Our program graduates are well-positioned for careers in private practice or academic neurology.
Every graduating resident for the past several years has had at least one peer-reviewed publication; some have many more. Some graduates go straight into practice, and they do well. Most choose to go into fellowships, and when they do, they secure good positions in well-rated programs in competitive disciplines.
Recent Graduates' Post-residency Placements
2024
- Dinanath 'Praveen' Attele, DO: Neuromuscular Fellowship, Utah State University
- Bryce Hoelscher, MD: Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, University of Kansas
- Tejas Mehta, MD: Movement Disorders Fellowship, University of Florida
- Iwalewa Olowoporoku, MD: Neuroimmunology Fellowship, The Ohio State University
- Dakota Stevenson, MD: Neuro-Hospitalist, The Charleston Area Medical Center, West Virginia
2023
- Tracy Bezner, MD: Sleep Medicine Fellowship,University of Missouri
- Harleen Kaur, MD: Movement Disorder Fellowship, Northwell Health Center, New York City
- Zalan Khan, MD: Vascular Neurology Fellowship, University of Buffalo
- Chinedu Obi, MD: Vascular Neurology Fellowship, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- Anudeep Yelam, MD: Vascular Neurology Fellowship, Emory University
2022
- Aisha Abdulrazaq, MD: Epilepsy Fellowship, Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Swathi Beladakere Ramaswamy, MD: Neuromuscular Fellowship, University of Michigan
- Sachin Bhagavan, MD: Endovascular Stroke Fellowship, Michigan State University
- Nakul Katyal, MD: Neuromuscular Fellowship, Stanford University
- Chetan Nayak, MD, PhD: Epilepsy Fellowship, Washington University St. Louis
- Angela Richmond, MD, PhD: Movement Disorders Fellowship, University of Kansas
- Ashutosh Pandey, MD: Neuro-Critical Care Fellowship, Ohio State University
- Ross Smith, MD: Neuro-hospitalist, Jonesboro Arkansas
2021
- Navpreet Bains, DO: Endovascular Stroke Fellowship, University of Missouri - Columbia
- Biswajit Banik, MD: Neurophysiology Fellowship, Columbia University
- Gurtej Singh, MD: Neurophysiology Fellowship, University of Virginia
2020
- Waleed Abood, MD: Epilepsy Fellowship, Johns Hopkins
- Kunal Bhatia, MD: Neurocritical Care Fellowship, Washington University
- Aditya Boddu, MD: Movement Disorder Fellowship, University of Alabama
- Shail Thanki, MD: Vascular Neurology Fellowship, University of Buffalo; Neuro-Endovascular Fellowship, University of South Florida
2019
- Madihah Hepburn, MD: Neurocritical Care Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic
- Tracy Moll, DO: Private practice, Virginia
- Elanagan Nagarajan, MD: Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, Columbia University
- Laura Qi, MD: Neuro-Endovascular Fellowship, University of Minnesota
- Aaron Tauer, MD: United States Air Force, Alaska
2018
- Gurpreet Khakh, MD: Neuromuscular Fellowship, Washington University
- Siva Pesala, MD: Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, University of Kansas
- Jagkirat Singh, MD: Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, University of Illinois - Chicago
- Anant Wadhwa, MD: Movement Disorders Fellowship, Yale University
2017
- Kristin King, MD: Movement Disorders Fellowship, University of Colorado
- Naresh Mullagari, MD: Neurocritical Care Fellowship & Vascular Neurology Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic
- Sushma Yerram, MD: Epilepsy Fellowship, University of Rochester
- Laila Alqadri, MD: Epilepsy Fellowship, University of Michigan
Graduate Testimonials
Iwalewa Olowoporoku, MD
It has been such a pleasure to have trained in Missouri, where I left residency as a better clinician, physician, and as a better person. The residency cultivates an environment for young physicians like myself to thrive and hone our clinical skills. The camaraderie amongst residents was one of the highlights of my training as it truly became a home for me I am grateful for all the opportunities and growth I experienced during my training. I consider it a privilege to have trained here.
Chinedu Obi, MD
Mizzou neurology is truly an excellent place to train. Columbia is a nice, charming town, and my family enjoyed living there. Resident education is taken very seriously at Mizzou: there is a good balance of support and autonomy that allows you to grow at your own pace, we have very robust didactics that are organized by our dedicated education chiefs, there are plenty of research opportunities and eager mentors to provide guidance, and we have excellent attendings who are deeply invested in our education and growth. The most special thing that makes this program truly unique is the leadership of Dr. Joel Shenker. He is deeply committed to resident training but more importantly, he is committed to the well-being of his residents. He is always there for us no matter what we are going through. Over the years, he has implemented real and tangible changes (duty hours, call schedules, didactics, etc..) that directly translated to a much better work life balance. I miss his dad jokes, baseball, and movie references. The residents are like a family here and we have built strong relationships together. I feel like I received excellent training and I feel very well prepared for practice. I could not be any luckier to have been a part of this program!
Tracy Bezner, MD
As I look back on my time as a neurology resident at Mizzou, I am incredibly grateful for the top-notch education I received and the friends I made along the way. You will see interesting cases across the spectrum of neurology; from bread-and-butter cases (e.g. seizures, stroke), to rare, but often seen cases (e.g. myasthenia gravis, ALS), and the very rare (e.g. Creutzfeld-Jakob, nemaline rod myopathy). Aside from the interesting cases, you will learn to be a practicing neurologist by faculty who are generous with their time and invest heavily in the resident physician's development. The neurology department at Mizzou has a wonderful atmosphere, very friendly and collegial. If you are seeking a great place to learn and grow in both neurology and as a physician, then your search is over!
Anudeep Yelam, MD
My journey through the neurology residency program at Mizzou has been an incredible experience that has shaped my clinical skills and personal growth. As an intern, I was welcomed into a supportive and nurturing environment that fostered my development into a competent neurologist. The comprehensive training has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. The gradual transition from an intern grappling with uncertainties to a confident and capable neurologist able to make informed decisions has been an immensely rewarding transformation. Reflecting on my time as a resident, one of the standout aspects was the approachability of the faculty. The open-door policy and the genuine interest each of the faculty showed in my progress helped me grasp complex neurological concepts and boosted my confidence in seeking their guidance when I needed. I know these mentors will continue to provide guidance through my career. I am filled with gratitude for the growth I have experienced at Mizzou. The support of the faculty, the camaraderie with fellow residents, and the opportunities my residency program provided have all contributed to my evolution as a medical professional. I am proud to have been part of a residency program that values clinical excellence and prioritizes personal development. I am excited to carry forward the lessons and experiences gained during my residency at Mizzou. I have a profound sense of confidence, as I progress beyond my residency, continuing to provide exceptional care for my patients.
Laura Qi, MD
Residency training is one of the most formative times in a newly credentialed physician. It is the time one learns not only how to become an outstanding physician but also how to become a mature and empathetic human. One of the biggest strengths at the University of Missouri neurology program is its ability to meld the two. On the technical side, faculty demand rigorous understanding of neuro anatomical localization and how important it is to be a clinician. I was taught that many times no further lab work or imaging would be necessary. That, if I took a thorough history and performed an accurate neurological exam, many times I would arrive at the answer. This is crucial in the training of a young neurologist. Equally important the neurology staff at Mizzou showed me what it took to earn a patient and their family’s trust and respect. As physician we cannot help every patient we encounter but we can always be empathetic and caring towards her. One the biggest assets this department has is Dr Shenker who is probably one of the best mentors I have had not only professionally, but also in my life in general. He represents what this training program is about: excellence with kindness and a dose of humor. As a new neuro-endovascular surgery attending in Oregon of all places, I could not recommend this program more.
Gurpreet Khakh, MD
Two years after the graduation, I get a smile on my face when looking back at the time spend at MU. The confidence that keeps me going as a neurologist comes from the training that I have received from the “academically rich” environment and having had a privilege to learn from the great neurologists. Not to ignore the social aspects, I & my wife have loved this small but vibrant place. My 4 year-old son loved the child oriented activities in this family-friendly town.
Aisha Abdulrazaq, MD
There is a great deal of comfort and confidence that comes with competent training, clinical competence - this is what Mizzou Neurology offers you! The Faculty and allied staff are heavily invested in your training and the program is organized around making you a well-rounded physician. As I journey through fellowship, I am even more grateful for the time and effort expended on me (My colleagues and teachers here are definitely grateful too 😊). Perhaps the best asset that Mizzou Neurology has is Dr Shenker, the PD who is not only invested in your professional development but also the attainment of your personal goals. He provides everything within his capabilities to ensure you reach your fullest potential as a human. He tells a lot of dad jokes but I promise you will get by! As an international medical graduate, I am grateful I paused at Mizzou. I have made lifelong friends amongst trainees and faculty alike who have become an essential part of my support system here in the United states. What more could you ask for?
Madihah Hepburn, MD
Throughout residency I was often asked why I chose to move to Columbia, Missouri since I am from the Caribbean and the weather in Missouri is the opposite of the tropical climate I grew up with. My response has always been that my initial interview at the University of Missouri-Columbia reminded me of home because of the hospitality of the residents of the program as well as the leadership. As a result of the four years I spent in this neurology residency I felt I was ready for independent practice. The neurology residency here provided me exposure to a wide variety of cases, since it is uniquely located in the middle of Missouri and therefore received transfers from all over the state and even from bordering states. The residency program provided me with graduated autonomy so that by the time I reached my years as a senior resident I was confident in both diagnosis and clinical management of both inpatient and outpatient neurology conditions. The faculty at the University of Missouri-Columbia emphasized the foundations of neurology including anatomic localization and generation of differential diagnoses. More importantly the faculty was invested in your success and providing the tools you needed to build your skill set and clinical acumen, when I graduated I was thankful that I had become not just a neurologist but was taught the tools of how to further develop as a clinician educator. I am now completing a neurocritical care fellowship and I still find myself referencing teachable moments during my residency in order to teach the residents that I now work with. I am from the Bahamas and I moved to the United States alone, but at the University of Missouri-Columbia after four years I found family.
Elanagan Nagarajan, MD
Choosing the University of Missouri for residency was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. During my residency at UMHC, learned every day about how to be a better physician and person all with the guidance and support from my Mizzou neurology family. The size of our program helped me to build a strong relationship with my colleagues, attending physician and location draws a diverse and complex patient population. This makes for an exceptional environment in which to train and gain experience under the guidance of truly top-notch attendings. I have had the chance to present research at national meetings as well as work in a clinic that focuses on my subspecialty interest. If given the chance to choose again, I would absolutely choose this program all over again.
Waleed Abood, MD
Neurology has always been a fascinating field of medicine for me. When I was looking for residency programs, the University of Missouri's program stood out for its excellent reputation and amazing faculty. I'm so glad I made the decision to join this program! The teaching physicians here are amazing, and they're always willing to support and guide residents. I've learned so much from them, and I've also had the opportunity to teach and mentor other residents and students. There are also multiple opportunities to learn and grow here. The didactics are top-notch, and I've had the chance to learn from a variety of patients, including stroke and neurocritical care patients. It's been an incredible experience, and I felt well prepared for post-training life. Dr. Shenker, the residency director, is also amazing. He's always supportive and willing to help residents succeed. I'm so grateful to be a part of this program and to have had the opportunity to learn from such amazing people.
Jagkirat Singh, MD
I had the opportunity to train at MU Neurology from 2014-2018 and found faculty very welcoming and supportive. During training I came across a wide variety of cases, ranging from simple to complex, which primed me to adapt to any kind of practice. With it's encouraging environment, the program has ample opportunities in terms of subspecialty focus, research and leadership. Overall I felt, the exemplary faculty has resolute commitment to foster the career of its residents.
Shail Thanki, MD
I graduated from Mizzou neurology residency program in 2020 and started my vascular neurology fellowship at University at Buffalo. The training at Mizzou taught me a lot of things. One of the biggest thing I noticed about myself at the beginning of my fellowship was the confidence with which I dealt with stroke patients. Mizzou neurology residency program gave me the platform to build strong knowledge base and gave me the confidence to deal with acute neurological conditions including stroke. The residency program implements graded autonomy in its curriculum which I believe is one of the strongest point about the program. The residents become confident in dealing with acute and chronic neurological conditions very early during their residency. Training at a tertiary center, I was exposed to wide range of neurological pathologies from common conditions such as migraine to rare autoimmune encephalitis. As Dr. Shenker says – you will not see all the exotic cases during your residency, but the training should be able to provide you the tools and knowledge base to identify them should you come across a rare pathology during your practice. Mizzou is a strong clinical program but there are also endless opportunities for those interested in research under the mentorship of widely published faculty members. This is reflected by the fellowship placement of our graduates into highly reputed academic programs across the country. Another strong point about the program is the camaraderie between the residents and the faculty. There is mutual respect among each other and this goes a long way into shaping the physician you are. It is very important to have a life outside of work during the residency and Mizzou provides the perfect opportunity to build relationships not just within the neurology department but also in other specialties and outside of hospital. I have made lifelong friends in Columbia and will carry the Mizzou tag in my career with pride.
Aditya Boddu, MD
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been an alumnus of the neurology residency program at Mizzou. Looking back after a very rewarding and immersive residency experience, I realize that my mentors and faculty are not just excellent neurologists who shared their wealth of knowledge and clinical neurology but also good people who honed the best in me as a doctor and a person. Columbia, MO is a beautiful college town where I made several lasting friendships. I graduated feeling very confident in my ability as a neurologist and a physician moving forward into fellowship. This is one residency program that deserves consideration for any medical student who is serious about a career in neurology.
Aaron Tauer, MD
Residency can be one of the most challenging and formative times in a person’s life, but the staff at the University of Missouri went out of their way to help me get the most out of it. I feel like I not only got a great education from attendings that genuinely cared about my training, but I also made friendships that I believe will last a lifetime. On top of this, Columbia is a beautiful little college town with plenty of great restaurants and lots of outdoor activities.
Kunal Bhatia, MD
From the time I started residency training at Mizzou in the Department of Neurology to now graduating and moving into fellowship, I have always felt I got the best training that anyone could imagine. One of the strengths of the program is the level of autonomy that you gain as one progresses through 4 years of training which helps you become a confident physician as you come out of the residency program. Dr. Shenker, our program director, has been a father like figure to me and takes care of the residents like his own family. There are ample opportunities that the program offers for any resident to excel in his/her career whether its research, leadership roles, teaching residents, administrative responsibilities, etc. For a person like me who enjoys doing procedures, seeing patients with a wide array of diverse neurological conditions and taking a more active role in the management of a patient makes this program stand out. All the faculty members are easily approachable and are incredibly invested in residents' education, whether its during rounds or formal didactic sessions. Looking back at my residency I would certainly say that with the support of Dr. Shenker, other faculty members and my co-residents, I was able to excel academically and at the same time grow as a person. I thoroughly enjoyed me time at MU-Neurology program and consider myself fortunate to be able to train under a great team of physicians.
