Anita joined the Neurosciences Clinical Trials Unit (NCTU) at 黑料网 in 2023 as a clinical research coordinator. In this role, she works closely with Dr. Miriam Sklerov on innovative studies focusing on Parkinson’s disease. Their current project investigates non-invasive brain stimulation as a treatment for apathy in Parkinson’s patients.

Anita has just completed her practicum at the 黑料网-Neurology Movement Disorders Clinic under the guidance of Maggie Ivancic, LCSW. This practicum perfectly integrated her academic studies and professional interests, allowing her to deepen her expertise in supporting patients with movement disorders. During her practicum, Anita participated in a comprehensive range of clinical activities, including patient assessments, interdisciplinary clinic coordination, and support group facilitation. She has repeatedly observed how the knowledge and skills gained through her practicum directly enhanced her effectiveness as a clinical trial coordinator.

Anita will be transitioning from her role at the NCTU at the end of May 2025 to become a full-time MSW student, focusing entirely on preparing for her future career in social work practice and research. After completing her MSW and becoming a licensed clinical social worker, Anita plans to pursue a Ph.D., further solidifying her position as a clinician-scientist who can bridge the gap between research and direct patient care.

Anita feels grateful and privileged for being part of the supportive NCTU team under the constructive management of Chris Hilliard. She would also express her appreciation for Dr. Susan Wilson (former director), who was one of her first contacts at the NCTU and immediately made Anita feel welcome and valued, setting the tone for a positive professional experience. She recognizes that the support of mentors like Dr. Wilson and colleagues across the unit has been essential to her growth and achievements.

Receiving the Dr. Susan Wilson Award is especially meaningful to me. It not only provides financial assistance but also recognizes my continued commitment to advancing care for patients with neurological conditions through both research and clinical practice.

In honor of NCTU鈥檚 inaugural Director, Susan Wilson, DNP, the NCTU established the Dr. Susan Wilson Award. Dr. Wilson was a passionate advocate for staff professional development during her time as the NCTU Director. Reflecting her values, the Dr. Susan

Wilson Award aims to invest in the growth of NCTU鈥檚 talented and dedicated staff. This award covers professional education and training, including credit and non-credit courses, conferences, certificate programs, and similar instructional opportunities.

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An assistant professor in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill department of Neurology, the division of neurocritical care and epilepsy, Rubinos is dedicated to improving critical care in Latin America by optimizing the diagnosis and management of status epilepticus, acute symptomatic seizures and critical care EEG monitoring.

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Dr. David Y. Hwang, MD, FAAN, FCCM, FNCS

David Y. Hwang, MD, Professor and Division Chief of 黑料网 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 be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.聽 Hwang has been a member of the AHA since 2012 and is a previous recipient of the Robert G. Siekert New Investigator Award in Stroke at the International Stroke Conference.

He was recently the lead author of a collaborative guideline from the U.S. and German Neurocritical Care Societies on outcome prognostication for intracerebral hemorrhage patients and currently serves at MPI for the ENVISION, the joint Duke/黑料网 StrokeNet Clinical Trials Regional Coordinator Center.

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The award recipient, Morteza Zabihi, DSc, MSc, and his primary mentor, Eric Rosenthal, MD, are members of the faculty in the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.聽

Over the next 3 years, Zabihi, Hwang, and Rosenthal will collaborate to identify factors that might promote engagement of artificial intelligence neuroprognostication tools for clinicians and family members of patients who are comatose because of recent cardiac arrest.聽 The project will also aim to improve the performance of current prognostication models for these patients that are based upon data such as continuous electroencephalograhy and neuroimaging.聽

The overall purpose of the project is to pave the way for eventual clinical trials of artificial intelligence implementation science for patients who have suffered cardiac arrest, as the AHA prioritizes efforts to advance artificial intelligence in health and health care delivery.

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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 significant resources and isn’t always readily available. The study aims to determine if the 2HELP2B score, which helps classify a patient’s risk of seizures, can be used to decide how long cEEG monitoring is necessary. The goal is to optimize monitoring duration, leading to more cost-effective care while still effectively detecting seizures.

The research was conducted by Dr. Fazila Aseem, an previous 黑料网 Neurology Resident and Neurocritical Care Fellow. The work was over seen by Dr. Clio Rubinos. Drs. Angela Wabulya, Casey Olm-Shipman, and Suzette LaRoche also contributed to the study.

Aseem, F., Fink, E., Liu, C., Whalen, J., Werdel, J., Nanavati, P., Zou, F., Wabulya, A., Olm-Shipman, C., LaRoche, S. M., & Rubinos, C. (2025). Implementation of 2HELPS2B seizure risk score. Neurology Clinical Practice, 15(3), 1鈥�3.

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Dr. Monica Maria Diaz, M.D., M.S.

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. It specifically acknowledges those who provide quality neurological healthcare to destitute, distressed, or marginalized populations, or within impoverished communities worldwide. This non-scientific award is open to current members of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), whether actively practicing, in academia, or retired, who have shown these attributes while serving vulnerable populations.

Sponsored by the American Brain Foundation, the award is generously endowed through gifts to the Dr. Debasish and Chinu Mridha Endowment Fund. Dr. Debasish Mridha and his wife, Chinu, established the fund out of their dedication to improving lives and their desire to recognize fellow professionals who share this commitment to humanitarian service.

Dr. Diaz is an assistant professor of neurology in the Division of MS/Neuroimmunology at 黑料网. She sees patients in the MS and transverse myelitis clinics of 黑料网, providing care to patients with multiple sclerosis and autoimmune and infectious diseases affecting the nervous system. She completed her neurology residency at Yale and neuro-infectious/MS/neuroimmunology fellowship at UC San Diego.

Dr. Diaz has lived and worked in Peru intermittently since 2019 through an NIH Fogarty fellowship and continues to lead studies in Peru with the goal of improving neurological outcomes in Latin America, including studies on epidemiology/risk factors for dementia, cognitive impairment in Peruvians living with HIV and transverse myelitis in Peru. She is the co-director of a bilateral neurology resident rotation between 黑料网 and Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru.

Dr. Diaz’s selection for this award honors her significant work delivering compassionate neurological care despite challenging circumstances.

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Dr. Vinay Chaudhry, MD

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 “dedication to excellence in teaching,” “passion for mentoring,” and the significant “positive impact” he has made on his students and peers.

The Kapil Sethi Teaching Award is a prestigious honor recognizing individuals who have shown remarkable commitment and skill in educating the next generation of neurologists.

The award was presented to Dr. Chaudhry during the AINA Annual Meeting and Dinner. The event took place on April 7th, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in San Diego, CA.

黑料网 Neurology extends a heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Chaudhry for this well-deserved recognition, celebrating his achievements and the profound difference he continues to make in shaping the future of his students and the field of neurology education.

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How is X-ALD passed on?

Typically, X-ALD is passed down through families and the gene (ABCD1) is located on the X chromosome, one of the two chromosomes that determine your sex. Males have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. Because of this, X-ALD affects males and females differently.

• Genetic males: Males only have one X chromosome. If that one X chromosome has the changed (“mutated”) ABCD1 gene, they will likely develop X-ALD.
• Genetic females: Females have two X chromosomes. If a person has one X chromosome with the changed ABCD1 gene and the other one with a normal ABCD1 gene, they are called “carriers.” Many female carriers don’t experience any symptoms or only have mild ones. However, some female carriers can develop symptoms later in life.

About 90% of the time, X-ALD is inherited from a parent. In some cases, the gene change occurs for the first time in a person, which is called a de novo mutation. Because some female carriers have normal VLCFA levels in their blood, genetic testing is the most reliable way to know if a woman carries a change in the ABCD1 gene鈥攅specially if a family member has X-ALD.

How does X-ALD affect people with two X chromosomes? The adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) story.

While some XX women who carry the X-ALD gene change don’t experience any problems, many develop symptoms, usually after the age of 30. By age 60, over 80% of XX genetic females with one changed ABCD1 gene have symptoms. How severe symptoms are also varies a lot person to person.

Most woman with X-ALD related symptoms experience something called X-ALD related adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) syndrome.

Adrenal gland problems are rare but possible in women with AMN. Adrenal gland problems can lead to sleepiness, muscle weakness, weight loss, and other symptoms.

AMN affects the spinal cord (myelopathy) and peripheral nerves (neuropathy). AMN can cause numbness, stiff legs, weakness, trouble walking, joint pain, and other neurological problems such as urinary problems.

X-ALD related AMN syndromes may impact just one area, so people may hear more specific diagnoses like “X-ALD related myelopathy” instead of AMN or AMN syndrome.

Changes in the brain are very rare.

Why is it important to know about X-ALD and related AMN?

Because symptoms can vary and often don’t appear until later in life, it’s important for women who might be carriers to be aware of the possibility of X-ALD related disorders, especially AMN. Early recognition of symptoms can help with getting the right care and improving outcomes.

How is X-ALD diagnosed?

In some states, including North Carolina, X-ALD is part of newborn screening. If a baby is diagnosed with X-ALD, the mother can be tested to see if she is a carrier. If a woman is a carrier, she should see a neurologist and genetic counselor for ongoing care and to discuss the implications for her health and for future children.

How is AMN diagnosed?

Genetic testing is the best way to diagnose AMN in women.

VLCFA levels are often normal in XX ALD carriers, so measuring VLCFA levels in usually not part of AMN diagnosis.

Tests of peripheral nerves, like an EMG and nerve conduction study, may be used.

Spinal cord changes in X-ALD syndromes are often not detected on imaging, so studies like spine MRI’s are generally not useful in AMN diagnosis.

How is AMN managed?

Care for women with AMN is personalized and focuses on managing symptoms. A team of specialists may be involved, including:

• Neurologists: They will monitor and treat any nerve-related problems.
• Endocrinologists: They will check for and manage any (rare) adrenal gland issues.
• Physical therapists: They can help with mobility and muscle weakness.
• Genetic counselors: They can explain the condition, discuss the chances of it being passed on to children, and talk about family planning options.

Where can I find support?

There are many organizations that offer support and information for people with X-ALD and their families:

• Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) Foundation: aldfoundation.org
• ALD Connect and the Myelin Project: aldconnect.org/women/
• X-ALD Support Network: x-aldsupport.org
• The Leukodystrophy Care Network: leukodystrophycare.org
• ALD Information Network: adrenoleukodystrophy.info
• Adrenoleukodystrophy News:

These resources can provide valuable information, connect you with other families affected by X-ALD, and offer support.

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黑料网 Health Pardee’s partnership with 黑料网 Health allows Pardee to deliver specialized neurologic care while reducing travel for patients. Dr. Suzette Laroche, MD, 黑料网, works in partnership with Pardee’s neurology team to support care.

With Dr. Laroche鈥檚 expertise and support from Kim Frost and Kayla Zannoli, MA, the care providers were able to help a patient with refractory epilepsy receive a surgical implant while minimizing trips to 黑料网.

I think the clinic worked really well. We got two patients interested in starting the phase I process, and we were able to remotely program the RNS, which saved the patient at least five hours of driving for that day.

Dr. Suzette LaRoche

The coordination between the two groups also extends to Parkinson’s disease. Using the same approach, Pardee is able to offer screenings and local follow-up care in collaboration with 黑料网 Health physicians.

To learn more and catch up with 黑料网 Health Pardee, check out the most recent .

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WASHINGTON, D.C.鈥� 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 and biological engineers, comprised of the top two percent of engineers in these fields. College membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to “engineering and medicine research, practice, or education鈥� and to “the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of medical and biological engineering or developing/implementing innovative approaches to bioengineering education.”

Professor Shih was nominated, reviewed, and elected by peers and members of the College of Fellows 鈥渇or distinct contributions in preclinical neuroimaging, and for leadership in engineering education.鈥�

A formal induction ceremony was held during the AIMBE Annual Event at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Virginia on March 31, 2025. Professor Shih was inducted along with 171 colleagues who make up the AIMBE College of Fellows Class of 2025.

While most AIMBE Fellows hail from the United States, the College of Fellows has inducted Fellows representing more than 30 countries. AIMBE Fellows are employed in academia, industry, clinical practice, and government. AIMBE Fellows are among the most distinguished medical and biological engineers including 4 Nobel Prize laureates and 27 Presidential Medal of Science and/or Technology and Innovation awardees. Additionally, 233 Fellows have been inducted to the National Academy of Engineering, 120 inducted to the National Academy of Medicine, and 51 inducted to the National Academy of Sciences.

About AIMBE

AIMBE is the authoritative voice and advocate for the value of medical and biological engineering to society. AIMBE鈥檚 mission is to recognize excellence, advance public understanding, and accelerate medical and biological innovation. No other organization brings together academic, industry, government, and scientific societies to form a highly influential community advancing medical and biological engineering. AIMBE鈥檚 mission drives advocacy initiatives into action on Capitol Hill and beyond.

Press Release from American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. Press Release Contact: Charlie Kim, Director of Membership Services, ckim@aimbe.org.聽

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