Meet our current MU School of Medicine Neurology Fellows.
2026 - 2027 Neurology Fellows
Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship
Seeking fellow for 2027-2028
Neuro Endovascular Intervention Fellowship
Hatem Tolba, MD
Senior Fellow
Bio
Hometown: Kafr El-Zayat, Egypt
Medical School: Tanta University Faculty of Medicine
Residency: Neurology - Medical College of Wisconsin
Fellowship: Vascular Neurology - University of Missouri - Columbia
Why I chose MU: The decision to choose the University of Missouri was significantly influenced by the exceptional quality of its Vascular & Neuro-Endovascular Intervention fellowship programs, couples with the distinguished expertise of the faculty. The opportunity to learn from world-renowned specialists presents a unique advantage for my professional development. Additionally, MU offer extensive opportunities for clinical research, which I believe will greatly enhance my future career. Beyond the academic and professional attraction, Columbia stands out for its reputation as a family-friendly city, providing a supportive and welcoming community for both personal and family life. The combination of these factors made MU as ideal choice for my career and life advancement.
Accolades:
- 2025 Inspiring Educator Award, presented by the Chief Residents from the Department of Neurology at the University of Missouri.
- David I.M. Fine Award (2024): For outstanding scholarly activity during residency training
- Child Neurology Award (2024): Presented to adult neurology resident for teaching and exceptional care for pediatric patients
- Gold Humanism Honor Society Award - Kern institute (2020): Presented to residents by medical students for creating a psychologically safe atmosphere during their rotations
- Certificate of Excellence for the Dean of Tanta Faculty of Medicine, as an acknowledgement for the development of the clinical toxicology and forensic medicine textbook & atlas as a general coordinator, hear of proofreaders, and editors (2013)
Hobbies: Being a full-time Dad, & watching and playing soccer when I can
Career Plan/Interests: Becoming the best version of myself as a stroke and interventional neurologist
Gigi Kaur, MD
Junior Fellow
Bio
Hometown: Jalandhar, Punjab, India
Medical School: Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India
Residency: Pediatric Neurology - St. Louis University
Fellowship: Vascular Neurology - University of Missouri - Columbia
Why I chose MU: The MU program stands out for its exceptional training and strong foundation in academic research, guided by leaders in the field of vascular and interventional neurology. My conversations with the attending physicians, left a lasting impression - they were not only approachable and knowledgeable but also clearly invested in the growth if their trainees. During my visit, I noticed the collegial environment while maintaining a shared commitment to outstanding patient care.
Accolades:
- 2025 Best Resident Clinician Award
- 2024 Best Resident Research Award
Hobbies: Hiking and baking. I am excited to explore all the hiking trails around Columbia.
Career Plan/Interests: I am interested in cerebral vascular malformations, aneurysms, and device innovation.
Neuro Critical Care Fellowship
Brendan Smith, MD
Senior Fellow
Bio
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Medical School: St. George's University, Northumbria, United Kingdom
Residency: Internal Medicine, St. John's Riverside Hospital, Yonkers, NY
Why I Chose MU: I chose MU because of its diverse and seasoned faculty who have devised a specialized curriculum on diverse neurological pathologies from neurosurgery, vascular/stroke, neurology, trauma, and secondary critical care injuries. Columbia has that small town footprint with large city vibes, miles of trails for riding and hiking with my family, and generous mid-west feel. There is no doubt the magnitude for clinical experience and balanced growth for my young family.
Accolades:
- 2024 Resident Director of Journal Club
- 2024 Resident Coordinator for Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine Critical Care Grand Rounds
- 2023 Process Improvement Oversight Committee
- 2022 Platform Speaker at Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress, Malta - POCUS perspectives
- 2021 Deans' List
Hobbies: Cycling, Hiking, International Travel, and Food
Career Plans/Interests: To excel as an intensivist first in neurocritical care. I have professional interests in POCUS, critical care echocardiography and ultrasound, with academic interest in advanced ultrasonography in critical care patients.
Chukwudi Ikeano, MD
Junior Fellow
Bio
Hometown: Nimo, Anambra State, Nigeria
Medical School: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
Residency: Rutgers Health/Community Medical Center, Toms River, NJ
Why I chose MU: I chose MU because its culture of teamwork, mentorship, and excellence reflects the kind of physician I strive to become. I was looking for a place where I could continue pursuing my passion for critical care while serving patients and families during life's most challenging moments.
Accolades:
- Dean's Award for Best 10 Graduating Students
- Second Best Graduating Student, Class of 2019
- Member, Community Medical Center Health Equity Advisory Committee, 2024-2026
- Chief Intern, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital
Hobbies: Football (Real Football!), Community Service, Mentoring, Public Speaking, and Exploring New Cultures
Career Plans/Interests: I plan to pursue a career in academic medicine with a strong focus on critical care, clinical research, and medical education. I am passionate about improving patient outcomes through evidence-based medicine while mentoring future physicians.
Sleep Medicine Fellowship
Jinal Gangar, MD
Fellow
Bio
Hometown: Solapur, Maharashtra, India
Medical School: Dr. Vaishampayan Memorial Govt. Medical College, Solapur, India
Residency: St. Luke's University Hospital - Sacred Heart Campus, Allentown, PA
Why I chose MU: I chose MU due to its faculty and staff, as well as its good academics and learning experiences.
Accolades:
- 1998 - Best Cadet - Prime Minister Award, Delhi, India
- 2004- Valedictorian Medical College Year 2
- 2005 - Valedictorian Medical College Year 3
- 2006 - Salutatorian Medical College Year 4
- 2009 - Master's Student Research Grant Award, University of Illinois - Chicago
Hobbies: Hiking, Traveling, Swimming, Gardening, DIY Crafting, Crocheting, Painting.
Career Plans/Interests: I plan on practicing sleep medicine incorporating it with lifestyle medicine; focused on overall patient well-being, disease preventing as well as treatment of sleep disorders.
Geoffrey Evans, MD
Fellow
Bio
Hometown: Bellbrook, OH
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Residency: Family Medicine - Kettering Health Soin Family Medicine Residency - Beavercreek, OH
Why I chose MU: I chose MU due to the warm, encouraging faculty whom all offer a wide range of knowledge and expertise with the goal to foster the growth and success of their fellows. Additionally, the Columbia, MO area has a vibrant and exciting college town ambience that is also able to provide the offerings of a small Midwest community.
Accolades:
- Administrative Chief Resident, 2025 - 2026
- 2025 James Tytko Academic Achievement Award
Hobbies: Enjoying Movies and Books, Trying new restaurants, finding exciting places to hike and walk. I also play Bass Guitar and Drums
Career Plans/Interests: I hope to practice a mix of Sleep Medicine and Primary Care ideally in the Midwest Region that I have called home.
Thomas Wall, DO
Fellow
Bio
Vascular Neurology Fellowship
Zaid Najdawi, MD
Fellow
Bio
Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Medical School: University of Jordan School of Medicine
Residency: Neurology, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Why I chose MU: I chose the University of Missouri for its strong legacy in vascular neurology, neuro-intervention, and for the opportunity to train under leaders who have shaped the field. The program offers rigorous clinical training, exposure to a broad spectrum of cerebrovascular and neuro-endovascular pathology, and mentorship that aligns closely with my long-term goals. For me, it was the ideal place to continue building a career in stroke neurology and neuro-intervention.
Accolades:
- Provider of the Quarter, UNMC Neurology 2026
- Chief Resident for Operations and Scheduling, UNMC Neurology 2025-2026
- Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) Ambassador 2024, 2025
- RITE Outstanding Performance Award UNMC Neurology, 2024
- Medical Students' Board Representative, University of Jordan School of Medicine, 2018-2019
Hobbies: I enjoy spending my free time working out, playing tennis, and working on woodworking and DIY projects.
Career Plans/Interests: I plan to pursue a career in vascular neurology and neuro-endovascular intervention. My Interests include acute stroke management, cerebrovascular disease, neuro-interventional procedures, and that development of endovascular technologies for neurovascular disease.