Adult Neurology Residency
Due to COVID-19, all University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Graduate Medical Education (GME) residency and fellowship programs will conduct virtual interviews during the 2020-2021 academic year.
Welcome Neurology Applicant!
We look forward to speaking with you soon!
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Program Information
The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center (UTHSC) Neurology Program is located
Memphis, TN. Our program is committed to training dedicated and aspiring neurologists
with unique experiences and educational opportunities. Not only do our graduates develop
a solid foundation in general neurology but they also develop a deep understanding
of vascular and critical care neurology.
Memphis is known as the “buckle” of the stroke belt of the United States with the most tPA given in the world. Our residents develop close relationships with their faculty, other members of the healthcare team, and their patients.
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Faculty
Marc Malkoff, MD
Vice-Chairman, Program Director, & Professor
Neurology
mmalkoff@uthsc.edu
901.448.6198
Balaji Krishnaiah, MD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
bkrishn4@uthsc.edu
901.448.6661
Andrei Alexandrov, MD
Chairman and Professor
Neurology
aalexa30@uthsc.edu
901.448.1596
Violiza Inoa Acosta, MD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
vinoaaco@uthsc.edu
901.522.7700
Khalid A. Alsherbini, MD
Associate Professor
Neurology
kalsherb@uthsc.edu
901.448.6199
Sushma Bellamkonda, MD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
901.448.5814
Tulio E. Bertorini, MD
Professor
Neurology
tbertori@uthsc.edu
901.448.8353
Monisha Dutta, MD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
mdutta@uthsc.edu
901.448.6199
Hafiz A. Elahi, MD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
helahi@uthsc.edu
901.725.8920
Lucas Elijovich, MD
Professor
Neurology
lelijovi@uthsc.edu
901.448.6198
Mark A. Ferrante, MD
Professor
Neurology
mferrant@uthsc.edu
901.448.7674
Nitin Goyal, MD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
ngoyal@uthsc.edu
901.758.7888
Mohammad Moshahid Khan, MD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
mkhan26@uthsc.edu
901.448.3180
Sang M. Lee, MD
Associate Professor
Neurology
salee@uthsc.edu
901.523.8990
Joshua J. Lennon, MD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
jlennon1@uthsc.edu
901.448.5814
Jesus F. Martinez, MD
Instructor
Neurology
jmarti84@uthsc.edu
901.725.8920
Michael P. McDonald, PhD
Associate Professor
Neurology
mikemc@tennessee.edu
901.448.4648
E. J. Metter, MD
Professor
Neurology
emetter@uthsc.edu
901.448.6199
Katherine Nearing, MD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
knearing@uthsc.edu
901.448.6661
Thaddeus S. Nowak Jr., PhD
Professor
Neurology
tnowak@uthsc.edu
901.448.7384
Larry T. Reiter, PhD
Professor
Neurology
lreiter@uthsc.edu
901.448.2635
James P. Rhudy, DNP, PhD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
jrhudy1@uthsc.edu
901.448.1424
Mark N Rubin, MD
Assistant Professor
Neurology
mrubin3@uthsc.edu
901.866.8811
Laura Talbot, PhD, EdD, RN
Professor
Neurology
ltalbot@uthsc.edu
901.448.3630
Residents
PGY-4
Juan Goyanes, MD, Chief Resident
Medical School: Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA) Dr. Pablo Acosta Ortiz School
of Medicine, Barquisimeto, Lara State, Venezuela
Specialty Interest: Epilepsy
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my wife and family. I love traveling, outdoor activities,
exploring restaurants with diverse foods, working out (if time allows), and watching
different series/movies.
CV
Cesar Sanchez Padron, MD, Chief Resident
Medical School: Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC)
Specialty Interest: Vascular Neurology
Hobbies: Going out with my wife to know important landmarks in TN and USA. Seeing movies,
series, and playing at home, and spending time with my family.
CV
Igal Mirman, MD, Chief Resident
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Specialty Interest: Neuromuscular
Teena Bajpayee, MD
Medical School: St. Matthew’s University – Grand Cayman Islands
Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, scrap-booking, watching movies, playing with puppies, traveling
CV
Carolina Harbert, MD
Medical School: State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinov, Moldova
Ana Maleki, MD
Medical School: Ahwaz University of Medical Sciences
Mona Rezaei Mirghaed, MD
Medical School: Shahid Beheshti Mesical Uni (SBMU)
Hobbies: I enjoy hiking and boating, which is very easy to do in Memphis. I also love going
on road trips with my family and friends, which we are able to do on weekends.
CV
PGY-3
Diana Alsbrook, MD
Medical School: UTHSC College of Medicine
Specialty Interest: Vascular Neurology & Neurocritical Care
Hobbies: cooking, baking, boxing, creative writing, spending time with my best friend/dog
CV
Leila Gachechiladze, MD
Medical School: David Tvildiani Medical University
Specialty Interest: Vascular Neurology
Brittany Kasturiarachi, DO
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Specialty Interest: Neurocritical Care
Hobbies: Ballet, Running, Cooking
CV
Eswardass Prasanna, MD
Medical School: Coimbatore Medical College
Specialty Interest: Vascular Neurology
Hobbies: Wildlife watching & hiking
CV
Omar Saeed, MD
Medical School: Foundation University Medical College
Specialty Interest: Vascular Neurology
Savdeep Singh, MD
Medical School: Government Medical College
Specialty Interest: Vascular Neurology
Ghaida Zaid, MD
Medical School: University of Jordan
Specialty Interest: Neuroimmunology
PGY-2
Emad Alghazo, MD
Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology
Sarah Ganji, MD
Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Specialty Interest: Epilepsy, Neuroimmunology
Hobbies: Calligraphy & Photography
Hunter Mitchell, MD
Medical School: UTHSC College of Medicine
Caitlin Moran, MD
Medical School: UTHSC College of Medicine
Specialty Interest: Undecided
Hobbies: Horseback riding
Christopher Nance, MD
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Medicine
Nariman Noorbakhsh Sabet, MD
Medical School: Foreign Medical Schools
CV
Chetan Saini, MD
Medical School: Sawai Man Singh Medical School
Specialty Interest: Neurohospitalist
Hobbies: Yoga, Bollywood, technology enthusist, hiking, adventure sports, traveling
CV
Previous Graduates
| Graduation Year | Graduates | Fellowship(s) | Practice |
| 2020 | Talal Aboud, MD | Neurophysiology, 2020-2021, Emory University | |
| 2020 | Saeed Ansari, MD | Vascular Neurology, 2020-2021, National Institutes of Health (NIH) | |
| 2020 | Reza Bavarsad, MD | Vascular Neurology, 2020-2021, UC-San Diego | |
| 2020 | David Benezra, MD | Epilepsy, 2020-2021, Dartmouth | |
| 2020 | Aman Deep, MD | Neurohospitalist, West Virginia | |
| 2020 | Muhammad Fawad Ishfaq, MD | Vascular Neurology/Interventional Neurology, 2020-2023, University of Missouri-Columbia | |
| 2020 | Rena Sukhdeo Singh, MD | Vascular Neurology, 2020-2021, National Institutes of Health (NIH) | |
| 2019 | Kira Dillard, MD | Epilepsy/Neurophysiology, 2019-2021, UCLA | |
| 2019 | Oleksandra Dryn, MD | Neurophysiology, 2019-2020, UTHSC | Private Outpatient Neurology, Memphis, TN |
| 2019 | Rashi Krishnan, MD | Neurocritical Care, 2019-2021, UTHSC | |
| 2019 | Nathan Lawrence, MD | Neurophysiology, 2019-2020, UTHSC | Private Outpatient Neurology, Neurohospitalist, Memphis, TN |
| 2019 | William Mays, MD | Neurocritical Care, 2019-2021, UTHSC | |
| 2019 | Payam Moein, MD | Epilepsy, 2019-2020, Dartmouth | Epileptologist, Dartmouth |
| 2019 | Vasile Popa, MD | Neurohospitalist, West Virginia | |
| 2018 | Praneetha Arge, MD | Outpatient Private Neurology, Neurohospitalist, Dartmouth | |
| 2018 | Ali Kerro, MD | Vascular Neurology, 2018-2019, UT-Houston | Vascular Neurologist, Neurohospitalist, Billings, Montana |
| 2018 | Abhi Pandhi, MD | Neurocritical Care, 2018-2020, UTHSC | Neurocritical care, Neurohospitalist, UTHSC; will start Interventional Neurology fellowship July 2021 at Cleveland Clinic |
| 2018 | Mantinderpreet Singh, MD | Private Outpatient Neurology, Batesville, Arkansas | |
| 2018 | April Wright, MD | Sleep Medicine, 2018-2019, Washington University-St Louis | Neurohospitalist, Sleep Medicine, Locums |
| 2017 | Georgy Cherkassky, MD | Neurophysiology, 2017-2018, UTHSC | Private Outpatient Neurology, New Jersey |
| 2017 | Chris Collins, MD | Neurophysiology/Epilepsy, 2017-2018, Vanderbilt University | Neurohospitalist, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, LA |
| 2017 | Sulaiman Iftikhar, MD | Neurohospitalist, Arkansas | |
| 2017 | Yasser Khorchid, MD | Neurocritical Care, 2017-2019, UTHSC | Neurocritical care, Neurohospitalist, UTHSC |
| 2017 | Rasmoni Roy, MD | Neurophysiology, 2017-2018, UAB | Neurohospitalist, Memphis TN |
| 2017 | Yu Zhao, MD | Neurophysiology, 2017-2018, UTHSC | Private Outpatient Neurology, Dallas, TX |
Facilities
Curriculum Details
Clinical Rotations
PGY-1 Preliminary Internal Medicine
Our program is a categorical program, with the PGY-1 internal medicine year embedded into our 4 year program. You will be an integral part in the UTHSC Internal Medicine program as a preliminary resident. Your PGY1 year will be very similar to categorical internal medicine residents from a curriculum standpoint. This year is a very exciting and important year in your medical training: you will learn extremely important medical practices, as well as become acclimated to the system and different hospitals. You will make lifelong friends with the people you meet at UTHSC!
PGY-2 and Beyond!! Welcome to Neurology!!
On July 1 of your PGY-2 year, you will start your journey within the Department of Neurology.
Buddy call system:
For the first two months, all PGY-2 day float and night float guest calls are done with a senior resident (PGY-3 or PGY-4). These buddy calls are to ensure acclimation and increased comfort with solo call that starts each September. Below is a sample schedule across the 3 years of neurology. This is in no way an exact schedule, but includes the necessary blocks to graduate from our residency program.
| Block | PGY-2 | PGY-3 | PGY-4 |
| July 1-15 | Elective | General Neurology | Peds neuro |
| July 16-31 | EMG | Night float | Peds neuro |
| August 1-15 | Neurocritical care | Elective | Day float |
| August 16-31 | Neurocritical care | Stroke | General Neurology |
| September 1-15 | Elective | EMG | Peds neuro |
| September 16-30 | Day float | Night float | Peds neuro |
| October 1-15 | Stroke | Baptist Selective | Elective |
| October 16-31 | General Neurology | Baptist Selective | Elective |
| November 1-15 | St. Jude | Elective | Elective |
| November 16-30 | St. Jude | Stroke | EMG |
| December 1-15 | Baptist Selective | Elective | Psych |
| December 16-31 | Night float | Peds Neuro | Psych |
| January 1-15 | VA inpatient | ROH clinic | Peds neuro |
| January 16-31 | Stroke | Stroke | Peds neuro |
| February 1-15 | Neurosurgery | Elective | ROH clinic |
| February 16-28 (29) | Neurosurgery | Day float | EMG |
| March 1-15 | VA Clinic | Elective | Elective |
| March 16-31 | Elective | VA inpatient | Elective |
| April 1-15 | Night float | ROH inpatient | EMU |
| April 16-30 | Elective | Night float | EMU |
| May 1-15 | ROH Inpatient | EMG | Elective |
| May 16-31 | Night float | Elective | Elective |
| June 1-15 | Stroke | Stroke | Elective |
| June 16-30 | Baptist Selective | EMU | Elective |
Didactic Schedule
Below is an example of the program’s lecture schedule.
- Dedicated and protected lecture time occurs each Thursday from 12:30-4:30pm. Each month, lectures follow a specific theme (ie. Vascular neurology, epilepsy, movement disorders, neuromuscular, neuro-ophthalmology, etc.) for more concentrated and in-depth learning of a particular neurology sub-speciality. Resources utilized include the Continuum journals included in the program-provided AAN membership, board Review books and question banks and multiple different neuroanatomy books
- Grand rounds occur weekly (12:10 pm Fridays)
- Neuroradiology conference (2-3 pm Wednesdays)
- Morbidity and Mortality conference (Neuro ICU- once a month and Stroke- Once a month)
- Combined Stroke and Cardiology rounds (Quarterly Neurocardiology rounds)
- Neurooncology rounds at St. Jude (Wednesdays afternoon)
- Pediatric Neurology lectures (Specific to residents rotating on Pediatric neurology rotation)
- Incoming PGY2 residents in July benefit from introduction lectures that heavily focus on neuroanatomy, the neurologic exam, and Emergency Neurology life support
Thursday lecture schedule
| 12:30- 1:30 pm | Neuroanatomy lecture (may also be EEG or EMG lecture) |
| 1:30-2:30 pm | Continuum article discussion |
| 2:30-3:30 pm | Board review questions and discussion |
| 3:30-4:30 pm | Neurologic Exam lecture |
Teaching Opportunities
There are also multiple teaching opportunities for residents.
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s (UTHSC) second year medical students undergo a Neuroscience course complete with an in-depth anatomy dissection. Our residents aid in their learning during this time to provide clinical context to their dissection anatomy
- Our residents participate in neurology clerkship lecture series for UTHSC MS3 and
other visiting students
he medical school organization, SIGN, Student Interest Group in Neurology, provides another opportunity for residents and faculty to participate and interact with students to promote neurology as a specialty
Scholarly Activity
Research
In the 2019-2020 academic year, our residents published 20+ manuscripts with another 21 in progress! There were 50 abstracts presented at international conferences, and 7 published book chapters. Each year our trainees attend various local and international leadership and advocacy events.
Leadership Activity
| Chief Residents: Three residents from PGY 4 year are selected for this position. They are nominated by the program leadership, faculty and junior residents. Their main role is organizing lecture schedule with the help of our APD Dr. Krishnaiah, overseeing the block schedule and assisting the junior residents in their education and other activities. | Current Chief Residents 2020-2021: Dr. Juan Goyanes, Dr. Igal Mirman, Dr. Cesar Padron |
|
Wellness Committee: The purpose of the Resident Wellness Committee is to advocate and promote a healthier environment, and also to ensure emotional well-being of our residents by providing activities and support that will result in healthier lifestyles. The goals of the committee include:
Our GME has a specific emphasis on physician wellness. |
Program Wellness Committee: Dr. Diana Alsbrook, Dr. Brittany Kasturiarachi, Dr. Ana Maleki, Dr. Chetan Saini |
|
Quality Improvement: A quality improvement (QI) project is a focused and systematized effort to achieve better outcome of a given process. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) sets standards on the integration of quality improvement (QI) activities into graduate medical education. Our residents are encouraged to participate in QI projects through their residency and the faculty guides them in the process. UTHSC GME also offers a certificate program in QI and clinical investigation.
|
Program Quality Improvement Resident Representative: Dr. Ghaida Zaid |
| Graduate Medical Education Committee: Resident representatives report on the activities of the GME Committee at the Residents' Committee meetings | GME Committee Neurology Resident Representative: Dr. Brittany Kasturiarachi |
| SIGN (Student Interest Group in Neurology) Group: Our residents are encouraged to actively participate in UTHSC SIGN group. The aim is to provide opportunities for medical students to participate in activities related to the field of Neurology. | SIGN Resident Representative: Dr. Diana Alsbrook |
| Tennessee Medical Association Residents Committee: One of our resident has been selected to serve as Vice Chair in Tennessee Medical Association’s residents committee. | Tennessee Medical Association: Dr. Ana Maleki, Vice Chair |
Moreover, our residents are also encouraged to participate in AAN’s adovacy and leadership activities including Neurology on the Hill, Palatucci Advocacy Leadership, and Enhanced Residents Leadership Programs. One of our past chief resident Dr. Sukhdeo attended NOH’20.
Residents Honors and Recognition
| Year | Award | Resident Name |
| 2020 | UTHSC Golden Apple Award- Resident Teacher of the year | Dr. Talal Aboud |
| 2020 | Best Outgoing Resident | Dr. Reza Bavarsad |
| 2020 | Resident Excellence in Teaching | Dr. Talal Aboud |
| 2020 | Resident Research Scholar | Dr. Aman Deep |
| 2020 | Resident Research Scholar | Dr. Omar Saeed |
| 2020 | AAN Resident Scholarship to Annual Meeting | Dr. David Benezra |
| 2019 | AHA/ASA Young Investigator Award | Dr. Saeed Ansari |
| 2019 | Resident Excellence in Teaching | Dr. Talal Aboud |
| 2019 | Resident Research Scholar | Dr. Fawad Ishfaq |
| 2019 | Resident Research Scholar | Dr. Aman Deep |
| 2019 | Resident Research Scholar | Dr. Rashi Krishnan |
| 2019 | AAN Resident Scholarship to Annual Meeting | Dr. William Mays |
Explore Memphis
Memphis
Memphis is a city like no other. Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis is where starving actor Danny Thomas built a children’s hospital (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has helped increase the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80%); Fred Smith started a small delivery service (FedEx now generates $60 billion dollars a year); the King of Rock ‘n Roll chose to live (Elvis’ Graceland sees 600,000+ visitors each year); and where you’ll find USA Today’s most iconic street (Beale Street has attracted fans from all over the world since the 1860s).
Memphis has been named the #1 Most Affordable City in America by MoneyCrashers.com, the #3 city that “The Top Cities Where Millennials Rule, Gen Xers Dominate, and Boomers Move the Market” in 2019 by Realtor.com, and "One of the 20 Best Cities for 20-Somethings" by Greatest in 2016.
Music
Memphis is a music town known as being the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of
Rock n’ Roll.
- Stax Records is the home of Southern and Memphis Soul music
- Blues Hall of Fame has such distinguished members as John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Ray Charles, and B.B. King
- The Memphis Symphony Orchestra has been wowing fans since 1960
- The FedEx Forum hosts a variety of concerts from acts such as Celine Dion, Post Malone, Imagine Dragons, Garth Brooks, Billy Joel, Katy Perry, and hometown favorite Justin Timberlake
Arts and Culture
The opportunities for enrichment in Memphis are as diverse as the city itself. Every
weekend, the city has something exciting to see, whether it’s a cultural festival,
show, art walk or new exhibition.
- The Memphis New Ballet Ensemble was the winner of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program award in 2014
- The beautiful Dixon Gallery and Gardens, which offers both a fine art museum and public garden
- Indie Memphis not only offers its annual film festival, but year-round cinema
- The Orpheum Theatre, a favorite stop for the best in Broadway touring productions and top entertainment acts
Foodies
Memphis is rapidly becoming as well known for its food as it is for its music. Travel
+ Leisure magazine named Memphis one of the “America’s Best Cities for Foodies” in
2015.
- Home to Food & Wine magazine’s “Best New Chef” winners Kelly English, Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman
- You won't want to miss the annual World Championship Barbecue Festival
- Great bar and nightlife scene in Overton Square, Cooper-Young, Broad Avenue Arts District and South Main Arts District downtown
- Farm fresh foods from local farmers’ markets located across the city
Families
With its affordable cost of living, welcoming community and plenty of kid-friendly
activities, Memphis is a great place to raise a family.
- The Memphis Zoo is ranked in the Top 10 in the country by Fodor’s Travel
- Enjoy hands-on play at the Children’s Museum of Memphis
- The Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium is great fun for the entire family
Social Life
Whether it a food festival, music event, or an art show, no matter the time of year, you are guaranteed to find an event going on in Memphis.
- Downtown Memphis is thriving (South Main, Harbor Town, Beale Street Landing)
Outdoor Enthusiasts
If you love the outdoors or being active, Memphis has plenty to offer, including beautiful
parks, lakes and trails.
- Shelby Farms is five times the size of Central Park and ten times the fun (be sure to check out Go Ape!)
- Overton Park, the 342-acre jewel of midtown
- We're the home of the 6th largest pyramid in the world (which houses the largest Bass Pro)
- Memphis Botanic Garden
- Our Big River Crossing pedestrian bridge lets you walk across the Mississippi
Sports Fans
Memphis loves sports. We were named the #1 “Most Underrated Sports Cities in America” by USA Today’s “For the Win” blog in 2014.
- Our Grizzlies NBA team has Grit 'n' Grind
- Our minor league baseball team, the Redbirds, had the Baseball America Minor League Manager of the Year for 2017
- Check out the Memphis 901 FC soccer team where you can see USA World Cup goalie Tim Howard in action
- We love our University of Memphis Tigers football and basketball
Resident Life
(Click on a photo to expand)
Program Contact Information
Questions? Contact our coordinater, Pamela Harlan-McSwain, MBA at 901.448.6661 or pharlanm@uthsc.edu.