her childhood practically growing up in her parents’ rare and collectible bookstore before she went on to study the Great Books at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM. She took what ended up being pre-med classes as part of the Harvard Extension post-bacc program before running over to Aus for med school. As part of the University of Queensland program, she spent her first two years of med school in Brisbane, Australia before finishing her last two years of med school at Ochsner, where she stayed for residency. She is thrilled to be joining the neurocritical care team at Case Western University in Cleveland, OH, as a fellow in July 2019.

Birthplace: New York
Undergraduate: St. John’s College, NM
Medical School: University of Queensland, Australia

Dr. Tara Von Kleist

Chief Resident 2018-2019

Dr. von Kleist was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Victoria in British Columbia and received her MD at the University of Queensland. Dr. von Kleist is in her 4th year and pursuing a fellowship in Vascular Neurology.

Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada
Undergraduate: University of Victoria, Canada
Medical School: University of Queensland, Australia
Interests: Hiking, kayaking, running, live music, eating

Notable Publications and Presentations:

von Kleist T, Posas J. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy as the Initial Presentation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. Poster presentation at the Ochsner Neuroscience Symposium. New Orleans, LA, March 2017

Vidal G, von Kleist T. Stroke Units and Their Effect on Patient Outcomes. In: Clinical Approaches to Hospital Medicine: Advances, Updates and Controversies. Conrad K, ed. New York, NY: Springer; 2018. 133-142.

Dr. Mohammed Qureshi

My passion for the field of Neurology stems from a very personal experience. My father was diagnosed with Parkinson's Dementia complex when I was a teenager. The ensuing part of the next 12 years of my life was caring for my father. Whether it was feeding him or bathing him, I learned something new about neurodegenerative disease every single day. My father passed shortly before I officially became a PGY-2 resident.

Since this experience, my focus has been on neuro degenerative disease such as dementia and Parkinson's disease. I also have an interest in hospice and neuro palliative care. I plan to pursue a fellowship in the future.

The ensuing phase of my career will be Memorial Regional medical center in Hollywood Florida. I will be doing mostly outpatient general Neurology seeing plenty of patients with dementia and Parkinson's.

My residency at Ochsner was an amazing experience to say the least. The variety of patients encountered was more diverse than I ever thought. The support from my attendings, during good times and bad has been constant. I will never forget my time in New Orleans with every staff member from nurses to MAs and especially my patients.

Dr. Malik Adil

Chief Resident 2017-2018

Dr. Adil was born and raised in Pakistan. He received his bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Pakistan and medical degree from Shifa College of Medicine, Pakistan. Dr. Adil developed an interest in neurology after seeing one family member after another suffer from stroke, and see their once active bodies become disabled and dependent on their caregivers. Dr. Adil’s dedication to research and publishing has earned him a few awards, including Ochsner Research Council Award for Outstanding Research by Trainees and Dean H Echols Award for Clinical Writing. He has also been selected as a member of the editorial team for “Resident and Fellow Section” of the esteemed journal Neurology. In 2018, he was selected for American Academy of Neurology Enhanced Resident Leadership Program. Dr. Adil served as a Chief Resident for the academic year 2017–18. He is going to NIH for fellowship in vascular neurology. After completing his fellowship, he plans to pursue an academic career in neurology.

Notable Publications and Presentations:

Qureshi AI, Adil MM, Zacharatos H, Suri MF. Factors Associated With Length of Hospitalization in Patients Admitted With Transient Ischemic Attack in United States. Stroke. 2013 Jun; 44(6):1601-1605.

Asaithambi G, Adil MM, Qureshi AI. Thrombolysis for Ischemic Stroke Associated With Infective Endocarditis: Results From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Stroke. 2013 Oct; 44(10):2917-9.

Siddiq F, Adil MM, Norby K, Qureshi AI. Intracranial Stent Placement for Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis as Part of a Clinical Trial versus Outside a Clinical Trial. Stroke. 2013 Dec; 44(12):3571-2.

Qureshi AI, Adil MM, Suri MF. Rate of utilization and determinants of withdrawal of care in acute ischemic stroke treated with thrombolytics in USA. Med Care. 2013 Dec; 51(12):1094-100.

Qureshi AI, Adil MM, Suri MF. Rate of Utilization and Determinants of Withdrawal of Care among Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients in United States. World Neurosurg. 2014 Nov; 82(5):e579-84.

Saeed F, Adil MM, Khursheed F, Daimee UA, Branch LA Jr, Vidal GA, Qureshi AI. Acute renal failure is associated with higher death and disability in patients with acute ischemic stroke: analysis of nationwide inpatient sample. Stroke. 2014 May; 45(5):1478-80.

Adil MM, Qureshi AI, Beslow LA, Jordan LC. Transient ischemic attack requiring hospitalization of children in the United States: kids' inpatient database 2003 to 2009. Stroke. 2014 Mar; 45(3):887-8.

Khan A, Adil MM, Qureshi AI. Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stent placement. Stroke. 2014 Feb; 45(2):595-7.

Adil MM, Beslow LA, Qureshi AI, Malik AA, Jordan LC. Hypertension Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Children Hospitalized With Arterial Ischemic Stroke. Pediatr Neurol. 2016 Mar; 56:25-9.

Adil MM, Vidal G, Beslow LA. Weekend Effect in Children with Stroke in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Stroke. 2016 Jun;47(6):1436-43

Adil MM, Saeed F, Chaudhary SA, Malik A, Qureshi AI. Comparative Outcomes of Carotid Artery Stent Placement and Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2016 Jul;25(7):1721-7

Adil MM, Vidal GA, Beslow LA. Clinical Outcomes among Transferred Children with Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2016 Nov; 25(11):2594-2602.

Saeed F, Adil MM, Kaleem UM, Zafar TT, Khan AS, Holley JL, Nally JV Jr. Outcomes of In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Patients with CKD. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2016 Oct 7; 11(10):1744-1751.

Adil MM. Applause sign. Neurology August 7, 2017. MM, Larriviere D. Family discussions on life-sustaining interventions in neurocritical care. Handb Clin Neurol. 2017; 140:397-408.