Neurology Residents

Hometown: Jacksonville, AR

Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why I chose MU: I chose MU for my neurology training because of my experience with the attendings and residents during a rotation here. I was constantly and without exception made to feel welcomed as a learner. The culture at MU Neurology has been intentionally crafted to foster that environment and it shows.; I feel very fortunate to have matched at MU and even more so to be a part of a remarkable group of residents.

Accolades:

• 2024-2025 Outstanding Junior Resident

Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and two daughters, Jujitsu, classical guitar

Career Plans/Interests: Research interest in neurovascular dysregulation and process structuralism in biologic control systems.

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Medical School: Dow Medical College

Why I chose MU: I was drawn to MU early on during the match cycle. The first thing that caught my interest as an International Medical Graduate was the immensely supportive and close-knit culture that pervaded the program and my interview day experience.

MU offers everything I wanted in a robust Neurology Residency Program including diverse clinical experiences, stellar leadership and management, thoughtful educational curricula, and an openness to feedback with an emphasis on continual growth. Having spent time with my co-residents, Dr. Shenker, and each member of the department, I can assure you that this is a home away from home.

Finally, Columbia is a hidden gem in Missouri. Whether you're a foodie, sports enthusiast, nature lover, or theatergoer, there is something here for you.

Hobbies: Cooking, writing, reading, boxing, gym, exploring new tech.

Career Plans/Interests: Open-minded right now. Planning to explore the breadth and depth of Neurology available at MU and decide accordingly.

Hometown: Egypt

Medical School: Menoufia University Faculty of Medicine

Why I chose MU: I could tell on the interview day that this is the best environment for me to develop professionally. First, I could feel how friendly and supportive the residency team is. I also liked the research facilities in the University including the NextGen building, and the comprehensive services the hospital provides for multiple neurological conditions such as epilepsy and stroke.

Hometown: Inner Mongolia, China

Medical School: Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine

Why I chose MU: My family lives in Kansas City, and I always wanted to choose a program nearby. But what's even more important to me is being a part of a supportive team in a positive learning environment. My love for this program started with the warm welcome letter I received from Dr. Shenker the day before my interview. During the interview itself, I was impressed by the team's attention to detail and their friendly nature. All of this made me really want to join this amazing team; I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of this team. I'm grateful for the guidance and support from Dr. Shenker, the senior residents, my co-interns, and the staff. Being a part of this family fills me with deep gratitude.

Career Plans/Interests: My areas of interest are Neuromodulation, Movement Disorders, Pain Medicine, and Epilepsy. 

Hometown: New York

Medical School: University of Missouri School of Medicine

Why I chose MU: In my experience as a medical student at Mizzou, this dynamic program has values centered around teaching, learning, general wellness, and a nurturing environment. I enjoyed working with the faculty and the residents. The success of the program in mainly due to outstanding leadership. Dr. Shenker is a wonderful program director dedicated to running an excellent Neurology Program, but first and foremost cares about the well-being of his residents. I was happy to join this program knowing I would receive exceptional training and thrive in this environment. There are also many resources in the form of fellowships which I look forward to exploring.

Accolades:

• 2025 Inducted into the MU Chapter of the Gold Humanism Society.

Hometown: Kirksville, MO

Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why I chose MU: I grew up near Columbia, MO so my family is nearby. There is an outlet for every single activity I enjoy outside of work and everyone here is so friendly. I have already found that Mizzou offers a very supportive environment for learning with the opportunity to see a wide variety of pathologies and learn from great mentors.

Accolades: Still Scholar, AHEC Scholar

Hobbies: CrossFit, mountain biking, bouldering, bodybuilding, hiking, gardening, cooking, travel

Career Plans/Interests: I'm interested in both vascular and neuromuscular neurology. I intend to let my experiences during residency guide which subspecialty and practice setting I choose.

Hometown: Born in Burgas Bulgaria and grew up in Piscataway, NJ

Medical School: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Why I chose MU: I approached selecting a residency program the same way that I’ve approached most of my life decisions: by gut feeling. From the educational side, I was looking for a program that would give me the space to think through a plan for myself but have the support for when I would inevitably need help. From the social side, I wanted a program in which the atmosphere amongst the residents would be lighthearted and collaborative. And in terms of location, I love that I can make the drive from my house to the hospital in <6 minutes. (It averaged at 5 minutes and 34 seconds.) Coming from the heavy traffic and the constant urgency of the most densely populated state in the country, I feel like Columbia is a breath of fresh air.

Accolades: Distinction in Research, Distinction in Service to the Community, RWJMS Summer Research Fellowship Program.

Hobbies: Drawing, Painting, Gaming, & Skiing

Career Plans/Interests: Currently undecided and open to all specialties.

Hometown: Freedom, WI

Medical School: Des Moines University

Why I chose MU: When trying to choose a residency program, I was looking for a place that would fit with my personality, while also giving me great learning opportunities and diverse patients. I was lucky enough to do a rotation at MU during my fourth year of medical school and I immediately felt comfortable here. All of the residents wanted me to ask questions about anything and everything, and faculty wanted to get to know me, and I could see that the program was about building strong doctors... and people. The icing on the cake was the city of Columbia offering multiple ways to stay active, meet new people, and get ingrained in the community

Hobbies: Spending time with my family and my cat, reading fantasy series, cooking, working out; either in the gym or a pick up game, & watching Wisconsin sports teams, especially, the Green Bay Packers.

Career Plan/Interests: At this time I am open about specific career plans but I am leaning towards stroke. That being said I am excited to get more outpatient exposure to experience different subspecialties.

Hometown: Reno,NV

Medical School: Kansas City University

Why I chose MU: I chose MU because the environment is full of positive energy and the culture fosters strong comradery. The program director, faculty, residents, and staff are exceptionally warm and genuinely care about the education and well-being of team members and patients. I am very excited and proud to be a devoted and loyal member of this healthcare community. Columbia is a wonderful place to live and allows me to be hear my family and friends.

Hobbies: Salsa and Bachata, weight-lifting, movies, cooking, and dancing with family and friends

Career Plans/Interests: Neuro-Hospitalist, Fellowship, or outpatient setting.

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia

Why I chose MU: Saying the faculty, residents, and staff in the department was the #1 reason feels redundant, but it is 100% true. While choosing a residency program, I always understood, "the environment would shape my success" While attending medical school at MU I saw first hand the support for my education from the faculty, residents, fellows, and administrative staff. It was an easy decision to stay.

Accolades: Eagle Scout Troop 314, 2021 Outstanding MedZOU Chair

Hobbies: You can always find me running around Columbia training for the next race or reading another fantasy novel in one of our coffee shops. Currently I am reading through the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson; I highly recommend them. I have been learning woodworking, If I ever have more time (and money) I hope to explore this more. For now if anyone needs a poorly carved spoon (or firewood), I'm your guy.

Career Plans/Interests: Currently, I am a fluid, but I know that my residency training will help guide my decision. I am open to fellowships and I find a lot of interest in vascular neurology and cognitive disorders.

Hometown: High Ridge, MO

Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia

Why I chose MU: I attended MU for medical school and was very happy with my education here. The neurology department at MU sees an extensive variety of neurological conditions, treating patients from all over the state. The department is also led by a very knowledgeable group of faculty, who are passionate about teaching and preparing residents for their future careers. I am confident that I will become a well-rounded and capable physician after completing this program. I also very much enjoy living in Columbia. It is a great college town with so much to do. GO TIGERS!

Accolades: Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society

Hobbies: Exercising, Watching Movies, Reading, Painting, Baking, & Board Games

Career Plans/Interests: I am currently interested in pursuing a career as a neuro-hospitalist and potentially doing a fellowship in vascular neurology, although, I hope to get ample exposure to all the subspecialties before making a final decision.

Hometown: Madaba, Jordan

Medical School: Hashemite University, Jordan

Why I chose MU: Applying to residency is a pivotal milestone, and I knew I needed a program with strong clinical training, diverse pathology, supportive mentorship, and rich academic opportunities. MU stood out by offering all of that within a friendly, collaborative environment where I can thrive both professionally and personally. Living in Columbia adds to the experience - an affordable, safe, and family friendly college town with beautiful nature, vibrant culture and a great place to raise children.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading multicultural novels - especially those adapted into movies, series, or anime. I also love staying active through cycling, soccer, and volleyball.

Career Plans/Interests: I am passionate about all areas of neurology and am eager to explore them further, with a particular interest in vascular neurology.

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Medical School: Terna Medical College & Hospital

Why I chose MU: I knew early on during my observership, that MU would be an excellent place to train. From my interactions with the program leadership, residents, and coordinators, I could tell that everyone here genuinely looks after one another. The way everyone helped us settle in and feel like part of the family was a testament to that.

The program itself offers a wide range of subspecialties to explore, which is perfect for someone like me who is still discovering their specific interests within neurology. What impressed me most, is the department's commitment to continually evolve and improve in tandem with the needs of its residents. That kind of dedication to training and education assure me that MU was the right choice for my residency.

Lastly, Columbia is surrounded by beautiful state parks and hiking trails, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Being situated between St. Louis and Kansas City offers the perfect balance for anyone who values both nature and access to larger cities.

Hobbies: Badminton, Hiking, Most Things Outdoors, Pokémon, and trying to keep my plants alive.

Career Plans/Interests: Still figuring it out!

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical School: Lebanese American University Gilbert and Rose Marie Chagoury School of Medicine

Why I Chose MU: The tightly knit family environment and strong mentorship program drew me towards MU's Neurology Program. The emphasis on clinical neurology as well as the vast opportunities to participate in medical education and research strongly aligned with my career aspirations.

Hobbies: Reading, Gymnastics, Traveling, and Exploring new cities/countries

Career Plans/Interests: I am currently open-minded about fellowship opportunities, but definitely was academic neurology and medical education to be part of my future career.

Hometown: Saint Peters, Missouri

Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia, School of Medicine

Why I chose MU: The primary reason I chose MU for neurology residency was the culture. When I rotated here as a student, I saw the residents going out of their way to support each other. They also genuinely seemed to enjoy spending time with each other, which made the tougher shifts much easier to handle. Additionally, MU is home to a Level 4 Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, a Level 1 Stroke Center, and a phenomenal endovascular team - all filled with physicians who prioritize education. I couldn't be more thankful to have the opportunity to learn here!

Accolades:

• American Academy of Neurology 2025 Medical Student Prize for Excellence; May 2025
• Glasgow-Rubin Citation for Academic Achievement; May 2025
• Joseph & Margaret Flynn Medical Student Scholarship; May 2025
• Global Health Scholar; May 2025
• Alpha Omega Alpha; Fall 2024
• James Dexter Award for Excellence in Neurology; May 2024
• Frank E. and Ena Hickerson Rhoads Scholarship; May 2024
• SLEEP 2023 Meeting Trainee Merit Award; June 2023
• Conference Presentation Travel Award June 2023
• Karl J Hasik Scholarship Award; Fall 2023
• Russell & Dara White Scholarship Award; Fall 2023

Hobbies: Outside of residency I enjoy exploring local restaurants and coffee shops, thrifting, and going to the Columbia Farmer's Market. I also like to partake in indoor cycling, Pilates, and yoga.

Career Plans/Interests: While I am currently undecided on a potential subspecialty of neurology to pursue, a Clinical Neurophysiology fellowship would allow me to feel more competent with EEGs, EMGs, and NCSs.

Bio Coming Soon

Hometown: Overland Park, KS

Medical School: University of Kansas

Why I chose MU: When I began exploring residency programs, I was looking for a place with strong supportive faculty, residents who felt like friends and mentors, and a culture of learning, that balanced patient complexity with time for growth and research. It was a tall order - but through an unexpected route, MU exceeded my expectations. My partner and I were couple's matching, and we first heard great things about Columbia from MU family medicine residents at a conference.  During my interview, it was clear - especially after speaking with Dr. Shenker, that the program values mutual respect and team-based care across all roles. The warm, collaborative atmosphere, along with the diverse patient population and approachable lifestyle in Columbia, made it an easy decision to bring our family (including our four pets!) here.

Accolades:

• Served in Army Reserves from 2013 - 2025
• Lee EB, Dilower I, Marsh CA, Wolfe MW, Masumi S, Upadhyaya S, Rumi MAK. Sexual Dimorphism in Kisspeptin Signaling Cells. 2022 Mar 28;11(7):1146. doi: 10.3390/cells11071146. PMID: 35406710; PMCID: PMC8997554.
• Masumi S, Lee EB, Dilower I, Upadhyaya S, Chakravarthi VP, Fields PE, Rumi MAK. The role of Kisspeptin signaling in Oocyte maturation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Aug 22;13:917464. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.917464. PMID: 36072937; PMCID: PMC9441556.
• 2018 Nurses Excellence Award Nomination - University of Kansas
• 2018 Good Catch Nomination, National Model United Nations - University of Kansas

Hobbies: I enjoy riding road and mountain bikes. I have built my own electric bicycle and regularly ride on bike paths and mountain bike trails. I also enjoy spending time with my partner, playing pickleball with co-residents and running with our Golden Retriever.

Career Plans/Interests: I'm currently exploring various subspecialties within neurology and look forward to gaining broad clinical exposure during residency before deciding on a fellowship path.

Hometown: Irmo, South Carolina

Medical School: University of South Carolina, School of Medicine - Greenville

Why I Chose MU: What drew me most to this program on interview day was the tight-knit relationship between the faculty and the residents. It was very reassuring to see faculty and leadership be so supportive and truly invested in the residents’ well-being. The residents, too, all seemed genuinely excited to work together. As someone moving far from home, I prioritized a warm, collaborative environment, and this program offered just that. The diversity in patient population at MU and the breadth of educational opportunities that come from being part of a Level 1 Stroke and Trauma Center were also factors that I valued a lot.

Accolades:

• Gold Humanism Honor Society 2025
• AOA Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship 2024

Hobbies: Outside of residency, I enjoy reading, listening to music, cooking, and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops.

Career Plans/Interests: Open to all subspecialties but would love to explore neurocritical care more extensively as a potential fellowship path.

Hometown: Columbia, MO

Medical School: University of Missouri - Kansas City

Why I Chose MU: Growing up in Columbia, I have been a lifelong Tiger, so the opportunity to return home for residency was incredibly exciting. It's truly special to train at the institution I grew up cheering for while service the community that raised me. Beyond the personal connection, MU offers outstanding clinical training, a diverse patient population, and supportive faculty who are genuinely invested in resident education. Joining MIZZOU felt like a great fit to continue growing as a neurologist while giving back to the place I will always call home.

Hobbies: Golf, tennis, photography, DJing, following all sports, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

Career Plans/Interests: Currently I plan to pursue a career in academic neurology with interests in sports neurology, concussion and traumatic brain injury, headache medicine, and medical education. I hope to combine patient care and teaching, while staying connected to my lifelong passion for sports.

Hometown: Reeds, MO

Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia

Why I Chose MU: When deciding where I wanted to pursue my residency training, it was important to me to find a place where I felt that I would be supported while having a range of academic opportunities and the chance to see a variety of neurological pathologies. Having gone to medical school at MU and working with the neurology department, I was able to see firsthand how this program checked all these boxes. Getting to work with numerous members of the department, I was able to see how this program turns some of the most stressful years for residents into an experience that provides exceptional training and helps to build valuable relationships among each other.

Accolades:

• American Academy of Neurology 2026 Medical Student Prize for Excellence
• Rural Scholars Program - MU School of Medicine
• Rural Scholars Scholarship Recipient
• Geriatric Scholars Program - MU School of Medicine

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring new parts of Columbia and trying new restaurants, taking my dog Midas for walks, and when I have time reading.

Career Plans/Interests: For now I am undecided but am currently interested in pursuing a career as a neuro-hospitalist. I have also thought of possibly pursuing a fellowship, with interests in epilepsy and neurophysiology. I am excited to experience a wide range of subspecialties that will help me to make this decision.

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Medical School: Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why I Chose MU: MU stood out to me most prominently during interview season. I remembered every conversation I had with the attendings and residents who interviewed me and I could tell that this was the ideal place that would push me to become a great neurologist while feeling like a home away from home. In the social session, the resident camaraderie was something unlike what I had seen and the variety of inpatient/outpatient rotations offered told me that this program would give me the exposure I would need. I look forward to working alongside this great team and becoming a part of the community here at Mizzou and in COMO!

Accolades:

• Sigma Sigma Phi Honors Society

Hobbies: In my free time, as a former competitive Olympic weightlifter, I love to stay active playing sports including tennis, basketball, and soccer. I am also an avid billiards player. I really enjoy long walks and have been on many trails since moving to Missouri. At home you can find me cooking, reading horror/sci-fi novels, or cheering on my hometown NBA team, the Phoenix Suns!

Career Plans/Interests: Learning neuro-hospitalist/stroke, but remaining open and am excited for the opportunities Mizzou has to offer!

Hometown: Amritsar, Punjab, India

Medical School: Government Medical College - Amritsar

Why I Chose MU: The Neurology Residency Program at MU–Columbia offers a dynamic and comprehensive clinical training experience. During my time here, I not only deepened my understanding of the neurological examination but also learned the importance of practicing not just as a neurologist focused on disease, but as a physician who approaches patient care with an open mind—attentive to both the medical and social dimensions that shape overall health and well-being. These lessons have left a lasting impression on me, and I remain deeply grateful for the mentorship I have received at MU. Having spent the past two years living in Columbia, I can confidently say that Columbia is a nature lover’s paradise, offering an abundance of scenic trails, natural parks, and outdoor recreational spaces.

Accolades:

• Travel Award, poster presentation titled: Clinical Disparities in CMT1A Among Black Compared to White Individual, NMSG (Neuromuscular Study Group), Tarrytown, USA, September 2024
• 1st runner-up in the annual Cultural and Literacy Festival
  Government Medical College, Amritsar, India, February 2018
• Certificate of Academic Achievement
  D.A.V. College Managing Committee, New Delhi, India, September 20216

Hobbies: Biking, Journaling, Reading: some of the best reads ever are 'The Power of Subconscious Mind', 'The Brain-The Story of You', Painting: watercolor, acrylic and canvas paintings, passionate about Art in Neurology, Gardening.

Career Plans/Interests: While I have some inclinations toward Neuromuscular Medicine and Vascular Neurology, I remain open to all subspecialties within neurology, knowing that each patient story is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia

Why I Chose MU: I was fortunate to rotate with the department during medical school and saw first-hand the level of commitment of the faculty to the education of the residents. The family-like atmosphere was always very palpable and provided a nurturing environment for learners to grow which, I believe, is a direct reflection of the leadership. Having made Columbia our family’s home over my medical school years, it was a no-brainer to want and stay at MU for my residency training.

Hobbies: Spending time with family, reading, hiking, trail walking, exploring local coffee shops

Career Plans/Interests: Neurophysiology, Neuro-Immunology, & Neuro-Ophthalmology