Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Thank you for choosing Ochsner Health for your care. We are committed to making an ongoing difference in the health of our communities.
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Ochsner is committed to a clinically-integrated research program with the ultimate goal of improving the health and wellness of our patients and communities. And as the largest academic medical center in Louisiana, we are training the next generation of healthcare professionals to be leaders who can meet evolving healthcare challenges.
Administrative Chief 2022-2023
Dr. Chilukuri was born and raised in the Midwest, spending most of his time in Indiana. He received a degree in Neuroscience from the University of Indiana before attending the University of Louisville for medical school. He has completed research in movement disorders and epilepsy. He enjoys the outdoors, sports, cooking, music, hiking, and traveling.
Birthplace: Flint, Michigan
Undergraduate: Indiana University, B.S. Neuroscience
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Interests:
traveling, sports, hiking, music, rock climbing
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. Cevallos was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He completed his MD training at the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil. He developed an interest in medicine and neurology since little based on family background and real life experiences. Dr. Cevallos considers himself a very spiritual person who inspired by his catholic faith tries every day to be better as a human, friend and physician. Notable awards include valedictorian of his class as well as best graduation thesis. In his free time he likes to play video games, eat and travel.
Birthplace: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Medical School: Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil
Interests: Education, teaching and neurosciences in general
Notable publications and presentations:
Jimmy Achi Arteaga, David Martínez Neira, Bolívar Cárdenas Mera, Jacques Lara Reyna, Martha Burgos Morales. Solid cerebellar hemangioblastoma Case report and literature review. Revista Ecuatoriana de Neurología. 2013, Jan; 22(1-3): 127-131. Pub Status:Published.
Jurado MB, Santibáñez R, Palacios-Mendoza M, Moreno-Zambrano D, Peñaherrera C, Duarte MC, Gamboa X, Cevallos C, Regato I, Palacio A, Tamariz L. Cognitive Impaitment in Diabetic Patients Between 55 And 65 Years Old. Final Report of a Cross-Sectional, Observational Study in Guayaquil City. Revista Ecuatoriana de Neurología. 2018, Jan; 27(1): 41-50. Pub Status: Published.
Palacios-Mendoza M, Jurado M, Gamboa X, Cevallos C, Moreno-Zambrano D, Duarte M, Penaherrera C, Tamariz L, Palacio A, Santibanez R. Diabetes is associated with cognitive decline in middle-aged patients. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders. 2018, Nov; 16(10): 1-7. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 30311847. Pub Status: Published.
Peñaherrera-Oviedo, C., Moreno-Zambrano, D., Palacios, M., DuarteMartinez, M. C., Cevallos, C., Gamboa, X. & Santibañez, R.. Does intensive glucose control prevent cognitive decline in diabetes? A metaanalysis. International journal of chronic diseases. 2015, Aug; 2015(2015): 1-8. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 26464871. Pub Status: Published.
Jurado, MB., Palacios, M., Moreno-Zambrano, D., Cevallos, C., Regato, I., Gamboa, X., Duarte, MC., Penaherrera, C., Tamariz, L., Santibanez, R. (February, 2019). Comorbidity of depression and diabetes is not associated with increased cognitive impairment in middle aged adults Poster presented at: Final program forty seventh annual meeting international neuropsychological society; New York, NY, USA.
Jurado, MB., Palacios, M., Moreno-Zambrano, D., Cevallos, C., Regato, I., Gamboa, X., Duarte, MC., Penaherrera, C., Tamariz, L., Santibanez, R.. (April, 2017). Cardiovascular risk factors contribute differentially to cognitive functioning in middle-aged adults Poster presented at: American Academy of Neurology 69th Annual Meeting; boston, MA, USA.
Jurado, MB., Palacios, M., Regato, I., Cevallos, C., Gamboa, X., MorenoZambrano, D., Penaherrera, C., Duarte, M-C., Tamariz, L., Santibanez, R. (April, 2016). Verbal Memory and Processing Speed Deficits in Middle-Aged Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Poster presented at: American Academy of Neurology 68th Annual Meeting; vancouver, BC, CAN.
Martin, j., Cevallos, C. (October, 2013). Factors that determine the inappropriate use of contraceptives in young people between 16 and 24 years of the Santiago de Guayaquil Catholic University in 2012 Poster presented at: III congreso binacional de ciencia, tecnología e innovación AUSENP; chiclayo, PER.
Cevallos, C., A. ; Martin, J., D. (2016, September 22). Valoración de los ingresos hospitalarios a través de los servicios de medicina interna y cirugía de la emergencia del Hospital Regional Dr. Teodoro Maldonado Carbo, de acuerdo al Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol vigente. http://repositorio.ucsg.edu.ec/handle/3317/6527, Pub Status: Published.
Dr. Maslov was born in Neumünster, Germany and raised in Winnipeg, Canada. He moved to Costa Rica during his sophomore year of high school. He completed his Bachelor of Science at Simon Fraser University and received his medical degree from the University of Queensland. Throughout his travels and education, Alexander developed an interest in Neurology and reducing social disparities in health care.
Birthplace: Germany
Undergraduate: Simon Fraser University, BS General Science
Medical School: University of Queensland, MD
Interests: Cooking (especially BBQ), running, and live music.
Notable Publications and Presentations:
Khan, F. A., McIntyre, C., Khan, A. M., & Maslov, A. (2020). Headache and Methemoglobinemia. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 60(1), 291-297.
Proactive Ochsner Encounters: engaging all members of the neurology clinical care team in reminding patients of their overdue cancer screenings and immunisations. (175), Alexander Maslov, Caitlin Ernst, Julia Deyeva, Mohona Reza, Ravi Chilukuri, Jose Posas. Neurology, Apr 2020, 94 (15 Supplement) 175;
Implementation of self-reported questionnaires to assess feasibility and adoption of 3D printing (3DP) and 3D virtual reality (VR) patient models in three complex spinal surgical cases (5055) Alexander Maslov, Stephen Fletcher, Caleb Stewart, Jack McGee, Alec Slayden, James Kalyvas, Korak Sarkar. Neurology, Apr 2020, 94 (15 Supplement) 5055;
Manayan O, Masterson C, Poulton H, Ye A, Maslov A, Giddens N, Jin S, Blackie A, Van den Heever J, Chung J. Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Indigenous Australians. Oral presentation at University of Queensland Indigenous Health Symposium, October 2016, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Ponzi, D., Zilioli, S., Mehta, P. H., Maslov, A., & Watson, N. V. (2016). Social network centrality and hormones: The interaction of testosterone and cortisol. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 68, 6-13.
Maslov A, Cobarrubias K, Anmole G, Kuang X, Shahid A, Markle T, Le A, Brumme Z, Brockman M. Construction of a Chimeric Antigen Receptor for a T Cell. Poster presentation at Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Colloquium, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, April, 2015.
Dr. Sofía Matta Rodríguez was born and raised in San Juan Puerto Rico. She attended the University of Puerto Rico for undergrad and completed her MD at San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. She was unaware she was interested in Neurology, until starting medical school, but she did know she wanted to practice in a field where sports and rehabilitation were involved. After her clerkships with Multiple Sclerosis patients, she realized Neurology was the specialty to go to. She plans on going on to a fellowship that will allow her to practice outpatient care. As someone born on an island, she enjoys going to the beach the most and tries staying up to date with upcoming local art festivals and restaurants.
Birthplace: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Medical School: San Juan Bautista School of Medicine- Caguas, Puerto Rico
Interests: Food, Cooking, Traveling/Roadtrips, music, board games
Dr. Tsai was born in Ohio and grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Human Biology at Emory University and medical degree from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Her interest in Neurology began during her medical school rotation as she saw the wide array of ways neurological conditions can present. In her free time she likes to hang out with her cats, read fiction, and go to pilates class.
Birthplace: Dallas, TX
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Interests: reading, photography, travel
Dr. Yeganegi grew up in Toronto, Canada after spending his childhood in Iran where he was born. He completed a Masters in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, before pursuing medicine at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, a 650 year-old university where Nicolaus Copernicus once studied. Having been an avid programmer since the age of 12, Dr. Yeganegi's research aspirations include applications of signal processing, brain computer interfaces and artificial neural networks to the field of neurology. He follows politics closely and is interested in science and public health policy. He helped create the annual Canadian Science Policy Conference and Center, the first of its kind in Canada, while pursuing his research-based masters.
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Masters and Undergraduate: University of Toronto, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering
Medical School: Jagiellonian University
Hobbies: Self-taught pursuit of piano and guitar. Masoud enjoys salsa and bachata dancing, photography, as well as cooking.
Notable Publications and Presentations:
Masoud Yeganegi, Pooia Fattahi. Management and Prevention of Cerebrovascular Accidents in SARS-CoV-2–Positive Patients Recovering from COVID-19: a Case Report and Review of Literature, SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine. January 16, 2021
Pooia Fattahi, Masoud Yeganegi, Katherine Kedzierski. "Neurologic Disorders and Maxillofacial Surgery" in "Perioperative Assessment of the Maxillofacial Surgery Patient", Springer 2018 (Book Chapter)
Yeganegi, M., Kandel, RA, Santerre, JP. Characterization of a biodegradable electrospun polyurethane nanofiber scaffold: Mechanical properties and cytotoxicity. Journal of Acta Biomaterialia, 2010
Yeganegi, M., Kandel, RA., Santerre, JP. Characterization of a Biodegradable Electrospun Polyurethane Nanofiber Scaffold: Mechanical Properties and Cytotoxicity. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society, World Congress (TERMIS WC 2009), Oral presentation, Seoul, South Korea, 2009
Chau, T., Eaton-Russel, C., Yeganegi M., Blain, S. (2006). Investigation of experimental communication access pathways, Oral presentation. 12th Biennial International Conference of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC), Oral presentation, Düsseldorf, Germany, 2006
Aarabi, P., Wang, Q.H., Yeganegi, M. Integrated Displacement Tracking And Sound Localization. Proceedings of the 2004 IEEE Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP 2004), Montreal, Canada, 2004
Dr. Bozzorg was born in Minnesota and grew up in Georgia. He attended Georgia Tech where he earned a BS in Applied Psychology and continued to earn a MS in Human-Computer Interactions. He attended Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. His interest in medicine stems from his work in memory research at Georgia Tech and neurorehabilitation research at the Atlanta VA in Parkinsons’ and dementia.
Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Undergraduate: Georgia Institute of Technology, BS in Applied Psychology; MS in Human-Computer Interactions
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Interests: Rock climbing, yoga, and cooking
Notable Publications and Presentations:
Bozzorg, Ariyana, Moon, Nathan, Todd, Robert & Utschig, Tristan. Evaluation of Programmatic Interventions to Improve Postsecondary STEM Education for Students with Disabilities: Findings from SciTrain University. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability. (2011); 24(4): 331-349.
Drucker, Jonathon H., Sathian, K., Crosson, B., Krishnamurthy, V., McGregor, K. M., Bozzorg, Ariyana, ... & Evatt, M.. Internally guided lower limb movement recruits compensatory cerebellar activity in people with Parkinson's disease. Frontiers in neurology. (2019); 10(10): 537. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 31231297.
Hackney, M. E., Byers, C., Butler, G., Sweeney, M., Rossbach, L., & Bozzorg, A.. Tango improves mobility, motor–cognitive function, and gait but not cognition in older adults in independent living. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. (2015); 63(10): 2105-2113.
Cited in PubMed; PMID: 26456371.
McKay, J. L., Bozzorg, A., Nocera, J., & Hackney, M. E.. (2017, April 11). The Influence of Parkinson’s Disease and Neurotypical Aging on Cognitive Performance Among Volunteers for an Exercise-based Rehabilitative Intervention. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/126607v1.full
Moon, N. W., Baker, P. M., Roy, R. G., & Bozzorg, A.. Disability Issues and Planning Education: Findings from a Longitudinal Survey of Planning Programs and Lessons for Urban e-Planning.. International Journal of E-Planning Research. (2014); 3(3): 38-52.
Silverstein, H. A., Hart, A. R., Bozzorg, A., & Hackney, M. E.. Improved Mobility, Cognition, and Disease Severity in Corticobasal Degeneration of an African American Man After 12 Weeks of Adapted Tango: A Case Study.. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. (2019); 99(2): 21-27. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 30801264.
Utschig, T. T., Moon, N. W., Bozzorg, A., & Todd, R. L.. Impact of faculty development on classroom accessibility as measured using a classroom observation instrument.. International Journal of Process Education. (2012); 4(1): 61-77.
Dr. Benhuri was born and raised in New York City. He received his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. His interest in neurology first started in the anatomy lab and continued during the clinical years, especially pertaining to localization and neuroimaging. In his free time he enjoys watching movies, listening to new records, and playing board games.
Birthplace: New York, NY
Undergraduate: Hunter College, The City University of New York, BA in History
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Interests: Film, Music, Stand-up comedy, Chess, Backgammon
Dr. Cochran was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of South Carolina Honors College where he majored in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and minored in Neuroscience. He then completed his medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina. He developed an interest in medicine and neurology after working in an assisted living facility and minoring in neuroscience. He has an ongoing interest in vascular neurology and cognitive neurology. In his free time, he enjoys boating, biking, and playing the saxophone.
Birthplace: Greenville, SC
Undergraduate: University of South Carolina, BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Interests: Music, Gardening, Outdoors
Dr. Nelson is from La Crosse, Wisconsin. He completed an undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Minnesota, and received his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He developed a passion for neurology during his clinical years of medical school, and is particularly interested in neuroimmunology. When he is not working, he enjoys cooking, tennis, and playing the piano.
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
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles/Abstracts
Poster Presentation
Ongoing projects
Books
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
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. 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).
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 17th Annual Research Day. 2020.
Multiple Sclerosis Management: First-line Disease Modifying Therapies. Ghazal Lashgari. American Academy of Neurology (AAN). NeuroBytes educational videos. July 2020. https://learning.aan.com/diweb/catalog/item?id=5204492
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 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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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
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.
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.
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. (https://www.aan.com/trainees/e... MM, Larriviere D. Family discussions on life-sustaining interventions in neurocritical care. Handb Clin Neurol. 2017; 140:397-408.
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