Adult Neurology Residency Program

Welcome

The Cleveland Clinic Neurology Residency Program is a premier resident-centric training program that provides learners with unparalleled opportunities to develop the skills necessary to excel as clinical neurologists, educators, and researchers. The program provides a supportive and innovative learning environment. The curriculum includes broad exposure to key areas of inpatient and outpatient neurology while maintaining flexibility to individualize clinical and research experiences based on each resident’s goals.

A patient population from all backgrounds offers challenging clinical experiences spanning the spectrum of neurological diseases. Our multidisciplinary model of care provides collaborative, patient-centered care emphasizing teamwork, communication, and safety. Residents are highly engaged in efforts to improve quality of patient care through assessment of patient outcomes.

Our categorical training program includes early exposure to neurology with three months of neurology and one month of psychiatry during the first year of internal medicine training. Our inpatient services focus on increasing autonomy and responsibility throughout residency to promote the development of confidence, independence, and leadership skills. In addition to the required mentored continuity clinic where residents longitudinally manage their own patients, we have built-in outpatient subspecialty experiences that provide immersive exposure to key subspecialities starting in PGY-2 year. In addition to early subspecialty exposure, residents have ample elective time to explore other areas of potential interests throughout training years.

Faculty members from every subspecialty of neurology are committed to providing exceptional clinical education and research mentorship. All faculty and residents have opportunities within the Cleveland Clinic to further develop teaching skills through formal curriculum that includes experiential learning. A research support structure ensures that every resident can contribute to advancing knowledge in the field of neurology. Additionally, our program offers both a resident educator and resident research track.

Outside of clinical training, we also strive to promote a culture of wellness for our residents. We know personal and professional development are imperative for growth during and even long after residency. We have several resources available to promote well-being for our residents through our dedicated wellness curriculum. Though we are a large training program, we aim to cultivate a strong culture of camaraderie and support. Our program takes pride in being responsive and understanding of the need for flexibility for life events.

A. Blake Buletko, MD
Program Director

Program Leadership

A. Blake Buletko, MD Program Director	Hometown: Canton, OH Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH Residency: Neurology - Cleveland Clinic Fellowship: Vascular Neurology - Cleveland Clinic Professional interests: cerebrovascular disease, intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, mobile stroke units (former director of ours here at Cleveland Clinic!), medical education including being a core faculty member for both vascular and neurohospitalist fellowships as well as PD for our neurology program, trainee mentorship, systems of care Personal interests: outdoor activities and being active (hiking, golfing, being on the water, going to sporting events, etc.), anything Cleveland related, traveling, non-fiction novels, podcasts, spending time with family and friends, binging a nice streaming series, and working on my house and in the yard.
MaryAnn Mays, MD Vice Chair of Education	Hometown: Cleveland, OH Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio Residency: Neurology - Cleveland Clinic Fellowship: Neurophysiology / EMG and Neuromuscular Disease - Cleveland Clinic Professional Interests: Headache Medicine, medical education, coaching and mentorship, resident wellness Personal Interests: Family, travel, my chocolate lab, gardening and enjoying Lake Erie
Robert Marquardt, DO Associate Program Director, PGY-1 Year	Hometown: Sylvania, OH Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency: Neurology - Cleveland Clinic Fellowship: Neuromuscular Medicine - Cleveland Clinic Professional Interests: EMG, Amyloidosis, CIDP, Myasthenia Gravis, Neuromuscular Ultrasound Personal Interests: Family, Golf, and Guitar
Payal Soni, MD Associate Program Director, Outpatient Experience	Hometown: Detroit, MI Medical School: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Residency: Neurology - Cleveland Clinic Fellowship: Headache Medicine - Cleveland Clinic Professional Interests: trigeminal neuralgia, migraine, medical education, wellness Personal Interests: spending time with my husband and children, exploring Cleveland Metroparks, travel, Marvel movies, Harry Potter, finding the best doughnuts in Cleveland
Lindsay Ross, MD Associate Program Director, Curriculum	Hometown: Cleveland, OH Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences Residency: Neurology- Cleveland Clinic Fellowship: MS/Neuroimmunology - Cleveland Clinic (Mellen Center) Professional interests: women’s health issues in neuroimmunology, resident education, curriculum development, and clinical trials in MS Personal interests: Florida Panthers Hockey, reading, comedy and theater, live music, running, and travel
Lori Cesa, MPH Residency Program Manager	Hometown: Brunswick, OH Graduate School: Master of Public Health at Baldwin Wallace University Professional Interests: Investigating differences in health, promoting community well-being, and advocating for human rights Personal Interests: Enjoying quality time with my two daughters, exploring new destinations, indulging in comedy, orchestrating social gatherings, and working out.

Additional Program Leaders

Justin Abbatemarco, MD
Residency Director for Inpatient General Neurology

Benjamin Claytor, MD
Residency Director for Consultation Neurology

Dhimant Dani, MD
Residency Co-Director for Advanced Skills Training

Jessica Fesler, MD
Residency Ombudsman

Catherine Hassett, DO
Residency Co-Director for Advanced Skills Training

Marisa McGinley, DO
Residency Director for Research Track

Dolora Wisco, MD
Residency Director for Quality and Patient Safety

Research

Our residents have numerous research opportunities across subspecialities. We support residents in their personal interest in research, including quality clinical, translational, and basic science research, as well as quality improvement and medical education research, and we encourage each resident to become involved to the degree they choose.

Our resident-staff mentorship program and bi-annual meetings with program leadership ensure each resident has support in selecting enriching research opportunities while balancing clinical growth. To facilitate early exposure, research electives may begin in PGY2 year and continue throughout residency. Each resident completes a PGY3 project in close collaboration with a chosen mentor, with funded statistical support. Several noon seminars are dedicated to fundamentals of research, with structured support and project review given to each trainee. Residents of any year are able to present their work at the Neurology Education & Research Day, a celebration of work across departments within the institute. Residents have access to travel funds, often used for the annual AAN meeting, as well as a variety of subspecialty conferences. Statistical courses geared toward resident needs and schedules are offered by Cleveland Clinic Quantitative Health Services. Cleveland Clinic Adult Neurology Residency Program also offers a research track for interested residents to develop skills as future clinician scientists. Please see the residency tracks tab for more information.

Potential Research opportunities can be explored by visiting Neurological Research Programs page on our CCF Network.

Residency Tracks

Educator Track

Selected during the PGY-2 year, two residents per class participate in the Educator Track, which is designed to develop skills as future clinician educators and prepare residents for careers in academic medicine. Participants follow a structured curriculum through the Office of Educator & Scholar Development Essentials Program that includes online and in-person workshops on a variety of education-related topics. The track culminates in an education-focused scholarly project with the goal of publication and/or presentation at a regional or national conference.

Research Track

This track provides the opportunity for interested residents to develop skills as future clinician-scientists and prepare them for an academic career as a clinician-investigator in either clinical or translational neuroscience. One resident per class is selected during the PGY-1 year to participate in a structured research curriculum that includes direct investigative study, oral and written scientific presentation, and faculty mentorship throughout training.

Objectives:

• The research track schedule includes six months of dedicated research time during residency.
• The program provides a dedicated mentored research experience for neurology residents.
• Each participant is paired with both a dedicated research mentor and a career mentor.
• Research projects may be undertaken in any suitable area of clinical or translational neuroscience at Cleveland Clinic.
• Residents participate in a curriculum focused on research methodology, manuscript preparation, and grant writing.
• Residents complete additional coursework, including Medical Biostatistics I and II and the ORD NIH Grant Writing Course.
• During the PGY-3 and/or PGY-4 years, residents chair one or more resident research-focused committees, including Journal Club and/or Evidence-Based Medicine.
• It is expected that successful participants will produce meaningful scholarly output, such as peer-reviewed publications, presentations at national meetings, and/or development of a grant application.
• Residents are expected to present their work annually at Cleveland Clinic's Neurological Education & Research Day  (NERD).

Global Neurology

The Cleveland Clinic Global Neurology Program provides residents with opportunities to expand their understanding of neurologic disease in diverse healthcare settings around the world. The program focuses on global neurology education, collaborative research, international partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities. Residents participate in didactic sessions, journal clubs, visiting professor lectures, and virtual collaborative case conferences while exploring the global burden of neurologic disease, cultural influences on healthcare delivery, and strategies to improve access to neurologic care in resource-limited settings. Selected PGY-4 residents may also participate in funded international elective experiences and related research opportunities.

Prior Resident Experiences

2025: Dr. Sakhi Bhansali PGY4 – Amrita Hospital, Kochi, India (4 weeks)
Elective Objective: Gain exposure to surgical epilepsy practices in Kochi, India - including rotations in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, neurology clinics, and inpatient wards; interpret EEGs; and participate in patient management conferences.

Partnerships and Opportunities

• Neurology Society of Ghana
  Quarterly Meeting – Participation and presentation opportunity

Curriculum

PGY-2

During PGY-2 year, the focus is on immersing in neurology in direct patient care both in the inpatient and outpatient settings as a junior resident. Residents rotate through all our inpatient services at Main Campus. The inpatient general neurology team includes a senior neurology resident (PGY3 or PGY4), junior neurology residents, and medical students. The inpatient stroke team consists of a senior neurology resident (PGY3 or PGY4), junior neurology residents (PGY2 or PGY1), a medicine resident, three advanced practice providers, and medical students.  Starting in the second half of PGY-2, residents gain additional experience as an inpatient neurohospitalist and consultant while rotating at one of the Cleveland Clinic’s regional community hospital locations. This rotation provides valuable insight and exposure to different cases and inpatient workflow compared to what residents see at CCF Main campus.

PGY-2 Schedule Overview

Inpatient Rotations

• Inpatient Stroke Neurology: 5-6 weeks
• Acute Stroke Neurology: 3 weeks
• General Neurology: 7-8 weeks.
• Night Float: 4 weeks.
• Adult Neurology Consults: 3-4 weeks.
• Neuro ICU: 2 weeks.
• Epilepsy: 4 weeks (2 adult consults, 2 pediatric epilepsy monitoring unit).
• Pediatric Consults or Outpatient Clinic: 2 weeks.
• Regional Neurology Consults: 2 weeks

Outpatient Rotations

• Subspecialty Clinics: 8 weeks.
• Elective: 6 weeks.
• Vacation: 4 weeks.

PGY-3

During PGY-3 year, residents transition to a senior role,9 weeks are dedicated to managing the inpatient services. which include general neurology, stroke, and adult neurology consults. Senior residents also spend time as our neurotriagist neurohospitalist, which includes triaging the neurology consult pager. Seniors will also spend a few weeks as the first responder to in-house and ED acute stroke (ASERT rotation). Other rotations include night float, neuro ICU (NICU), epilepsy, and pediatric neurology. During PGY-3 year, residents will spend ten weeks in a clinical neurophysiology rotation. A two-month EEG/epilepsy rotation features an in-depth course covering EEG, evoked potentials, and surgical treatment of epilepsy. Residents read EEG records, attend staff reading sessions, and attend epilepsy outpatient clinics. A two-week rotation in the EMG laboratory includes didactic sessions, as well as hands-on experience in the techniques of nerve conduction studies and needle electrode examinations. The remaining time is split between electives and ambulatory clinics

PGY-3 Schedule Overview

Inpatient Rotations

• Inpatient Stroke Neurology: 4 weeks.
• Acute Stroke Neurology: 2 weeks.
• General Neurology: 2-3 weeks.
• Q2 Night Float (every other night): 4-5 weeks.
• Neuro ICU: 2 weeks.
• Adult Neurology Consults: 2-3 weeks. 
• Epilepsy (Adult Epilepsy Monitoring Unit): 2 weeks.
• Pediatric Consults or Outpatient Clinic: 2 weeks.
• Neurotriage: 2 weeks.

Outpatient Rotations

• EMG Course: 2 weeks.
• EEG Course: 8 weeks.
• Subspecialty Clinics: 8 weeks.
• Elective: 5-6 weeks.
• Vacation: 4 weeks.

PGY-4

Final year of training is flexible with less inpatient time than prior years. During PGY-4 year, about 4 weeks are dedicated to managing the general neurology and adult neurology consult services. Interested PGY-4 residents spend additional time rotating on the inpatient stroke service. There is a neuropathology course (2 weeks) where residents work directly with our neuropathologists reviewing pathological specimens. Residents also spend 4 weeks doing regional neurology as a consultant in a community hospital. Similar to PGY-3 year, other rotations include time as the neurohospitalist, ASERT rotation, night float, epilepsy, and pediatric neurology. PGY-4 residents also have 4 weeks of pediatrics and 4 weeks of dedicated self-study time for boards interspersed throughout the year. An optional, more intensive 8-week EMG/neuromuscular course provides further hands-on experience with electrodiagnostics. The remaining time is split between electives and ambulatory clinics.

PGY-4 Schedule Overview

Inpatient Rotations

• Inpatient Stroke Neurology: 0-2 weeks (depending on Stroke interest)
• Acute Stroke Neurology: 2-3 weeks.
• General Neurology: 2 weeks.
• Q2 Night Float (every other night): 3-4 weeks.
• Adult Neurology Consults: 2 weeks. 
• Neuro ICU: 2 weeks.
• Epilepsy (Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit): 2 weeks.
• Pediatric Consults: 4 weeks.
• Regional Neurology Consults: 4 weeks.
• Neurotriage: 2-3 weeks.

Outpatient Rotations

• Neuropathology: 2 weeks.
• Subspecialty Clinics: 8 weeks.
• Elective: 9-10 weeks.
• Self-Study: 4 weeks
• Optional EMG/Neuromuscular Course: 4-8 weeks (of elective time).
• Vacation: 4 weeks.

Elective Rotations

Trainees in Neurology can choose from a vast array of elective rotations. Residents with particular research interests may use multiple blocks of elective time to devote to specific projects. For special academic pursuits, residents may spend elective time away from Cleveland Clinic, upon approval from the Program Director. The below electives are the most commonly selected, but other electives, including those outside of CCF, are available. Alternative rotations can be completed with support from the Program Director, the Chief Residents, and the staff supervising the elective.

Fellowship Programs

• Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry (Las Vegas and Cleveland).
• Clinical Neurophysiology.
• Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology.
• Epilepsy.
• Headache Medicine.
• Intracranial Neurophysiology.
• Movement Disorders.
• Neurocritical Care.
• Neurohospitalist.
• Neuroimmunology.
• Neuromuscular Medicine.
• Neuro-Oncology.
• Sleep Medicine.
• Vascular Neurology.

Conferences/Didactics

The Cleveland Clinic Neurology Residency Program offers an extensive schedule of didactic and continuing medical education lecture series and conferences for trainees and staff.

Neurology Noon Conference

The noon hour is protected time for resident education. These hour-long sessions occur in a variety of formats, as described below. Suggested reading, seminar slides and video recordings from each session are made available to residents to guide self-study and board preparedness.

Staff Lectures

Staff provide interactive seminars based on their area of expertise and cover diagnostics, management, factors that influence health outcomes and case-based approaches of a particular disease state. These seminars are grouped by neurology subspecialty, covering all disciplines of neurology in detail over the course of each academic year. Residents are also provided with recommended literature (topic reviews, landmark papers, textbook selections) to guide their reading and consolidate knowledge.

Evidence Based Medicine (EBM)

EBM sessions are led by junior residents, guided by the expertise of a staff liaison chosen for each discussion. These sessions are a deep dive into the body of scientific literature behind the clinical questions that are commonly encountered in neurology practice. The focus is finding evidence-based answers for these questions.

Localization Rounds

Residents discuss a challenging or informative case in detail, focusing on clinical aspects that help localize the problem within the nervous system. During these sessions we cover clinically relevant anatomy and its relationship to the neurological exam. PGY2 residents are the main participants in the case discussions, as localization skills are essential to a foundation in clinical neurology.

Senior Case Conference

PGY3 senior resident presents a particularly challenging and educational case that was encountered on hospital service or in clinic. These are often cases that were seen at multiple institutions before a diagnosis was achieved. The case is followed by an in-depth review of the disease entity which was ultimately uncovered.

PGY-1 Foundations of Neurology

Six protected half day sessions which occur in the second half of the intern year reviewing foundational neurology topics including neurology exam and central and peripheral neuroanatomy as well as initial evaluation for bread and butter neurology complaints like seizures and dizziness

Bootcamp Week

Dedicated week at end of PGY1 year where rising PGY2 attend seminars, practice procedural skills, and complete simulations to learn management of neuro-emergencies.

Subspecialty Conferences

Weekly discussions are held among various disciplines in Neurology. These occur in a highly collaborative environment where clinical topics and real-life cases are highlighted. These include the following:

• Cerebrovascular Center Patient Management Conference.
• Autoimmune Neurology Conference.
• Epilepsy Patient Management Conference.
• Pediatric Neurology Neuroimaging Conference.

Other Weekly Conferences

• Neurology Grand Rounds.
• Epilepsy Grand Rounds.
• Pediatric Neurology Grand Rounds.
• Tumor Board.

Other Monthly Conferences

• Neurology Journal Club.
• CNS Vasculitis / Vasculopathy Conference.
• Neurology Quality / Patient Safety Conference.
• Monthly Meeting with Program Director, Department Chairman and Residents.
• Resident Wellness Series.

Application Process

Our ACGME-accredited Neurology Program accepts candidates through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and Supplemental ERAS. There are twelve positions offered per year in our four-year categorical program (PGY-1 to PGY-4) which includes a required first year in Internal Medicine at Cleveland Clinic main campus. There is no need to apply separately to Internal Medicine. We welcome applicants from allopathic, osteopathic, and international medical schools. Cleveland Clinic sponsors both J-1 and H-1B visas.

While we review each application holistically, some of the following preferences are desirable:

• PASSING score on USMLE I and USMLE Step II >240.
• COMLEX scores Steps I and II >530.
• Applicants may submit either USMLE or COMLEX results; taking both tests is not required.
• We prefer that applicants have graduated from medical school within the past 5 years.

Minimum Requirements

• International Medical Graduates must possess a valid ECFMG certificate by rank list submission.
• International Medical Graduates must have at least one month of U.S. clinical experience (includes acting internship or observership).
• U.S. Medical Students must have passed USMLE I and sat for the USMLE II by November of the year applying through ERAS.

We begin accepting applications per the ERAS timelines. Early application is encouraged. Interviews are offered after a holistic, in-depth review of the application, which can sometimes take a couple of weeks. Prospective candidates are contacted via Thalamus to schedule a virtual interview. Our interviews typically take place from October through January.

• Take a Virtual Tour of Our Campus.

Program Contacts

A. Blake Buletko, MD
Program Director
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave / S80
Cleveland, OH 44195

Lori Cesa, MPH
Residency Program Manager
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave/S100A
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.218.5209
Email: cesal@ccf.org

Current Residents

Education has been an integral component of Cleveland Clinic's mission since its inception in 1921. As a part of that overall commitment to education, below are the recognized current neurology residents who value the importance of providing the highest quality of medical care.

Adult Neurology Residents

Chief Residents

Ashley Audi, M.D.	Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Interests: My puppy (Phil), travel, yoga, crafting, cooking/baking, exploring CLE
Casandra MacLeod, DO	Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Interests: baking, reading, and spending too much time making the perfect latte
Bradley Ashley Ong, MD	Medical School: University of the Philippines Interests: Spinning, swimming, traveling, nurturing plants

PGY-4

Margarita Fedorova, MD	Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine Interests: everything outdoors, nonfiction books, Eastern European politics, Formula 1, thrifting
Nishtha Gupta, MD	Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Interests: cooking, baking, painting, sculpting, drawing
Matthew Howard, MD	Medical School: Mayo Clinic Interests: Hiking, skiing, reading, music
Adam Lonnberg, MD	Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine Interests: Reading, writing, the outdoors, my cat
Heidi Mueller, MD	Medical School: University at Buffalo School of Medicine Interests: Tennis, Being outside (hiking, running, lake activities), Brewery/bar hopping, Bills Mafia, Pax (my cat)
Leah Musser, MD	Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Interests: Watching the Golden Girls, baking, practicing sign language and learning about Deaf culture, and learning about sloths and preservation efforts
Kajal Patel, MBCHB	Medical School: University of Manchester, UK Interests: Game nights, Yoga, Art, Movies
Alyson Rich, MD	Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Interests: Volleyball, tennis, DIY crafts, making puns and Dad jokes
Elizabeth Zollos, DO	Medical School: OUHCOM Interests: Hiking, embroidery/cross stitch, video games, naps with my cat, and being with family

PGY-3

Diana Arias, DO	Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Interests: Reading, photography, painting
Negin Badihian, MD	Medical School: Azad University of Najafabad, Iran Interests: Painting and illustration, baking, playing music, hanging out with friends and family
Brittany Calkins, MD	Medical School: University of Missouri- Columbia
Christopher Economus, MD	Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Interests: listening to and playing music, following Cleveland sports, running, golfing, trivia
Omar Ezzedin, MD	Medical School: American University of Beirut Interests: sports (especially Cleveland sports GO BROWNS!), music, hiking, trying different types of food, watching movies/shows
Christopher Jamhour, MD	Medical School: UCF College of Medicine Interests: Gym, gym, gym… but also competitive Pokémon, piano, making healthy recipes for unhealthy foods
Hailey Katulski, DO	Medical School: Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine Interests: running, soccer, pickleball, hiking, breweries
Victor Lomachinsky Torres, MD	Medical School: University of Pernambuco Interests: Theater, reading, visiting new places and getting to know different cultures and unique food
Nivethitha Manohar, MD	Medical School: Paul L Foster School of Medicine Interests: Art, nature lover, comedy enthusiast, traveler, foodie
Ivana Massabki, MD	Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine Interests: Travel, reading/writing, rowing, board games, BBQ
Amanda Okonmah, MD	Medical School: Case Western Reserve University Interests: Movies, Broadway shows, reading, swimming and exploring new restaurants
Serena Simpson, MD	Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine Interests: reading (40 books in 2024), hanging out with my family, and binging tv shows (Archer, Masterchef, The Bachelor, RHOA)

PGY-2

Brendan Baugher, DO	Medical School: Ohio U HCOM Interests: Competitive powerlifting, hiking, concerts, farming, trivia, cooking, museums and now, changing diapers
Emily Bossie, DO	Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Interests: running, weightlifting, reading, trying new restaurants, being emotionally labile about MSU/Detroit sports
Bella Buccieri, MD	Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine – Rockford Interests: reading, cooking/ exploring new restaurants, playing with my dog, and game nights
Chris Cantrell, MD	Medical School: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Interests: Detroit Lions/Tigers, piano, video games, superhero movies/TV shows
Patrick Forrestel, MD	Medical School: University at Buffalo SOM Interests: Cooking the perfect steak, Buffalo Bills, fantasy football
Mehak Khan, MD, PhD	Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University Interests: Soccer, dancing (especially salsa & bachata), reading, anything science or nature-related, nerding out about birds, traveling, hiking, coffee, languages
Avina Mahroke, DO	Medical School: Kansas City University Interests: Cooking, walking/hiking
Miriam Matthews, MBBCh, BAO	Medical School: University College Dublin, Ireland Interests: baking, travelling, art, the NYT crossword, and politics
Anna McDowell, MD	Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Interests: Reading (sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and horror), climbing/bouldering, boxing, traveling, and yapping
Claire Popovich, MD	Medical School: University of Toledo Interests: dancing (ballet, Eastern European folk), CrossFit, running, spending time with family/friends
Luis Guilherme Ramanzini, MD	Medical School: Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil Interests: classical music, piano, composing, hiking, enjoying nature
Michaela Stamper, MD	Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University Interests: traveling, hiking/kayaking/rafting, cooking/trying new restaurants, sports, skiing, learning to sail, reading, flower arranging, my dog

PGY-1

Jessica Brock, DO	Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Interests: Running, working out, reading, plants, art, concerts, plays, learning piano, movies, and reality TV.
Jenna Corley, DO	Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus Interests: Art, including stained glass and painting; weightlifting; gardening; and climbing
Jad El Ahdab, MD	Medical School: Holy Spirit University of Kaslik Interests: History, art, fantasy, Elden Ring, and stand-up paddleboarding
Alexander Hasselbach, MD	Medical School: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences Interests: Running, backpacking, and climbing
Rachid Kaddoura, MD	Medical School: Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences Interests: Martial arts, rafting, traveling, and making homemade sushi
Julie Marchioni, MD	Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Interests: Running, swimming, fly fishing, yoga, and cookie decorating
Janaki Mayadevi Omkumar, MBBS	Medical School: Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India Interests: Dancing, especially Indian classical dance; watercolor painting; content creation; learning facts about animals; baking; movies; and television shows
Yamini Pandey, DO	Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Interests: Being outdoors, trying new restaurants, making new recipes, traveling, and reading murder mysteries
Neha Reddy, DO	Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Interests: Sculpture, dancing, cooking, hiking, traveling, and trying new restaurants
Rachel Redelfs, MD	Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine Interests: Skiing, scuba diving, rock climbing, mountain biking, waterskiing, outdoor activities, and spending time with family, friends, and pets.
Lin Abigail ("Abbey") Tan, MD	Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine Interests: Writing, drawing, playing violin, and calisthenics.
Marina Vilardo, MD	Medical School: Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil Interests: Spending time with family and friends, movies, Italian cooking, baking, the outdoors, Formula 1, and go-karting.

Benefits

Competitive health, dental and vision insurance are provided. Disability insurance is also included. Multiple sets of scrubs and white coats are provided free of charge. Call money to be used at the cafeteria and in-house eateries is allotted to each resident according to the average number of calls per PGY year. Senior residents (PGY3 & 4) are permitted to moonlight on the Neurology, Epilepsy and NICU services. The department also sponsors junior membership in the American Academy of Neurology for all residents. Four weeks are allotted for vacation each year, which includes a one-week holiday block. Our residents are given a yearly educational fund of $1000 and support to present at national meetings in the amount of $2500/year (PGY2-4). The on-campus Library is accessible virtually. References include 8000+ clinical texts, 900+ journals. Cleveland Clinic offers a Health Fitness Center on campus as well as many resources available to you to support your health and well-being.

• Learn more about Graduate Medical Education Benefits.

Additional Program Benefits

• Resident Educator and Researcher Tracks.
• Community Outreach Education.
• Career Coaching/Mentoring.

Wellness

Individual well-being is a key component of physician satisfaction and success in training. Our program is committed to improving the well-being of our neurology residents and understands how personal and work stresses can impact quality of life and the ability to provide skillful and compassionate care. We aim to support and empower our residents both inside and outside of the hospital by providing resources and education targeting all aspects of life including physical, emotional, social, and professional wellbeing. Our Wellness Committee is resident-led and organizes a monthly conference that addresses resident-selected topics, hosts fun activities and games, and allows residents to enjoy a well-deserved break during the day to form stronger connections with their classmates. Our resident-led Social Committee organizes regular holiday parties, family-friendly outings, and sporting events outside of the hospital. Some of our residents’ favorite activities include participating in our summer beach volleyball team, pot-luck dinners, and the annual resident retreat. Our faculty are also committed to resident wellness and often host residents at their homes for dinners and journal clubs.

Recent Wellness Committee Activities:

• Cleveland Clinic partners with the Cleveland North Union Farmers Market. During the season, residents use wellness conference time to attend the market, with access to fresh, local food that supports the local economy. Up to 35 regional producers and farmers bring goods to the market each week.
• Mitchell’s Ice Cream is a Cleveland staple and a favorite wellness treat for our residents. Ice cream is delivered for residents to enjoy together.
• Code Lavender: caregiver wellness team provided a fun and engaging hands-on experience for residents with journaling techniques, reiki, tea, essential oils, and more!
• Board game day, pumpkin painting, holiday cookie decorating.
• Sleep Wellness: chatted with our very own sleep medicine physicians to discuss how to get better sleep, the use of sleep aids, and sleep schedules. The residents also made relaxing mocktails.
• Senior Superlatives: funny appreciation awards given to the graduating class by the juniors.

Cleveland Clinic as an institution also prioritizes resident wellness and provides additional resources such as Caring for Caregivers, which provides free compassionate and confidential support for employees, including residents.

• Learn more about Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Resources.

Alumni

Our graduates pursue a wide variety of career options, including but not limited to academic subspecialization through fellowships, research, neurohospitalist careers, and private practice. Below, we have listed graduates from our five most recent graduating classes and their immediate post-graduation career paths. It is important to note that while many of our graduates may ultimately practice throughout the country and world, they always have a home here at Cleveland Clinic.

2026 Graduates

Eric Aube, MD - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic
Shervin Badihian, MD - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, University of Pennsylvania
Tyler J. Bare, MD - Sleep Medicine Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic
Sakhi Bhansali, MBBS - Epilepsy Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic
Johnny Dang, MD - Neuromuscular Fellowship, Stanford
Jonathan Doan, MD - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic
Sanuri Gunawardena, MD - Movement Disorders Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic
Farah Khan, DO - Headache Fellowship, Loyola
Andrew Lamade, MD, PhD - Neuroimmunology Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic
Elizabeth Page, MD - Neuroimmunology Fellowship, Oregon Health & Science University
Damla Sarisaltik, DO - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic
Emery Weiss, DO - Neuromuscular Fellowship, University of Michigan

2025 Graduates

Joseph P. Conway - Neuromuscular Fellowship, CCF
Jessica L. Cooperrider - Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF
Benjamin Coors - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, CCF
Vijaya Ravali Dasari - Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF
Katherine D. Havard-Coiro - MS Fellowship, CCF
Morgan E. Heber - Neuromuscular Fellowship, CCF
Kaitlyn N. Palmer - MS Fellowship, CCF
Adam Scott Brody Ross - Headache Medicine Fellowship, CCF
Daniel Graham Swearingen - Staff General Neurologist, CCF
Price Tipping - Neuroinfectious Disease Fellowship, CCF
Hayley Gibler Williams - Neurocritical Care Fellowship, CCF
Eric Zhou - Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF

2024 Graduates

John (Dan) Bireley - Neuromuscular Fellowship, Duke
Marie Elena Byrnes - Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF
Eric Dunn - Headache Fellowship, CCF
Patrick Gilson - Movement Disorders Fellowship, University of Rochester
Jonathan Handshoe - Stroke Fellowship, CCF
Jeffrey Lambe - Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Emily Maly - Fellowships in Movement Disorders, Behavioral Neurology, and Neuropsychiatry, CCF
Maria Sokola - Stroke Fellowship, CCF
Faez Syed - Epilepsy Fellowship, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Sanem Uysal - Neuromuscular Medicine Clinical Fellowship, Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham and Women’s Hospital

2023 Graduates

Albert Aboseif - Autoimmune Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Fellowships, Mayo Clinic
Kimberly DiMauro - Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Aron Gedansky - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, CCF
Merry Huang - Vascular Neurology .Fellowship, CCF
Avery Kundrick - Movement Disorders Fellowship, CCF
Zachary McKee - Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF
Annalisa Morgan - Neuroimmunology Fellowship, Yale
Carol Swetlik - Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Karlo Toljan - Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Andrew Zhang - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, CCF

2022 Graduates

Moein Amin - Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Nirmal Andrapalliyal - Neuromuscular Fellowship, Wake Forest
David Baker - Stroke Fellowship, CCF
Pradeep Chandan - Epilepsy Fellowship, University of California San Diego
Andrew Dhawan - Neuro oncology/genetics, CCF
Jeremy Hill - Neuromuscular Fellowship, CCF
Joshua Rim – Neuromuscular Fellowship, Mt. Sinai, NYC
Joshua Santucci - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, CCF
Aaron Shoskes - Vascular Neurology Fellowship, Univ of Miami
Kristopher Southard - Stroke Fellowship, Washington University in St. Louis

Living in Cleveland

Cleveland, a mid-sized city located on Lake Erie, features a host of cultural attractions, recreational activities, major sporting events and an exploding culinary scene. Cleveland is home to the second largest theater district in the U.S., a park system featuring 23,700 acres in 18 reservations, and is the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, home to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Cleveland Clinic is located near the University Circle area, which is the cultural epicenter of Cleveland. This area features Severance Hall and the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Museum of Art, several other museums, and Case Western Reserve University. Downtown Cleveland, home to all major sports venues and an exploding culinary scene, is approximately two miles from Cleveland Clinic’s main campus.

• Learn more about the city we call home.