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 diverse patient population 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. Residents are provided with 5- of elective time in addition to four weeks of vacation each year, beginning in the PGY-2 year, to explore areas of potential interest. Additional opportunities include dedicated learning time in Neurophysiology and Pathology.

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.

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.

Kerry Levin, MD
Chair, Department of Neurology

Mary “Alissa” Willis, MD
Vice Chair, Department of Neurology

MaryAnn Mays, MD
Vice Chair of Education
Associate Program Director

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, biking, being on the water, sports/sporting events, etc…), anything Cleveland related!, traveling, non-fiction novels, podcasts, spending time with family and friends, hanging out with my red lab, binging a nice streaming series then feeling lost when it’s over (don’t we all?!), working on my house and yard (I know, I know – it’s relaxing for me…), and trying new things (skydiving being a recent one!)
MaryAnn Mays, MD Vice Chair of Education Associate Program Director, Wellness	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: healthcare access (including telehealth), gender disparities in medicine, clinical trials and observational studies in MS/Neuroimmunology, resident and fellow education, curriculum development, and political advocacy related to neurology care Personal interests: Cleveland sports, comedy and theater, live music, running, and travel
Lori Cesa Residency Program Manager	Hometown: Brunswick, OH Graduate School: Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at Baldwin Wallace University Professional Interests: Investigating inequalities in health, promoting community well-being, and advocating for human rights Personal Interests: Enjoying quality time with my husband and our two daughters, exploring new destinations, indulging in comedy, orchestrating social gatherings, and working out.

Additional Program Leaders

Benjamin Claytor, MD
Residency Director for Consultation Neurology

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

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

Allison Weathers, MD
Residency Director for Information Technology

Dolora Wisco, MD
Residency Director for Quality and Patient Safety

Research

Our residents have numerous research opportunities across diverse 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 Neurologic Institute Fellows & Trainee 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 curriculum tab for more information.

Curriculum

Program Description

The Neurology Residency Program, which is ACGME-accredited, accepts candidates through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). There are twelve categorical positions offered per year in our four-year program, including an integrated prelim internal medicine year at Cleveland Clinic.

Outpatient Clinics

Cleveland Clinic has a weekly continuity clinic program to enhance longitudinal care in our curriculum. Starting in their PGY-2 year, each resident will see patients for a full day in resident continuity clinic, which occurs weekly except for when residents are working on a primary inpatient service. In addition to continuity clinic, residents will have 8 weeks of subspecialty clinic interspersed throughout the year. During these clinic weeks, residents rotate for one week in one of eight core subspecialty centers. The eight clinic weeks are repeated each year providing graduated exposure to subspecialties throughout the entirety of the training program.

Inpatient Experiences

First Year of Residency (PGY-1)

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) requires that the PGY-1 year be spent in an accredited medical training program. Our categorical program seamlessly integrates this introduction to medicine during the PGY-1 year while also fulfilling other ABPN requirements such as the psychiatry rotation. This year also includes three months on stroke, general and consult neurology services to facilitate integration into the neurology department. To learn more about the Internal Medicine Residency program.

First Year of Neurology Residency (PGY-2)

During PGY-2 year, the focus is on direct patient care in the inpatient and outpatient settings. 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.

Second Year of Neurology Residency (PGY-3)

During PGY-3 year, 9 weeks are dedicated to managing the three inpatient services, which include general neurology, stroke, and adult neurology consults. Senior residents also spend time as our 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. The remaining time is split between electives and ambulatory clinics. 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.

Third Year of Neurology Residency (PGY-4)

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 (4 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 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.

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, social determinants of health, 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)

Monthly 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

Each month a 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.

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.

Residency Tracks

Resident 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 either in clinical neuroscience research or translational neuroscience through completion of a research curriculum, direct investigative study, oral and written scientific presentation facilitated by structured faculty mentorship throughout their training. There is one trainee selected per class.
Objectives:

• The research track schedule includes six months of dedicated research time during the residency. 
• The program provides a dedicated mentored research experience for neurology residents.
• Research projects may be undertaken in any suitable area of clinical or translational neuroscience at Cleveland Clinic. 
• Residents will participate in a curriculum that focuses on manuscript and grant writing with training in research methodology. 
• It is expected that the successful candidate will finish with demonstrable output such as peer-reviewed articles, presentations at a national meeting, and/or a draft of a grant application.
• Residents will be expected to present their work at Cleveland Clinic's annual Neurological Institute Forum for Trainee Research Day (NIFT Research Day)

Resident Educator Track

This track provides interested residents (two per class) to develop skills as future clinician educators and prepare them for academic education leadership positions via completion of professional educational developmental courses, and provided independent and observed educational experiences across multiple learner audiences.
Objectives:

• By the end of the PGY-3 year, the resident will complete the Cleveland Clinic Essentials Program for Health Professions Educators & Essentials on Demand: Distinguished Educator Program.
• By the end of the PGY-4 year, the resident will complete and disseminate one education-related project and submit it for publication, if appropriate. 
• During PGY-4 year, the resident will serve in one or more of the following education-related roles: 
• Education Chief Resident, if elected
• Curriculum design for the neurology residency noon conference schedule
• Chair one or more resident education committees 
• Medical student liaison
• By the end of PGY-4 year, the resident will have given up to 2 lectures (time permitting) during regularly scheduled noon-conference using the skills obtained through the Essentials Program. One of these must be on the topic of education with the goal of teaching fellow trainees/learners how to be effective teachers.

Schedules

PGY-2 Schedule Overview

Inpatient Rotations

• Inpatient Stroke Neurology: 5 weeks
• Acute Stroke Neurology: 3 weeks
• General Neurology: 7-8 weeks.
• Night Float: 3-4 weeks.
• Adult Neurology Consults: 4-5 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
• EMG lab: 1 week

Outpatient Rotations

• Subspecialty Clinics: 8 weeks.
• Elective: 5-6 weeks.
• Vacation: 4 weeks.

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): 5 weeks.
• Neuro ICU: 3 weeks.
• Adult Neurology Consults: 2-3 weeks. 
• Epilepsy (Adult Epilepsy Monitoring Unit): 2 weeks.
• Pediatric Consults or Outpatient Clinic: 2 weeks.
• Neurohospitalist: 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 Schedule Overview

Inpatient Rotations

• Inpatient Stroke Neurology: 0-4 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. 
• Epilepsy (Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit): 2 weeks.
• Pediatric Consults: 4 weeks.
• Regional Neurology Consults: 4 weeks.
• Neurohospitalist: 2-3 weeks.

Outpatient Rotations

• Neuropathology: 4 weeks.
• Subspecialty Clinics: 8 weeks.
• Elective: 9-10 weeks.
• Optional EMG/Neuromuscular Course: 4-6 weeks (of elective time).
• Vacation: 4 weeks.

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. 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.
Preferences

• We prefer a PASSING score on USMLE I and USMLE Step II >225.
• We prefer COMLEX scores Steps I and II >500.
• 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 in September per the ERAS timelines. Early application is encouraged. Interviews are offered after a holistic in-depth review of the application. Prospective candidates are contacted via Thalamus to schedule a virtual interview. Our interviews typically occur in November, December, and 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

MaryAnn Mays, MD
Associate Program Director
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave / C21
Cleveland, OH 44195

Lori Cesa
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

Joseph Conway, MD	Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine Interests: Playing guitar, going to concerts, running, biking, weights, yoga, pickleball, hiking, listening to podcasts, exploring new breweries/restaurants/cafes, and board games
Vijaya Dasari, MD	Medical School: University of Missouri- Kansas City Interests: Watching TV/movies (dramas, horror, comedy), traveling and photography, playing ukulele, trying new restaurants (especially Thai food), and spending time with friends and family
Kaitlyn Palmer, MD	Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine Interests: volleyball, Pittsburgh sports teams, breweries, Peloton, hiking/outdoor activities, reading, and baking

PGY-4

Jessica Cooperrider, MD, MS	Medical School: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Interests: Hiking, cooking, exploring the culinary treasures of Cleveland, playing piano, biking and e-biking, crocheting, and walking my dog
Benjamin Coors, MD	Medical School: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine Interests: Baseball, golf, video games, aquarium hobbyist, landscaping, coffee, exploring downtown Cleveland, and trying new restaurants
Katherine Havard, MD	Medical school: Indiana University Interests: I love trail running (especially in CVNP), baking (specialties include tarts and anything chocolate), traveling, reading, and playing board games
Morgan Heber, MD	Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University Interests: hiking, personal finance & investing, trying new restaurants, mystery books, and coffee
Adam Ross, MD	Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine Interests: playing trombone, my cat, hot sauce, board games, Detroit sports, Chelsea FC, comic book movies, Peloton, bar trivia
Daniel Swearingen, MD	Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch Interests: Cooking, Baking, Sports, History, Politics, Prestige TV, exploring Cleveland with my wife Blake and daughters (Cora 5, Eleanor 3) who particularly like the Cleveland Children's Museum.
Price Tipping, MD	Medical School: University of South Florida Interests: Cooking (on a quest to develop the perfect taco recipe), linguistics, guitar (blues, folk)
Hayley Williams, MD	Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Interests: Traveling, hiking, spending time with my husband and cats, trying new restaurants, skiing, yoga, and indoor cycling
Eric Zhou, MD, MPH	Medical School: NYU Interests: tennis, cooking, travel, and watching football

PGY-3

Eric Aube, MD	Medical School: University of Kansas SOM Interests: playing basketball/pickleball, watching Chiefs/Royals/Canadiens, video games (Xbox One/PC/Switch), board/card games, and Dungeons and Dragons
Shervin Badihian, MD	Medical School: Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Interests: Playing Tar, plants, tv shows and mini series, and basketball
Tyler Bare, MD	Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University Interests: global travel, international health, fitness and nutrition, gourmet cooking, kayaking, and winter sports
Sakhi Bhansali, MBBS	Medical School: Calcutta National Medical College Interests: classical music, climate change, and spirituality
Johnny Dang, MD	Medical School: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Interests: Rock Climbing, Hiking, Guitar, Local Coffee Shops, Family, and Indie Video Games
Jonathan Doan, MD	Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences Interests: Hiking, skiing, tennis, scuba diving, and anything dog related
Sanuri Gunawardena, MD	Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Interests: My dog Jasmine, playing tennis, baking desserts, trying new restaurants, and traveling
Farah Khan, DO	Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences Interests: spending time with family and friends, eating out, and repeating lines from the TV show Friends in the most random situations
Andrew (Andy) Lamade, MD, PhD	Medical School: University of Pittsburgh Interests: Board/tabletop/video games, binging TV, exploring around the MetroParks
Elizabeth Page, MD	Medical School: “The” Ohio State University Interests: Hiking with my husband, spoiling my cat, and collecting fountain pens
Damla Sarisaltik, DO	Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University Interests: Hanging out with Swiffer, visiting Turkey, playing (and winning) board games, Anime, League of Legends
Emery Weiss, DO	Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Hobbies: Music, playing the guitar, Michigan State and Detroit sports, trying new hot sauces, watching some good TV

PGY-2

Ashley Audi, M.D.	Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Interests: My puppy (Phil), travel, yoga, crafting, cooking/baking, exploring CLE
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
Casandra MacLeod, DO	Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Interests: baking, reading, and spending too much time making the perfect latte
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
Bradley Ashley Ong, MD	Medical School: University of the Philippines Interests: Spinning, swimming, traveling, nurturing plants
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-1

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)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Welcome to the Neurology Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic, where our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is an integral part of our mission to deliver world-class patient care, advance education, and drive groundbreaking research. We firmly believe that a diverse and inclusive environment is essential for the success and well-being of our residents, faculty, staff, and the patients we serve.

Our program is dedicated to cultivating a community where all individuals can thrive, learn, and contribute their unique perspectives. We understand that diversity encompasses a range of backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives, and we actively strive to create a welcoming and engaging environment for all.

Our residents actively engage with patients at our specialty clinic located in the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center in East Cleveland. Additionally, they collaborate with our Neurosurgery program to visit local high schools as part of the Brain Stormers initiative, aiming to ignite a passion for healthcare in the younger generation.

At Cleveland Clinic, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not just words; they are fundamental principles woven into the fabric of our organization. We proudly highlight the existence of the DEI Committee within the House Staff Association, a Diversity Council within the enterprise, and an Office of Diversity that spearheads our DEI initiatives.

Within our care network, the Cleveland Clinic Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) Care stands as a testament to our commitment to providing safe and affirming healthcare. Housed at the Lakewood Family Health Center, this center offers comprehensive care in a supportive environment. With providers who specialize in LGBTQ+ health needs, we ensure that all patients receive the care they deserve, free from discrimination.

We invite you to learn more about Diversity and Inclusion in Graduate Medical Education and explore the wealth of resources available to support our collective journey toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Thank you for considering our Neurology Residency Program as part of your educational journey.

Scholarship for Underrepresented Students

The Cleveland Clinic offers scholarships to underrepresented students in medicine so that they may participate in a four-week clinical rotation to learn firsthand what it is like to be a neurology resident at Cleveland Clinic and to learn about our culture. In line with the program’s mission to develop the future clinical, academic, and educational leaders in neurology, the goal of this scholarship is to further enhance the diversity of our trainees and graduates. A $2,500 stipend and free on-campus housing will be provided to successful applicants. Interested students can get details by visiting the CCLCM Elective Program website or email electiveprogram@ccf.org.

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.
• Women in Neurology Trainee Council.
• 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.

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 sub-specialization, research, neurohospitalist roles, and private practice. Below, we have listed graduates from our last three 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 the Cleveland Clinic.

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

2021 Graduates

Alise Carlson- Neuroimmunololgy Fellowship, CCF
Jennifer Chima– Headache Medicine Fellowship, CCF
Tracey Fan– Neurocritical Care Fellowship, MGH
Eric Gruenthal– Sleep Medicine Fellowship, CCF
Ahmad Mahadeen– Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Bhagee Maulpur– Stroke Fellowship, Univ of Miami
Megha Purohit– Stroke Fellowship, Columbia
Danielle Richards- Neuromuscular Fellowship, CCF
Monica Scarsella– Stroke Fellowship, CCF
Michael Zatt- Headache Medicine Fellowship, CCF

2020 Graduates

Peter Brown – Regional Neurohospitalist, CCF
Sam Handshoe – Vascular Neurology Fellowship, CCF
Katie Hassett – Neurocritical Care Fellowship, CCF
Jean Khoury – Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF
Ibrahim Migdady – Neurocritical Care Fellowship, MGH
Matt Ritch – Private Practice Neurologist, FL
Lindsay Ross – Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF
Liz Spurgeon – Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF
Andrea Welborn - Epilepsy Fellowship, CCF
Chen Yan – Neuroimmunology Fellowship, CCF

Living in Cleveland

Cleveland, an ethnically diverse, 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.

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