3 Questions for the 2023 Barrow Graduating Class

As the academic year comes to an end at Barrow Neurological Institute, we’re celebrating the latest graduates of our residency and fellowship programs in neurosurgery, neurology, and neuroradiology.

Congratulations to the remarkable graduates of Barrow Neurological Institute’s neurology, neurosurgery, and neuroradiology programs! Your dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to advancing the field of neuroscience have paved the way for countless lives to be touched and transformed in the future. As you embark on the next chapter of your careers, may your passion for excellence continue to shine brightly, inspiring future generations of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists.

Terry Fife, MD, Designated Institutional Official, Graduate Medical Education, Barrow Neurological Institute

We asked our 2023 graduates to share their most memorable moments at Barrow, the advice they would give to their younger selves on their first day of training at the Institute, and which people at Barrow served as their biggest influences. We’ve compiled their responses below.

Neurology Residents

Bryan Franzen, MD

New role: Vascular Neurology Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were pushing tPA for the first time and seeing my patient instantly get better and spending time with my co-residents (mostly hanging out by the pool in my backyard), who have become my closest friends both in the hospital and out.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be: Don’t sweat the small things, and enjoy every moment as the time goes by fast.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most are my previous senior residents, who are now stroke attendings: Dr. Zain Ashary and Dr. Danny Gonzalez. They took the time to teach me the nuances of stroke care and served as role models to me.

Laura Greenwood, DO

New role: Neuroimmunology Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments were learning and growing to become a neurologist alongside my co-residents—everything from building report and relationships with my patients over time, to seeing and discussing interesting cases, to developing the skills like how to run a fast and an effective stroke code to how to perform a lumbar puncture, and more. I really treasure my time developing my career here.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be that the journey will go quicker than expected, so take things as they come, one day at a time. Also, when (not if) challenging things happen, take a deep breath and do your best, but don’t be afraid to ask for help and give yourself room to grow while still being in the learning process.
3. So many people have taught me extensively during my time at Barrow, but I would like to specifically mention my co-residents for growing alongside me, Dr. Huiam Mubarak (my co-resident and fellow) for always taking the time to mentor me and being a great friend, the neuroimmunology department (Dr. Michael Robers, Dr. Aimee Borazanci, and Dr. Ram Narayan) for welcoming me into the department and mentoring me to become a neuroimmunologist. I would also like to thank Dr. Courtney Schusse, Dr. Glynnis Zieman, and Dr. Daniel Gonzalez for being an excellent program director and associate program directors and mentors as well.

Harjot Hansra, MD

New role: Stroke Fellow, University of California San Diego

1. The memories that stand out to me the most are my time in the workroom with my amazing co-residents laughing together and talking through interesting cases, and my time spent at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting this year with some of the best colleagues and friends I could ask for!
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be to trust the process. Starting residency is a daunting task, but you have all the resources, support, and friends you need here to help you grow as an individual and as a physician.
3. I am so grateful for our amazing coordinator, Ann Chowdhury-Johnson, and the attendings who have been such great role models for us! Special shoutout to Dr. Supreet Kaur for being my mentor and to Dr. Olivia Kingsford for being the best partner I could have asked for during this final year!

Olivia Kingsford, DO

New role: Headache Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were being on call overnight on New Year’s and getting stroke code exactly at midnight on Jan. 1, running five stroke codes in a 90-minute period on call one day, being the first resident in the hospital to push tenecteplase for an acute stroke, and watching my patient be able to open her eyes after I did a nerve block because her headache improved that much.
2. I would tell my younger self on my first day at Barrow that the next four years will be challenging and require a lot of hard work, but through that there will be a lot of learning and growth. Also, buy stock in Zoom because there is a pandemic coming.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most are those in the headache department (Dr. Kerry Knievel, Dr. Jennifer Robblee, Dr. Courtney Schusse, and Dr. Shane Root) for their mentorship and confirming that headache is the best subspecialty in neurology; our coordinator, Ann Chowdhury-Johnson, for helping me keep my head on straight for the last four years; the faculty, but especially Dr. Justin Hoskin, Dr. Sana Aslam, and Dr. Ram Narayan for their teaching, advice, and support through residency.

Graduates who did not submit responses:

Neurology Fellows

Zain Ashary, MD

New role: Assistant Professor of Neurology, Rush University Medical Center, Cerebrovascular Section, Chicago, Illinois

1. My most memorable moment at Barrow was the first time I pushed thrombolytics on a patient and saw them rapidly improve from unable to speak to become clearly communicative.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow: Be generous, be honest, and be humble.
3. The person who has influenced me the most is my friend and mentor, Dr. Daniel Gonzalez. He has been always looking out for me since my first day and made coming to work easy and enjoyable.

Kevin Choi, MD

New role: Epilepsy Neurologist, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow included absorbing all the knowledge during the first few months of fellowship and spending time with my co-fellows, Anil and Ekene, at work and outside.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be to always have open communication with EEG techs, medical assistants, and nurses to have the best outcomes for the patients. They are going to be your second set of eyes and ears.
3. All epilepsy faculty shaped my growth. Most of all, Dr. Vladimir Shvarts as a fellowship director both helped me learn to pave my own path and pushed me past my comfort zone.

Clara Chow Haws, MD

New role: Pediatric and Adult Neuromuscular Physician, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were spending time with my co-fellows in the fourth-floor work room.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be to have fun and enjoy the process!
3. Dr. Erika Ortega has influenced me most this year, with his dedication to teaching, strong work ethic, and mentorship.

Cynthia Dickerson, DO

New role: Neurohospitalist, Blue Sky Neurology, Denver, Colorado

1. Most memorable moments at Barrow were the Petznick Stroke Center social events where I could invite my husband and daughter to engage with and be welcomed by the faculty that I now lovingly call my stroke family.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be to take advantage of all the kindness and support that your team offers you. Starting over in a new place can be challenging, but when you have a great group to support you, there is nothing you can’t accomplish. Lean in to all the resources at your fingertips, and you will be a great success!
3. I have been positively influenced by the entire stroke department at Barrow. I have gotten such great professional advice from Dr. David Wang, Dr. Michael Waters, Dr. Daniel Gonzalez, Dr. Supreet Kaur, and Dr. Lynn Ashby. And I have been inspired by the dedication of our nurses and staff, including Nancy Rush, Abbi Heater, and Valerie Cooke. Furthermore, the research staff has challenged me to engage in the frontiers of stroke knowledge. Finally, I would not have made it through my fellowship training without the help of administrators such as Sonia Luna, Lisa Clark-Imperial, Osborne Hall, and Ann Chowdhury-Johnson.

Sami Kaldawi, DO

New role: Neurologist, Western Neuro, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were hanging out in the resident room with all my friends/co-residents while on inpatient service.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be to see as many patients as possible and slow down. Everything will get better with practice over time.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most have been Dr. Thandar Aung and Dr. Erik Ortega.

Mustafa Yehya, MD

New role: Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Florida, Gainesville

1. I have a lot of great moments to cherish after just spending one year at Barrow, like being able to help patients with challenging cases in the headache clinic and change their lives for the better as well as building camaraderie with other fellows of different neurology subspecialties and staff in the clinic.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be to stay calm about transitioning into a new work environment because everyone at Barrow is very helpful, welcoming, and warm.
3. Many people I worked with during this year at Barrow were influential, including attendings, mid-level providers, clinic staff, fellows, residents, and supporting staff and coordinators. The support and guidance they provided were essential for my growth academically, as a doctor and as a person, as well as my happiness.

Alexandra Nicholson, MD

New role: Private Practice Neurologist, Walnut Creek and Vallejo, California

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were the first time I did an initial deep brain stimulator monopolar review programming session and when I injected the eyelid with Botox for the first time in clinic.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be to soak in all the learning opportunities and to ask as many questions as possible.
3. The entire movement disorders department has been monumental in my growth and development, and has been so encouraging and helpful. I am so thankful to them for helping me grow as a neurologist over these past years. I have to give a special mention to Drs. Naomi Salins, Holly Shill, Guillermo Moguel-Cobos, and Justine Chan, who have gone very much out of their way to support and mentor me.

Graduates who did not submit responses:

Neurosurgery Residents

Benjamin Hendricks, MD

New role: Neurosurgeon, University of California—San Francisco Satellite Neurosurgical Group at Sierra Vista Hospital, San Luis Obispo

1. There were many unforgettable moments during the training process at Barrow. Those that are most vivid are the moments of accomplishment within the OR following the successful completion of advanced procedures and, toward the latter years of training, the opportunity to teach other residents in the OR.
2. On day one of my residency at Barrow, I would have advised myself to keep an open mind to what your future in neurosurgery might look like. Plan to vigorously pursue the opportunities you feel drawn to along your professional journey, but always keep your family as the top priority.
3. I am grateful to all my Barrow mentors for their patience and effort in training me over the years. In particular, I’m grateful to Dr. Kris Smith, Dr. Andrew Little, and Dr. Randall Porter for their effort in making me the surgeon I am today, not just in the OR but also at the bedside. Lastly, I’d like to give a special thank you to Virginia Prendergast for her unwavering positivity and wonderful spirit.

Graduates who did not submit responses:

Neurosurgery Fellows

Neil Majmunder, MD

New role: Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow have been assisting in technically challenging cases during my fellowship, enjoying outings with my co-fellows, and attending Barrow Olympics and other team-building events with the residents and staff.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be to embrace the culture and multitude of opportunities that Barrow provides.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most have been my fellowship attendings: Dr. Felipe Albuquerque, Dr. Andrew Ducruet, and Dr. Ashutosh Jadhav. I cannot thank them enough for the technical skills and knowledge they have imparted upon me during my time with them.

Graduates who did not submit responses:

Neuroradiology Fellows

On behalf of the neuroradiology faculty, I would like to congratulate the graduating neuroradiology class of 2023. The experiences that you’ve had and the knowledge that you’ve gained this year will be with you for the rest of your lives. When faced with clinical challenges in the future, know that you stand on a rock-solid foundation. A foundation paved with hard work and dedication to your patients. Remember that while this feels like an ending, it is also a beginning of sorts. The beginning of a self-driven life-long journey of study, dedication, and devotion to the patients you care for. I am proud of each of you, and I wish you the absolute best. Congratulations!

-Jeremy Hughes, MD, Director, Neuroradiology Fellowship Program

Kyle Bussis, MD

New role: Neuroradiologist, Radia, Washington

1. My most memorable moment at Barrow was our MRI safety day, when Dr. John Karis had us experiment with both Lorentz and Laplace forces on a 3T scanner.
2. What I would tell my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be that time will pass by quickly, and it will be done before you know it!
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most are the neuroradiology staff. Their expertise in not only the subject of neuroradiology, but how to work interdepartmentally, work efficiently, and prioritize patient care was very formative for me.

Ayushman Sharma, MD

New role: Radiologist, Watson Clinic, Lakeland, Florida

1. My most memorable moment at Barrow was my first weekend call.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be to bring extra coffee with you.
3. The person at Barrow who has influenced me the most is Dr. John Karis.

Graduates who did not submit responses:

Please note: Some responses have been edited for style and clarity.