Dr. Komal Ashraf Represents MU School of Medicine in Brain Health Summit at Super Bowl LVIII

Assistant Professor of Neurology Komal Ashraf, DO, recently represented the MU School of Medicine during Super Bowl LVIII festivities in Las Vegas as an expert panelist at the 11th annual Brain Health Summit. Ashraf participated in numerous discussions involving research and topics in neuroscience, including attending sports agent Leigh Steinberg’s renowned Super Bowl Party.

Held on Saturday, Feb. 10, the Brain Health Summit brought together neuroscience experts to deliberate internal and external factors that play a role in brain function and the role access of care plays in rewiring one’s brain.

“Dr. Ashraf is passionate about advocacy and leadership to increase concussion and brain health awareness,” said chair of MU Department of Neurology Brandi French, MD. “She was instrumental in helping MU Health Care become a premier site for evaluating athletes for concussions, including participation in concussion settlement programs with the NFL and NCAA. Her selection to participate in a high-profile conversation about brain health at Super Bowl LVIII signifies the prestige of MU’s concussion and neurology programs.”

Over the week-long Radio Row gathering in Las Vegas, Ashraf conducted a variety of interviews with local and national media outlets. The panel discussion at the Brain Health Summit concluded her trip, drawing an audience of more than 1,500 people.

“This year’s theme at the Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party was to be ‘All In’ on advocating for health equity and to use all the tools at our disposal to help patients recover after a head injury,” said Ashraf. “I was honored to contribute to important discussions throughout the week. As a member of the Brain Health Summit panel and during the national Radio Row interviews, I wanted to drive home that there are things we can all do to build a more resilient brain and that after injury, early diagnosis and intervention is key in helping patients of all demographics return to their usual activities safely, quickly and at the level they are accustomed to.”

For Ashraf, the ability to represent the University of Missouri at a global event like Super Bowl LVIII was an opportunity she knew she had to capitalize on.

“It was an amazing privilege to represent the MU School of Medicine, MU Health Care and our concussion program at the national level,” said Ashraf. “The weekend was filled with conversations amongst caring and generous people interested in supporting science, access and patient-centered care.

Ashraf said there was positivity about what can be done to help recovery after traumatic brain injuries and how far treatment has come, but also hope for future growth.

“I’m so proud of the work our team and program are doing, and it was incredible validation to be among the Super Bowl experience,” said Ashraf. “My deepest hope is that we continue to be visible at the national level and that we can expand our reach in advocacy and providing quality concussion care!”

Below, view Ashraf’s Radio Row appearance on “The W Show KC,” as she discusses her work in concussion prevention and promotion of brain health and equity.