AWARDS
2017 Award Recipients
The research we celebrate, with the recipients below, has generated paradigmchanging discoveries in epilepsy, fundamental insights in multiple sclerosis, and
pioneering breakthroughs in pain, to name a few of the transformative advances
conceived by these luminaries. We honor those researchers and pay tribute to all those who play a role in the search for cures for brain disease, from mentors to colleagues to those just starting out on their journey.
Alliance Awards: Founders Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by the former American Academy of Neurology Alliance Recipient: Emer McGrath, MB, BCh Boston, MA
hank You Statement: I would like to acknowledge the strong T support of my mentor, Dr. Sudha Seshadri, and the generous contribution of the participants in the Framingham Heart Study.
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. McGrath was selected as this year’s Founders Award recipient for her important work investigating the link between vascular disease, hypertension, and dementia. Though this link has been appreciated for some time, pathological details and mechanisms of disease remain unclear. Furthermore, methodologies of prior studies have limitations and conflicting findings. In this report, Dr. McGrath and her colleagues measured mid- and late-life blood pressures and the trajectory of blood pressure from mid- to late-life in a community-based cohort of allcause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease patients. They found an association between both elevated mid-life blood pressure as well as a step-wise increase in risk with higher trajectories. This study provides interesting data for larger clinical trials and proposes an important modifiable risk factor for the development of age-related cognitive decline.
Alliance Awards: S. Weir Mitchell Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by the former American Academy of Neurology Alliance Recipient: Richard Ryan Darby, MD Boston, MA hank You Statement: I would like to thank Michael Fox T for his mentorship and guidance on this project, teaching me
159
2017 Award Recipients the technique needed to investigate these complex and rare delusions. I would also like to thank co-authors Simon Laganiere, Alvaro Pascual-Leone, and Sashank Prasad. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Ryan Darby is this year’s S. Weir Mitchell Award recipient in recognition of his work on delusional misidentifications. This fascinating phenomenon has long depended on studying patients with focal lesions to determine brain-behavior relationships. However, Dr. Darby and his colleagues instead focused on how lesions may disrupt functionally connected regions of the brain. This novel approach led to the hypothesis that some delusions may arise in part by disruptions between brain regions involved in familiarity perception and belief evaluation. Importantly, their work establishes a framework in behavioral neurology whereby neural correlates for delusion formation may be approached with testable hypotheses.
American Brain Foundation Board Chair’s Award Sponsored by the American Brain Foundation Recipient: Francis I. Kittredge Jr., MD, FAAN Bangor, ME hank You Statement: Thank you, Mr. Kevin Goodno, chair, T and the Board for this singular recognition. I look forward to the implementation of your new strategic plan for the American Brain Foundation. Including the public, our patients, their families, and their friends will afford the Foundation the opportunity to represent for neurological diseases nationally what the American Cancer Society has done for oncology. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Francis I. Kittredge Jr., MD, FAAN, is a pioneer in neurology. Tucked into Dr. Kittredge’s long list of achievements is one which we at the American Brain Foundation would like to highlight. Dr. Kittredge was the founding president of the AAN Education and Research Foundation (1992-1996), which later became the AAN Foundation, and eventually emerged as today’s American Brain Foundation. Understanding the need to leverage philanthropy to fund brain disease research, Dr. Kittredge not only led the Foundation through its early days, he was a financially generous donor who created an endowment funding clinical research training scholarships in multiple sclerosis in perpetuity. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the American Brain Foundation—the philanthropic partner of the American Academy of Neurology—there is no more deserving person to receive our 2017 Board Chair’s Award.
160
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Association of Indian Neurologists in America (AINA) Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by the American Brain Foundation and endowed by the Association of Indian Neurologists in America (AINA) Recipient: Kapil D. Sethi, MD, FRCP, FAAN Augusta, GA
hank You Statement: I am deeply honored and grateful to T receive this honor from an organization that I admire.
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Sethi is Director of the Movement Disorders Program and Professor of Neurology at Georgia Regents University where he has worked since 1985. He is recognized in the US, India, and internationally as a leader in the field of movement disorders. He has been a great supporter of Indian neurologists, both in India and in the United States, making CME presentations throughout India, and training residents and fellows in the US. Dr. Sethi has published 160 original papers and close to 30 book chapters; participated in numerous clinical trials in Parkinson’s; and served as Associate Editor of the journal Movement Disorders. He has served on the board of directors of the AAN, president of the AINA from 1999-2001, and is well known to all members of the AAN because of his role in development and then leadership in NeuroBowl® as “judge.”
Award for Creative Expression of Human Values in Neurology
Sponsored by the Ethics, Law, and Humanities Committee, a joint committee of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Neurological Association, and the Child Neurology Society Recipient: Kathryn Rae Wagner, MD, PhD Baltimore, MD
hank You Statement: I would like to thank Lud Gutmann T for providing such beautiful examples of humanities writing in neurology, and Mary Gutmann who provided encouragement and constructive criticism of my work. I have been fortunate to have been mentored by several giants in neurology: Guy McKhann, Dan Drachman, John Griffin, and Justin McArthur who all made me a better observer of humankind.
161
2017 Award Recipients Why the Recipient Was Chosen: The creative expression award recognizes an outstanding poem, short story, or work of creative nonfiction that artistically expresses human values in the practice of neurology, including compassion for persons with neurological disorders and reflection by physicians involved in their care. Among this year’s submissions, Taking Emmanuel Home stood out for the exceptional degree of human compassion exhibited by the (pseudonymous) author, as well as for the quality of the prose. It’s truly a wonderful piece and most deserving of this year’s award.
Dreifuss-Penry Epilepsy Award Sponsored by the AAN and endowed by members of the AAN Epilepsy Section; Abbott Laboratories, Inc.; Cephalon, Inc.; Cyberonics, Inc.; Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; GlaxoSmithKline; Novartis Neuroscience; Ortho-McNeil Neurologics; Pfizer Inc; Shire US, Inc; and UCB Pharma Recipient: William Stacey, MD, PhD Ann Arbor, MI hank You Statement: I am very grateful for persistent T mentoring by Brian Litt and Jack Parent, for innovative ideas and analysis from Stephen Gliske, and for years of collaboration from Christophe Bernard and Viktor Jirsa. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. William Stacey’s research makes use of the rich disciplines of computational science, engineering, electrophysiology and clinical epilepsy. He has made substantial inroads into identifying novel electrophysiological biomarkers for ictogenic cortex, seizure generation, and seizure dynamics. In addition to gaining new insights, he endeavors to make new techniques applicable in clinical practice and at the point of clinical decision making.
Sheila Essey Award: An Award for ALS Research Presented by the AAN and the ALS Association and supported through the philanthropy of the Essey family and the ALS Association Recipient: John M. Ravits, MD, FAAN La Jolla, CA hank You Statement: I give special thanks to mentors Bob T Miller, Bud Rowland, Al La Spada, and Don Cleveland. I give thanks to supporters including the Wyckoff family, Lois Caprile, Pam Golden, Jerry Nepom at BRI, David Heckerman and Eric Horvitz at Microsoft Research, Bill Mobley at UCSD, ALSA, and NINDS.
162
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Ravits is an outstanding ALS clinician who has performed ground-breaking work both in clinical and neuropathology research in ALS. For his work in promoting the hypothesis of ALS pathogenesis through neuroanatomic propagation and his work demonstrating antisense knock-down of C9orf72 RNA, he has received the 2017 Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research.
Norman Geschwind Prize in Behavioral Neurology Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed through Dr. Geschwind’s family, friends, and colleagues; Pfizer Inc; and the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Recipient: Peter Turkeltaub, MD, PhD Washington, DC
hank You Statement: I would like to thank my former and T current mentors: Drs. Guinevere Eden, H. Branch Coslett, Roy Hamilton, Rhonda Friedman, Elissa Newport, and Alexander Dromerick. I would also like to thank all of my students and fellows for their hard work, and our research participants for their dedication.
Wayne A. Hening Sleep Medicine Investigator Award Sponsored by the AAN and endowed by UCB Inc. Lilly USA, Elite Home Medical & Respiratory, Inc., Raleigh Neurology Associates, and friends of Dr. Wayne A. Hening Recipient: Tiffany Braley, MD, MS Ann Arbor, MI
hank You Statement: I would like to express my heartfelt T appreciation to Dr. Ron Chervin, an exceptional mentor and colleague who has been an unwavering source of support and inspiration throughout my sleep research career. I would also like to thank Dr. Benjamin Segal for his mentoring in multiple sclerosis research. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Tiffany Braley works at the interface between multiple sclerosis and sleep disorders, studying the relationship between fatigue and obstructive sleep apnea. She is receiving this award for her demonstration of the potential of applying solutions from sleep medicine to the disabling tiredness of patients with multiple sclerosis.
163
2017 Award Recipients Mitchell B. Max Award for Neuropathic Pain Sponsored by the AAN and endowed by the United States Cancer Pain Relief Committee, the Mayday Fund, and friends of Dr. Mitchell Max Recipient: C. Peter N. Watson, MD Toronto, Ontario hank You Statement: I am most honored and very pleased to T be receiving this award, as Dr. Mitchell Max was a good friend, a brilliant and generous colleague, and a long-time mentor, as were Harold Merskey, Ramon (Ray) Evans, JC Richardson (Rick), Jack Silversides (Silver), John Deck, and many others. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Watson’s landmark studies laid the foundation for the contemporary treatment of neuropathic pain. His pioneering analgesic trials of patients with post herpetic neuralgia deepened our understanding of the pathophysiological and psychological aspects of chronic pain. The evidence for the use of therapies such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, oxycodone, capsaicin, and lidocaine derives from studies he designed and conducted over the course of more than four decades. In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Watson is recognized as a gifted clinician and renowned educator in Canada and throughout the world. The opportunity to have Dr. Watson participate in the Academy’s 69th Annual Meeting in Boston will be an inspiration to neurologists focused on pain research. Recognizing his accomplishments highlights the importance of neurologists’ pioneering role in clinical pain research.
Lawrence C. McHenry Award: An Award for the History of Neurology Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology Recipient: Christopher J. Boes, MD, FAAN Rochester, MN hank You Statement: I need to thank John Noseworthy, Bruce T Fye, Renee Ziemer, Bob Brown, Al Aksamit, and Neeraj Kumar. I also thank Douglas Lanska, Peter Koehler, Stephen Reich, Peter Goadsby, Ann Scott, and Rebecca Gowers. My wife Carrie and three kids have lovingly accepted my history of neurology obsession. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Boes' outstanding historical scholarship details the friendship between two giants of 19th century medicine: William
164
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Gowers and William Osler. Through his work, Dr. Boes chronicled the interactions, friendship, and professional work of the Drs. Osler and Gowers. This paper details through first-hand accounts, letters, and early manuscripts, the subtle influence these two men had on one another's lives. His work showcases, through the eyes of Dr. Osler, the interpretation of Dr. Gowers' progressive neurologic illness according to internal medicine of the time. Dr. Boes’ work is a concise, elegantly written history of Drs. Osler and Gower which sheds light on a mutually beneficial friendship that likely influenced the fields of medicine and neurology in the dawn of the 20th century.
Medical Student Essay Awards: Extended Neuroscience Award Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology Recipient: Aaron Bowen Denver, CO
hank You Statement: I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. T Matthew Kennedy, not only for his intellectual input and financial support of this work, but also for his mentorship and guidance as I have developed my scientific career.
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: The committee awarded Aaron Bowen the Extended Neuroscience award for his essay investigating cellular trafficking pathways within neuronal dendrites and synapses. The detailed essay provided evidence for a Golgi-independent mode of local cellular trafficking and findings that neuronal firing may regulate the trafficking pathway.
Medical Student Essay Awards: G. Milton Shy Award in Clinical Neurology Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology Recipient: Moon Jeong Lee Baltimore, MD
hank You Statement: I would like to thank Dr. Rachel Salas T and Dr. Charlene Gamaldo at Johns Hopkins for their incredible mentorship and support, Dr. Matthew Peters and Dr. Roy Durga for welcoming me to their clinic, Dr. Alyssa Gamaldo for her guidance with the data, and the AAN for their research support.
165
2017 Award Recipients Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Moon Jeong Lee is receiving this award for her study exploring the use of a sleep application in patients with brain injury. The essay was well written and may provide a novel method for evaluating sleep disruption in patients with history of acute brain injury.
Medical Student Essay Awards: Roland P. Mackay Award in Historical Aspects Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology Recipient: Bob Sun Cleveland, OH hank You Statement: I would like to thank Paul Ford, PhD, T Director of the NeuroEthics program at the Cleveland Clinic, who guided me through the independent study that resulted in this paper. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: The committee awarded Bob Sun the Roland P. McKay Award for the outstanding essay on the role of neuromodulation as a modern iteration of psychosurgery, the historical intervention for psychiatric disorders. The essay focuses on important historical events and places them into a modern context.
Medical Student Essay Awards: Saul R. Korey Award in Experimental Neurology Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology Recipient: Chelsea Zhang Dallas, TX hank You Statement: I am deeply grateful for my colleagues T Jennifer Fehmel, Melanie Truong, the KD team, and my mentors Dr. Bert Vargas, Dr. Lauren Phillips, and Dr. Mark Alberts for all their guidance and encouragement. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Chelsea Zhang’s excellent essay compares two objective balance measures that help screen for concussion. The essay demonstrated a high level of agreement between the K-D Balance and Sway Balance mobile device applications suggesting that either would function well as a sideline concussion measurement tool.
166
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Movement Disorders Research Award
Sponsored by the AAN, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, and the AAN Movement Disorders Section and endowed by the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation Recipient: Andrew Singleton, PhD Bethesda, MD
hank You Statement: Thank you to my first teacher, Dr. Chris T Morris, and my mentor, Dr. John Hardy. Their style and approach continues to influence my work and career.
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Singleton has made important landmark contributions to the field of PD genetics, which has revolutionized many aspects of PD research. He discovered that gene mutation of alpha-synuclein is a cause of Parkinson’s disease, which firmly established the importance of alphasynuclein in PD pathogenesis in a broarder context. He first reported G2019S mutation in Parkinson’s disease, which is one of the most common genetic causes of PD and important clues to the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches in PD. He also collaborates extensively including leading an international genetics consortium using novel methods to investigate small effects of common genes in PD. His contributions extend to genetic causes of other movement disorders such as dystonia, and ataxia, as well as other neurological disorders such as ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
Neuro-oncology Investigator Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and supported by friends of Dr. Jerome Posner Recipient: Michelle Monje, MD, PhD Stanford, CA
hank You Statement: I would like to thank Paul Fisher, Tracy T Batchelor, and Patrick Wen for demonstrating the excellence in clinical care and leadership I strive to emulate; Theo Palmer, Philip Beachy, and Ben Barres for ongoing scientific mentorship; and excellent trainees who contributed to this work, especially Humsa Venkatesh and Tessa Johung.
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Michelle Monje is the recipient of the Neurooncology Investigator Award. Dr. Monje is an assistant professor in the University Tenure Line at Stanford University Department of Neurology. She trained in neurology at the Partners Program in Boston, in Neuro-oncology at Stanford, and is UCNS certified in Neuro-oncology. She is an active investigator with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC) and Chair of the PBTC Brainstem Glioma Working
167
2017 Award Recipients Group. She received multiple awards including the Peter A. Steck Memorial Sward from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and the “A” Award from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Her laboratory work has been funded by the NIH and DoD among other sources, and is dedicated to the interface of developmental neurobiology and Neuro-Oncology such as the micro-environmental influences on gliomagenesis and treatment consequences. She also directs clinical trials for pediatric brain stem glioma.
Neuro-oncology Scientific Award Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and supported by friends of Dr. WK Alfred Yung Recipient: Mario Suva, MD, PhD Boston, MA hank You Statement: This is a team work that would not have T been possible without a strong collaboration with Aviv Regev and Itay Tirosh at the Broad Institute. I am also extremely grateful to David Louis and Brad Bernstein at MGH for their mentorship and support throughout my career. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Mario L. Suvà is the recipient of the Neurooncology Scientific Award. Dr. Suvà trained in Switzerland where he also received his PhD for work in the biology of cancer stem cells in gliomas and sarcomas. He is now an Assistant Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School where he also serves as a faculty member for the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program and for the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. Additionally, he is a member of the Neuro-oncology Program at the Harvard Cancer Center, and of the Epigenomics, Cancer, and Cell Circuits Programs at the Broad Institute. He has received multiple awards including the "Weil Award" for best work in experimental neuropathology by the American Association of Neuropathologists and the Adult Basic Research Award from the Society for Neuro-oncology. His research is focused on the molecular biology of gliomas, particularly stem cells and cell lineages, and epigenetic influences at the single-cell level. He has made key contributions to the field.
168
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Neuroendocrine Research Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and supported by friends of Dr. Andrew Herzog Recipient: Gustavo Román, MD, DrHC Houston, TX
hank You Statement: My gratitude to Erasmus University T Generation-R Mother-Child Cohort and to Drs. Albert Hofman, Henning Tiemeier, Akhgar Ghassabian, Jacoba BongersSchokking, Vincent Jaddoe, Yolanda de Rijke, Frank Verhulst, and Pere Berbel, Alicante, Spain. Research support by Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation, Wellesley, Massachusetts; and Jack S. Blanton endowment, Houston, Texas.
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Gustavo Román has focused his research in the field of neuroendocrinology, specifically on the effects of thyroid function and autism. Through neuropathological animal studies and a large-scale population based epidemiological study, he has demonstrated that impaired thyroid function during pregnancy may be associated with increased risk of autism in progeny. These findings are novel and open a possible pathway for prevention of autism. His work highlights the importance of neuroendocrine pathways and their potential effects on neurological diseases such as autism.
Neuroscience Research Prize
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society Recipient: Pravin Ravishanker Sunnyvale, CA
hank You Statement: I acknowledge all who have supported T me on my journey of constant experiential learning. I thank experts who have helped me comprehend complex topics in statistics, signal processing, graph theory, genomics, and neuroimaging used in this four-year progressive computational neuroscience research. Recipient: Tejas Athni Macon, GA
hank You Statement: My mentors were Dr. Nirmal Joshee, T Dr. Prahlad Parajuli, and Mr. Brajesh Vaidya, all of whom have provided me with invaluable guidance. I’d also like to thank Mrs. Susan Hanberry at Stratford Academy for sparking my interest in the biological sciences and supporting me throughoutthe process.
169
2017 Award Recipients Recipient: Gokul Kannan Highland, MD hank You Statement: My mentors, Dr. Sapna Kudchadkar T and Dr. Siva Pramodh Kambhampati, have been invaluable in my research experience. Dr. Kudchadkar has mentored me throughout the process and showed me the ropes of the field. Dr. Kambhampati worked one-on-one with me so that I understood every bit of the research. Why the Recipients Were Chosen: Our committee had a spirited discussion after detailed reading and analysis of our submissions. This year's Neuroscience Research Prize winners have produced outstanding scientific work, especially for their age. These young students demonstrated amazing intellectual curiosity and depth of knowledge. We are fortunate to have them share their research with us and hopeful that this will mark the beginning of a long and decorated career in the neurosciences.
Child Neurology Neuroscience Research Prize Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society Recipient: Lauren Singer Scarsdale, NY hank You Statement: I would like to acknowledge Dr. Joseph T Buxbuam, Dr. Alex Kolevzon, Dr. Paige Siper, and Dr. Hala Harony-Nicolas. I also want to thank all the teachers in the science research program at Scarsdale High School. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Our committee had a spirited discussion after detailed reading and analysis of our submissions. This year’s Neuroscience Research Prize nominees have produced outstanding scientific work, especially for their age. These young students demonstrated amazing intellectual curiosity and depth of knowledge. We are fortunate to have them share their research with us and hopeful that this will mark the beginning of a long and decorated career in the neurosciences.
170
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize
Sponsored by the AAN and endowed by Dr. Pessin’s family, friends, and colleagues. Recipient: James F. Burke, MD, MS Ann Arbor, MI
hank You Statement: I am deeply indebted to a long list of T collaborators who have elevated the quality of my research. Most notably, Lesli Skolarus has sharpened my research questions and focus. My mentors Lewis Morgenstern and Rod Hayward have taught me how to think and act as a researcher.
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: In just a few short years since joining the faculty at the University of Michigan, James Burke, MD, MS, has emerged as a national leader in stroke health services research. He has made significant contributions on a broad range of topics that are likely to shape stroke care over the coming years, including regional variation in acute stroke treatment, inefficiencies in neuroimaging, cost of care, quality measures for stroke, and the burden on care providers. His voice will be essential to future national discussions on these topics.
Potamkin Prize for Research in Pick’s, Alzheimer’s, and Related Diseases
Sponsored by the AAN and the American Brain Foundation and funded through the philanthropy of the Potamkin family Recipient: Claudia Kawas, MD Irvine, CA
hank You Statement: I thank Robert Katzman, Robert Terry, T Leon Thal, and Peter Davies, all previous Potamkin Awardees, who lit my fire for aging research 35 years ago at AECOM, Maria Corrada for 25 years of incredible collaboration and friendship, and all my wonderful colleagues at UC Irvine. Recipient: Kristine Yaffe, MD San Francisco, CA
hank You Statement: I cannot express enough appreciation T for my wise and generous mentors whose guidance has been essential in the success of my research. In addition, many of the most exciting aspects of my multi-disciplinary work result from collaborations with incredible colleagues, and without them, this research would not be possible.
171
2017 Award Recipients Why the Recipients Were Chosen: The Potamkin recipients have been on the forefront of studying Alzheimer’s disease and brain aging in population samples that have uniquely informed our understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease may develop. Dr. Kristine Yaffee has been involved in many large epidemiological cohort studies that have examined how factors such as general medical health, falls, insomnia, head injury and depression are associated with cognitive dysfunction late in life. Dr. Kawas, through her leadership of the 90+ study, has illuminated the clinical, neural, and pathological features of dementia and cognitive decline in the oldest old and thereby broadened our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.
Safety and Quality Award Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology Recipient: David Do, MD Philadelphia, PA hank You Statement: Innovation can be at odds with what is T practical and efficient. Thank you to those who invested in me and my work, including the Department of Neurology, the Center for Health Care Innovation, and the Healthcare Leadership in Quality track at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: David Do, MD, is being recognized for his work on automated solutions to improve nutrition in the critically ill. An automated system leveraged electronic data to assess nutritional needs, prompting providers to improve feed, and thereby reducing underfeeding and subsequent muscle breakdown, infections, and mortality. Recipient: Preston Douglas, MD Maywood, IL hank You Statement: Thank you for recognizing the work of T the interdisciplinary Loyola Neurology Care Team in their efforts to improve physician communication at the end-of-life, particularly in the setting of brain death. We will strive to carry on the AAN's mission to support and promote the highest quality patientcentered neurologic care. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Preston Douglas, MD, is acceptingon behalf of a Loyal University treatment team using simulation-based training to improve brain death determination and communication to family members. The team taught incoming residents how to diagnose brain death and communicate effectively with family members in an empathetic and professional manner.
172
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Recipient: Raghav Govindarajan, MD Columbia, MO
hank You Statement: I thank the AAN for recognizing our T patient safety project. The project highlights the importance of developing effective multidisciplinary team-based care. It is also important for neurologists to be actively involved in teaching/ mentoring all members of the health care team.
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Raghav Govindarajan, MD, FISQua, FACSc, FCPP, is being recognized for his work teaching other health care providers to identify myasthenia gravis exacerbation through telephone and telemedicine encounters. This work further developed a multidisciplinary team approach to intervene rapidly using non-traditional patient encounters during a time of patient crisis. Recipient: James E. Siegler III, MD Philadelphia, PA
hank You Statement: On behalf of the SPARCS collaborators T at the University of Pennsylvania, we are honored to receive the 2017 AAN Quality and Safety Award. It is our pleasure to share our work with you.
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: James Siegler, MD, is receiving this award for his work using Scheduled Provider Alert-Response Communication System (SPARCS) to improve nurse and resident communication, improving quality of life among treatment team members.
Irwin Schatz Award for Autonomic Disorders
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by Lundbeck, Inc. Recipient: Phillip A. Low, MD, FAAN Rochester, MN
hank You Statement: I have great respect for Irv Schatz and T what he stood for, especially ethics in medicine; and hence am very grateful for the recognition. My growth and development benefited greatly from my mentors, Jim McLeod and Paul Korner, for my early development in Sydney, Australia. Peter Dyck and Jack Whisnant provided the resources for setting up an Autonomic Laboratory and research at Mayo Clinic, and my peers and trainees provided stimulation. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Low’s career accomplishments are well known to everyone in the field of medicine and of neurology in particular. Over the past 40 years, his leadership in both basic and clinical research has changed
173
2017 Award Recipients our ability to care for patients with peripheral nerve and autonomic disorders. His world-renowned fame as innovative, brilliant researcher and clinician made him a frequently invited speaker to prestigious institutions and meetings all over the world. Indeed his achievements span the whole spectrum from basic research to clinical research, from teaching to excellence in clinical practice. His unparalleled energy, enthusiasm and generosity have allowed him to be the mentor to more than 30 trainees, all of whom continued into successful careers thanks to his professional and personal support. His unselfish efforts were recognized by his becoming the first to be awarded the Clinical Research Committee Mentorship Award from the Mayo Foundation in 2001.
Bruce S. Schoenberg International Award in Neuroepidemiology Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by GlaxoSmithKline, Inc. Recipient:  Yogeshwar V. Kalkonde, MD, Gadchiroli Maharashtra, India hank You Statement: I would like to thank our director, Dr. T Abhay Bang, for his guidance and Mr. Mahesh Deshmukh, Sindhu Nila, Mr. Dudhbale, Mr. Sahare, Mr. Bodhankar, Dr. Pitch Mandava, and Dr. Nikkil Sudharsanan for their technical support. Special thanks to the people of rural Gadchiroli for their cooperation. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: This is a well-conducted study of stroke in rural India. Population-based studies of neurological disorders in rural resource limited countries are rare, and this makes these data of even greater value.
Sleep Science Award Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and the Sleep Section and endowed by Cephalon, Inc. Recipient:  Carlos H. Schenck, MD Minneapolis, MN hank You Statement: John Eccles, Nobel Laureate in T Neurophysiology, was an Emeritus Professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his lecture during my first year physiology class in 1973 focused solely on how the brain is very active during sleep. That left a lasting impression on me.
174
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Recipient: Mark W. Mahowald, MD Minneapolis, MN
hank You Statement: I have had the great fortune to have had T many mentors and colleagues. Dr. Milton Ettinger provided an excellent supportive milieu. Dr. Schenck has been an invaluable friend and colleague. Close collaboration with numerous basic science researchers provided encouragement and inspiration.
Why the Recipients Were Chosen: Drs. Schenck and Mahowald were colleagues together at the University of Minnesota for over 30 years. They published 87 papers together, nearly all of them on aspects of sleep disorders. The body of work they are most well-known for is that on parasomnias, conditions in which patients move about or undertake various activities while asleep.These range from sleep walking, sleep terrors, and enuresis in young people to dissociated states, including eating and violence during sleep in adults, to movement disorders such as restless legs and periodic limb movements associated with sleep. However, their most celebrated discovery came in 1986 when they described REM sleep behavior disorder. Although this was initially described as an idiopathic disorder, they noticed that by 1996 nearly 40 percent of their original cohort of REM sleep behavior disorder patients had developed Parkinson’s disease. They were the first to point out this association, and eventually after 25 years, more than 90 percent of the original cohort had developed a synucleinopathy: Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, or Multiple Systems Atrophy. This work and their initial observations have stood the test of time and been replicated by sleep and movement disorders specialists in various locations around the world. Their work provides insight not only into this sleep disorder, but into how synucleinopathies move through the brain over decades.
H. Richard Tyler Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and the AAN History Section Recipient: Douglas Lanska, MD, FAAN Tomah, WI
hank You Statement: I am honored to receive the 2017 H. T Richard Tyler Award from the American Academy of Neurology. This is an amazing opportunity to access materials in one of the best medical library collections of neurology and neuroscience in the world. This collection is a testament to the foresight and leadership of the AAN, and especially the late Richard Tyler, MD Professor of Neurology emeritus at Harvard Medical School.
175
2017 Award Recipients Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Douglas Lanska, MD, was chosen because of his interesting proposal to study visual representations of the anatomy of the nervous system, particularly from the 16th-19th centuries. This award will allow Dr. Lanska to review the extensive holdings of anatomical treatises and atlases at the H. Richard Tyler Collection in the Bernard Becker Library.
Harold Wolff-John Graham Award: An Award for Headache/Facial Pain Research Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by Endo Pharmaceuticals. Recipient:  Simple Futarmal Kothari Aarhus, Denmark hank You Statement: I am extremely grateful to my mentor, T Professor Peter Svensson, for his outstanding source of inspiration with his vast knowledge and experience, great commitment, and extraordinary supervision; and to Associate Professor Lene Baad-Hansen for her friendly advice and endless support. Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, and colleagues. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Simple Futarmal Kothari is a fellow in headache medicine at the Institute of Odontology and Oral Health at Aarhus University in Denmark. She has published several studies that have made strides in better understanding of temporal mandibular pain by systematically evaluating a number of facets of the condition, including pain mechanisms, pathophysiology, functioning of analgesic systems, genotyping, imaging, and psychosocial features. She is on a path to make significant contributions to the field of facial pain. Her research shows that pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying pain in chronic trigeminomandibular joint pain patients involve central nociceptive pathways but not impaired endogenous pain inhibition. In addition, she found that conditioned pain modulation may be employed as a diagnostic tool to predict patients at risk of developing chronic pain.
176
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Neurology® Resident & Fellow Section Writing Award
Recipients: Elan L. Guterman, MD Neurology Resident, PGY-4 University of California, San Francisco
Recipient: Brian Yurgionas, MD, MS General Neurology and Neuromuscular Medicine Kaiser Permanente San Francisco
Recipient: Alexandra B. Nelson, MD, PhD Richard and Shirley Cahill Endowed Chair in Parkinson' Disease Research UC San Francisco Department of Neurology/ Weill Institute for Neurosciences UC San Francisco Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience hank You Statement: Our case report explores the clinical manifestations T of episodic ataxia type 2, the underlying genetics, and diagnostic delays among patients with comorbid functional disorders. We are incredibly grateful for our patient and thankful to the Editors of Neurology’s Resident and Fellow section for recognizing our work with this exciting award.
Why the Recipients Were Chosen: The award winning ‘Pearls & Oy-sters’ paper by Elan L. Guterman, MD, Brian Yurgionas, MD, MS, and Alexandra B. Nelson, MD, PhD, is the report of a case of episodic ataxia type 2 with a pathogenic variant in the CACNA1A gene. The authors highlight the variability of the clinical presentation and describe the most effective currently known treatments. This case represents an example of current utilization of genetic testing in neurology clinical practice and emphasizes the importance of a precise diagnosis for optimal management.
177
2017 Award Recipients Jon Stolk Award in Movement Disorders for Young Investigators Sponsored by the AAN and endowed by Kyowa Pharmaceutical, Inc., Lineberry Research, Quintiles, Dr. Dennis Gillings, and VelaPharma Recipient: Marios Politis, MD, MSC, DIC, PhD, FEAN London, United Kingdom hank You Statement: My NIG Team at King's and Profs. T Lindvall, Kapur, Bjorklund, Richardson, and Shaw for the opportunity and guidance. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: We are thrilled to name Dr. Marios Politis as the recipient of this award which recognizes his outstanding work in the field of molecular imaging of neurodegenerative disease, particularly his studies on Parkinson’s and Huntington diseases. A tremendously productive investigator, Dr. Politis has published MRI and PET studies exploring many aspects of the etiology and responses to therapy in movement disorders, and, in particular, has played an important role in advancing understanding of disordered serotonergic neurotransmission in Parkinson’s.
Clinical Research Training Fellowships Cosponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Brain Foundation Why the Recipient Was Chosen: “To demonstrate the AAN Board of Directors’ dedication to promoting neurology and neuroscience research and training, the AAN has launched an ambitious new program —the AAN Research Program. The Research Program Workgroup and other participating reviewers were honored to have had the opportunity to select the first recipients of two new awards— the Career Development Award and Neurology Research Training Scholarship, in addition to fifteen other existing awards in the Research Program portfolio. The recipients were selected based on the quality and originality of their proposed research, their ability and promise as a clinician-scientist, and the quality and nature of their training environment. On behalf of the reviewers and recipients, thank you to the existing and current partners who make many of these funding opportunities possible.” —Aleksandar Videnovic, MD, MSc, FAAN
178
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
Funded by the American Academy of Neurology
AWARDS
Career Development Award
Recipient: Lidia Moura, MD, MPH Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School
hank You Statement: I’d like to thank my patients for T highlighting the gaps in our knowledge, my husband for showing unconditional love and understanding; my mentors for supporting my goals, the donors and sponsors of the AAN for allowing me to continue this journey, and God for providing me with health and inspirations.
Neurology Research Training Scholarship Funded by the American Academy of Neurology Recipient: Hsiao-Tuan Chao, MD, PhD Baylor College of Medicine
hank You Statement: I am immensely grateful for the support, T friendship, inspiration and guidance of my mentors Hugo J. Bellen, Huda Y. Zoghbi, Christian Rosenmund, John Swann, and Gary D. Clark. I will carry on their commitment and passion for biomedical research and mentoring the next generation of scientists and physician-scientists.
Clinical Research Training Fellowship in ALS Research Funded by the ALS Association
Recipient: Nicholas Olney, MD University of California, San Francisco
hank You Statement: My prior mentors Dr. Howard Rosen, T Dr. Bruce Miller, Dr. Robert Levenson, and Dr. Catherine LomenHoerth have been dramatically influential to my career. My father, Dr. Richard Olney, who passed away from ALS, continues to inspire me and my research.
179
2017 Award Recipients Clinical Research Training Fellowship in Epilepsy Funded by Lundbeck Recipient: Adam Numis, MD, UCSF Epilepsy Center
Clinical Research Training Fellowship in Muscular Dystrophy Cosponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association Recipient: Johanna Hamel, MD University of Rochester, Department of Neurology hank You Statement: First and foremost, I would like to T sincerely thank my mentor, Dr. Charles Thornton. I would also like to thank Drs. Griggs and Holloway for their support, along with neuromuscular specialists, pathologists, and patients with neuromuscular diseases who have inspired me along the way.
Clinical Research Training Fellowship in Parkinson’s Disease Funded by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, and AbbVie Recipient: Baijayanta Maiti, MD, PhD Washington University in St. Louis hank You Statement: I am deeply indebted to Dr. Kevin M. T Flanigan (my PhD thesis advisor) and Dr. Joel S. Perlmutter (my mentor) for their insightful suggestions, inspiration, and guidance over the years.
180
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
Funded by Lundbeck Recipient: Laurie Robak, MD, PhD Baylor College of Medicine
AWARDS
Clinical Research Training Fellowship in Parkinson’s Disease
hank You Statement: I would like to thank Dr. Joshua T Shulman, my primary mentor, who has been an outstanding scientific mentor and given me valuable career advice. Drs. Joseph Jankovic and Huda Zoghbi, my co-mentors, have also provided excellent scientific and career advice.
Clinical Research Training Fellowship in Parkinson’s Disease
Cosponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, and the Parkinson’s Foundation Recipient: Michelle Fullard, MD University of Pennsylvania
hank You Statement: I would like to thank my primary mentor, T Alice Chen-Plotkin, who helped me develop this project. I would also like to thank my mentorship team and our multiple partners and collaborators who span many different fields and who make an interdisciplinary project like this possible.
Clinical Research Training Fellowship in Tourette Syndrome
Cosponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, and the Tourette Association of America Recipient: Flint Martin Espil, PhD Stanford University
hank You Statement: I would like to acknowledge the T contributions from my graduate mentor, Dr. Douglas Woods; colleagues Drs. Ricketts, Capriotti, Conelea, Walther, and Snorrasson; and collaborators Drs. Carrion, Reiss, and Garner. Their support in my ability to pursue a career as a clinical scientist has been invaluable.
181
2017 Award Recipients Recipient: Joseph F. McGuire, Ph.D University of California Los Angeles hank You Statement: I am appreciative for the unwavering T support of my UCLA mentors, Drs. Susan Bookheimer, James McCracken, and John Piacentini. Moreover, I remain grateful for the continued support of all my past mentors who have influenced my decision to pursue Tourette syndrome research, Drs. Tanya Murphy, Lawrence Scahill, and Eric Storch.
Clinical Research Training Scholarship (formerly fellowship) Funded by the American Academy of Neurology Recipient: Melissa M. Cortez, DO University of Utah hank You Statement: I am very grateful to the AAN and ABF T for their commitment to supporting young clinician investigators like myself. I have been a member of the organization since I was a pre-medical student considering neurology, and have learned so much from attending the conference proceedings over the year. I am very proud to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. Recipient: Afsaneh Shirani, MD Washington University School of Medicine hank You Statement: I am deeply grateful to my mentors T at Washington University, Drs. Anne Cross and Sheng-Kwei (“Victor”) Song. This scholarship would not have been possible without their support, and guidance. I also feel very fortunate to have worked with great mentors throughout my research career. I would particularly like to thank Drs. Olaf Stuve, Helen Tremlett, Emmanuelle Waubant, and Darin Okuda. Recipient: Isaac Marin-Valencia, MD The Rockefeller University hank You Statement: I would like to thank my current T mentors, Drs. Joseph Gleeson and Barry Coller at The Rockefeller University, for their unconditional support on this project, my former mentors at UT Southwestern, and mostly my wife, my parents, and my brother who have stood with me along the way.
182
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Clinician Scientist Development Three-Year Award in ALS Funded by the ALS Association
Recipient: Sabrina Paganoni, MD, PhD Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital
hank You Statement: I would like to thank my mentors, Dr. T Merit Cudkowicz and Dr. Michael Schwarzschild, the NEALS Consortium, and the ALS Association. I am fortunate to work with such a phenomenal community of clinician scientists dedicated to finding a cure for ALS.
Practice Research Training Scholarship (formerly Fellowship) Funded by the American Academy of Neurology Recipient: Christopher Tarolli, MD University of Rochester
hank You Statement: I am extremely grateful to my mentor, T Ray Dorsey, for his commitment to my education and his support. I’d also like to thank Robert Holloway and Benzi Kluger, leaders in neuropalliative care, for inspiring me to become involved in the field and for their assistance in conceptualizing this project.
183
2017 Award Recipients Susan S. Spencer Clinical Research Training Fellowship Cosponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, the American Epilepsy Society, and the Epilepsy Foundation Recipient: Alice D. Lam, MD, PhD Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School hank You Statement: Thanks very much to my research and T clinical mentors, Syd Cash and Andy Cole, and to my department chair, Merit Cudkowicz, at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Many thanks also to my PhD mentor, Ed Stuenkel, at the University of Michigan.
Research Training Fellowship in Ataxia Cosponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, and the National Ataxia Foundation Recipient: Jill Sergesketter Butler, PhD University of Alabama at Birmingham hank You Statement: I would like to thank my mentor and T colleague Marek Napierala, PhD, for his guidance and support while beginning my research career in the ataxia field. I am also grateful for the support and collaboration of David Lynch, MD, PhD, and his laboratory at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Robert Katzman Clinical Research Training Fellowship in Alzheimer’s Research Cosponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, and the Alzheimer’s Association Recipient: Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, MSc Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School hank You Statement: I am deeply grateful to the unrelenting T support of Drs. Caplan, Cudkowicz, Rosand, Schwamm, and Seshadri. I am also thankful to the researchers of the Framingham
184
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Study and am most grateful to the Framingham Study participants who have committed so much of their time and effort to further medical research.
Clinician-Scientist Development Award in Multiple Sclerosis
Cosponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Recipient: Ryan Schubert, MD San Francisco, CA
hank You Statement: I have been advised and influenced by T many wonderful scientists, including my father Mark Schubert; Jamie Lee at the Mayo Clinic; Larry Steinman, Jeff Dunn, and Bob Axtell at Stanford; Steve Finkel and Bob Baker at USC; and now Steve Hauser, Michael Wilson, Jeff Gelfand, and Joe DeRisi at UCSF.
Lawrence M. Brass, MD, Stroke Research Award
Cosponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Recipient: Laura Graham, MPH Birmingham, AL
hank You Statement: My primary mentors for this project are T Drs. Emily Levitan and Joshua Richman, both from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I am also extremely grateful for the career guidance of Drs. Mary Hawn of Stanford University and Sara Knight of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
American Academy of Neurology President’s Award Recipient: Anthony G. Alessi, MD, FAAN Norwich, CT
hank You Statement: I am honored to be the recipient of T the 2017 AAN President’s Award. I have been a member of the Academy for the past 34 years and am most proud of the AAN’s recent efforts to advocate for its members and make their lives and professional careers more fulfilling while encouraging young neurologists to reach their highest goals.
185
2017 Award Recipients Why the Recipient Was Chosen: “It is my honor to name Anthony G. Alessi, MD, MMM, FAAN, the recipient of the 2017 President’s Award. He has been an AAN member since 1983, contributing in many critical areas. He has promoted our understanding of the challenges of private neurological practice. He has been a leader in advocacy for neurologists and our patients. Dr. Alessi served as chair of the AAN’s political action committee BrainPAC and received the Academy’s 2014 Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD, Patient Advocate of the Year Award for his persistent work advocating on behalf of people with neurologic disease, particularly the impoverished citizens of Haiti. He has had a long interest in sports neurology and has served in a number of capacities in various sports advocating for the safety of our athletes. Most recently, Dr. Alessi has been a tireless leader in developing neurologic care in underserved countries. His work in Haiti before, during, and after the tragic earthquake in 2010 has been exemplary and made a critical difference in the neurologic health of the Haitians. All of these roles have been accomplished with great enthusiasm and always putting the profession and patients at the forefront. For all his unselfish work to better our profession and the lives of the patients he serves, Dr. Anthony Alessi is a most deserving awardee.” —AAN President Terrence L. Cascino, MD, FAAN
A.B. Baker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Neurologic Education Funded by an endowment created by matching funds from the A.B. Baker Family Trust and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Recipient: Harold P. Adams, Jr., MD, FAAN Iowa City, IA hank You Statement: I am truly honored to be the recipient T of this year’s A.B. Baker Award. I thank the American Academy of Neurology for this recognition. I also thank the Baker family for their support of this award. It is gratifying to be recognized for doing something that one enjoys doing. While I do not want to underestimate the importance of patient care or research, I believe teaching medical students and residents remains the highest priority of academic neurology. This award and other initiatives demonstrate our Academy’s commitment to the education of future physicians.
186
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research
Sponsored by the AAN and National Multiple Sclerosis Society and made possible through a special contribution from the John Dystel Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Recipient:  Alan J. Thompson, MD, FRCP, FAAN London, United Kingdom
hank You Statement: I am absolutely delighted to be receiving T this award. When I consider all those who are making such an amazing contribution to our understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis, it is very humbling to be acknowledged in this way. I was fortunate in my career to have two extraordinary mentors, first in Dublin and then in Queen Square—Professors Michael Hutchinson and Ian McDonald, who shared a passion for MS and a generosity of spirit. But there are many other colleagues, students, and friends who have advised, encouraged, and supported me over the years, including Olga Ciccarelli, David Miller, Xavier Montalban, Frederik Barkhof, Jenny Freeman, and Tim Coetzee. Very many thanks.
Why the Recipient Was Chosen: The 2017 Dystel Prize is awarded to Professor Alan Thompson in recognition of his unique and prolific contributions represented in over 500 publications that have profoundly influenced the understanding and awareness of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). These contributions include landmark imaging studies, clinical studies of therapies and rehabilitation, and development of patient-reported outcome measures. As a key leader of the Progressive MS Alliance, he has been tireless in his efforts to energize coordinated international collaboration to find answers for progressive MS.
International Scholarship Award Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology Recipients: Dr. Cyrus Escabillas Manila, Philippines
hank You Statement: The success of this study would not T have been possible without my family, friends, and colleagues. To my mentor and co-author, Dr. Jose Navarro, for your unwavering support and for inspiring me to come up with this study. Thank
187
2017 Award Recipients you for bringing out my potentials beyond my capabilities. To the consultants of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Department of Neurology, for the motivation and compassion in helping me learn and practice neurology, thank you. And lastly, to my family, who has believed in me since day one, this award I share with you. Dr. Fabio Porto Sao Paulo, Brazil hank You Statement: I would like to thank my wife Gislaine for T her unconditional support and the neurology department of the University of São Paulo for the opportunity to do this research. Dr. Alagoma Iyagba Port Harcourt, Nigeria hank You Statement: With profound gratitude, I write to T appreciate my delight to the AAN on being selected for one of the International Scholarship Awards. Thank you very much for this career advancing opportunity. I would be communicating with respect to the travel arrangements for my attending. God bless you all and have a nice day. Dr. Miguel Wilken Buenos Aires, Argentina hank You Statement: I want to thank the AAN for recognizing T me for this award. A lot of people contributed to this work. I want to acknowledge especially Dr. Lucas Alessandro and Dr. Mauricio Farez, who co-authored this work with me, and were also past recipients of this award. I want to thank also my mentors in the Raúl Carrea Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI), especially Dr. Martín Nogués, Dr. Alberto Rivero, Dr. Angel Cammarota, and Dr. Marcelo Merello. Dr. Julia Pakpoor Oxford, United Kingdom hank You Statement: For being the most wonderful mentors, T I am immensely grateful to Prof. Gavin Giovannoni, Dr. Klaus Schmierer, and Prof. Michael Goldacre. I am grateful to Dr. Shivan Sivakumar for his bottomless encouragement. Finally, thank you to all co-authors, the University of Oxford, and to the AAN for giving me this opportunity!
188
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Dr. Imen Kacem La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
hank You Statement: I am thankful to the American Academy T of Neurology and very honored to receive this award. This scientific distinction is for me an opportunity to pay tribute to my first mentors in neurology, Prof. Riadh Gouider & Prof. Amina Gargouri. Their courage and dedication shaped my career. Prof. Gouider, I am proud to say that I am your pupil and mentee! Thank you for your continuous support, help, loyalty, and willingness. You have always demonstrated dynamism and I always admired your decisiveness. You have built a strong neurological community starting from a small team and this is quite impressive and highly commendable! Without you, we would not be! Lastly, I am also grateful for life lessons. For the team of the department of neurology of Razi Hospital, Tunisia: You are for me a second family, my spiritual family. My commitment is to preserve this flame of success alive for the Tunisian neurology. Dr. Lin Tan Qingdao Shandong, China
hank You Statement: I sincerely appreciate all my coworkers, T especially my tutor. My tutor helps me form more concise ideas and to make myself the focal point of my study. Besides, special thanks to AAN for providing me the chance to attend the Annual Meeting. Finally, many thanks for the mice in my study. Dr. Roosevelt Francois Mirebalais, Haiti
hank You Statement: I would like to thank the AAN for this T scholarship and for assisting me in planning my experience and Dr. Aaron Berkowitz for his help and mentorship. Dr. Janet Ebid Cairo, Egypt
hank You Statement: I want to say thank you to Prof. T Tamer Emara, who helped me a lot to receive the International Scholarship Award.
189
2017 Award Recipients Dr. JieQiong Li Qingdao Shandong, China hank You Statement: I want to thank my tutor Lan Tan and JinT Tai Yu for their generous cultivation. I also want to thank QingDao University and Qingdao Municipal Hospital. At last, I want to thank my family that gives me a lot of support. Dr. Kiran Patil Puducherry, India hank You Statement: Thanks a ton to Mr. and Mrs. Vasant Hari T Patil, Dr. Sunil Narayan, Dr. Ramesh Babu, and JIPMER, India.
Dr. Seid Gugssa Addis Ababa, Ethiopia hank You Statement: This is a new year surprise gift for me! T Thank you for breaking the good news to me!
Dr. Makoto Hara Tokyo, Japan hank You Statement: It's great honor for me to be selected as T a recipient of the International Scholarship Award.
Dr. Fei Han Beijing, China hank You Statement: It is a great honor for me to receive this T scholarship from AAN. I cherish this opportunity very much. This work is part of the population-based Shunyi study in rural China, set up by Pro. Yi-Cheng Zhu. The Shunyi study was designed to investigate the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and age-related diseases, comprising nearly 2,000 participants and with brain MRI exams. Many clinicians and participants have contributed to this work. I would like to highly acknowledge my mentor and supervisor in PUMCH, Pro. Yi-Cheng Zhu and Pro.
190
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Li-Ying Cui, who gave me great support and encouragement during my career all the time. Their style and approach contributes to influence my work and they are both good examples for me to follow. Dr. FeiFei Zhai Beijing, China
hank You Statement: I’d like to thank the AAN and I am T incredibly honored to win the International Scholarship Award. I would like to acknowledge my supervisor, Professor Yi-Cheng Zhu, and all members in our research group. They give me much help not only in my research work but also in my life. I also thank all medical workers and all participants in our cohort study.
Why the Recipients Were Chosen:The International Subcommittee is responsible for evaluating the applicants for the International Scholarship Award. The objective of the award is to provide eligible international candidates the opportunity to attend and participate in the Annual Meeting by providing up to $2,500 in reimbursement toward expenses. The awards are given to citizens of a nation outside the US and Canada who are 36 years of age or younger (unless a reasonable case can be made for why someone older should still be considered). Fifteen total awards are distributed, five are given based on the quality of abstract submitted and, new this year, ten awards are given based on quality of abstract as well as other criteria such as personal need and country of origin, with emphasis given to applicants from developing countries. This year we received 50 eligible applicants from around the world. The International Subcommittee evaluates all the International Scholarship applicants and makes a recommendation to the Member Engagement Committee (the MEC).
Kenneth M. Viste Jr., MD, Patient Advocate of the Year Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by gifts from Dr. Viste’s colleagues, friends, and patients Recipient: E laine C. Jones, MD, FAAN Bristol, RI
hank You Statement: I am grateful to the AAN for providing T me the training and opportunities to get involved in advocacy. This is some of the most rewarding work that I do and now it is more important than ever that we are out there fighting for our patients
191
2017 Award Recipients and our profession. I have learned that one person can make a difference, but with more people involved the results can be even bigger. I encourage everyone to get involved wherever and however they can. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Jones has demonstrated a sustained dedication and commitment to neurology advocacy for over a decade. A graduate of the first Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum class in 2003, she has selflessly taken time away from her solo practice to serve the neurology community by holding multiple leadership positions with the AAN, participating annually in Neurology on the Hill, and as leader and driving force of the Rhode Island Neurological Society.
Sidney Carter Award in Child Neurology J. Helen Cross, PhD UCL-Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom Title: Improving Outcomes in Childhood Epilepsy
H. Houston Merritt Lecture Nancy J. Newman, MD, FAAN Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA Title: Ophthalmoscopy in the 21st Century
Presidential Lecture Terrence L. Cascino, MD, FAAN Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Title: Burnout, Wellness and the Future of Our Profession
192
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
Ronald C. Petersen, PhD, MD, FAAN Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
AWARDS
Robert Wartenberg Lecture
Title: How Early Can We Diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease?
Medical Student Diversity Scholarships
The AAN is grateful to the following 2017 Medical Student Diversity Annual Meeting Scholarship supporters (as of January 9, 2017): The Allergan Foundation, Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Recipient: Kamila Bond, Rochester, MN
hank You Statement: Thank you so much for the opportunity T to travel to Boston and learn more about neurology as a Medical Student Diversity Program scholar! I am extremely grateful for the generosity and support of the AAN in making this valuable learning experience possible! Recipient: Jabari Bailey Washington, DC
hank You Statement: I would like to thank the American T Academy of Neurology, The Allergan Foundation, and Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for your commitment to diversity. I am grateful for being selected as a recipient of the 2017 Medical Student Diversity Scholarship, which will aid me in identifying an outstanding mentor and developing my career as a future neurologist. Recipient: Reid Woods Washington, DC
hank You Statement: Thank you for providing me with this T wonderful opportunity to learn more about the fascinating field of neurology. I am excited to learn new information, gain new mentors, and meet other colleagues interested in the same field.
193
2017 Award Recipients Recipient: Justin Williams Rochester, NY hank You Statement: It is with a tremendous appreciation T for the opportunity I have been afforded by being awarded the Medical Student Diversity Scholarship that I thank you. It is an investment in my future, and I promise to pay it forward to my future patients and anyone else I encounter in my career as an academic neurologist. Recipient: Camilo Bermudez Noguera Nashville, TN hank You Statement: I would like to thank everyone involved T with the AAN and the Medical Student Diversity Scholarship. Their support has greatly enriched my experience in the Annual Meeting and motivated me to pursue a career that bridges neurology and research. Recipient: Samantha Roman Halethorpe, MD hank You Statement: Thank you for the opportunity to attend T the 2017 AAN Annual Meeting. This is the first time I will be attending a national meeting/research conference, and am excited by the learning and networking opportunities that will be available! Recipient: Mikalei Gordon Silver Spring, MD hank You Statement: I would like to sincerely thank the AAN T for the contribution to my education and development in the field of neurology through the Medical Student Diversity Scholarship. I am both humbled and inspired to have been selected as a recipient of this award. I will make full use of the opportunities, resources, and mentorship provided to me and continue to strive toward a career in neurology. In the same spirit in which this award is given, I will be sure to reach back and foster high school and undergraduate students’ interest in the brain sciences within my community.
194
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
AWARDS
Recipient: Victor Ekuta San Diego, CA
hank You Statement: I am writing to express my sincere T gratitude to you and the committee for selecting me as a Medical Student Diversity Scholarship Recipient. As an aspiring neurologist, I know I will greatly benefit from the lectures, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Thank you for supporting my personal and professional development. Recipient: Gabriel Reynaldo Arismendi North Bergen, NJ
hank You Statement: The American Academy of Neurology T has a mission to improve care for patients suffering from neurological conditions. Offering scholarships such as the Medical Student Diversity Scholarship facilitates more aspiring neurologists to learn from today's top leaders in our field. Thank you for being a part of my career development. Recipient: Merrick Tan Arlington, VA
hank You Statement: It is a blessing to receive such an T amazing scholarship from the AAN. Not only will I be given the means to make a trip to the annual meeting possible, but the guidance and mentorship, social events, and workshops set in place really makes this award so special. Thank you!
Why the Recipients Were Chosen: This year’s award recipients are outstanding medical students who share a common interest in advancing their knowledge and understanding of clinical neurology and neuroscience. The program offers them a unique opportunity to obtain mentorship, to attend the educational and scientific sessions, and to network at the 2017 Annual Meeting with the goal of inspiring them to continue their pursuit of a career in the neurosciences.
Program Director Recognition Award Recipient: Vicki Shanker, MD New York, NY
hank You Statement: I am grateful to the selection committee T for honoring me with this award. I feel fortunate to have such a rewarding and important job. I am privileged to work in a supportive environment at Mount Sinai working with a GME and faculty dedicated to developing outstanding neurologists.
195
2017 Award Recipients Recipient: Perry K. Richardson, MD Washington, DC hank You Statement: I am truly honored to be nominated T for this important award. I thank the many residents and fellows I have been privileged to mentor, as well as my chair, Henry Kaminski, MD. I am especially grateful to our residency coordinator, Ms. Crystal Woods, who catalyzed my worthiness.
Program Coordinator Recognition Award Recipient: Terri Feist, BBA, CTAGME Cincinnati, OH hank You Statement: I am extremely honored and grateful to T receive the 2017 Program Coordinator Recognition Award! I would like to thank the American Academy of Neurology for recognizing the role of the residency program coordinator as an integral part of residency training and graduate medical education by providing this award. Recipient: Jennifer C. Rew, M. Ed Richmond, VA hank You Statement: I am extremely honored to receive this T award. I would like to thank my wonderful program directors at VCU for their amazing support, as well as our residents, fellows, and GME office. I would also like to thank my family for always encouraging me to strive for excellence.
Clerkship Coordinator Recognition Award Recipient: Penny McQueen Columbia, MO hank You Statement: I am very appreciative to Drs. T Govindarajan, Sahota, and French for their support in creating such a wonderful learning environment for our medical students and empowering me to do my job well. I am also thankful to my family for their love, support and patience.
196
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide
Recipient: Raghav Govindarajan, MD Columbia, MO
AWARDS
Clerkship Director Teaching Award
hank You Statement: I thank my chairman Dr. Pradeep Sahota T for his guidance and mentorship; my coordinator Penny McQueen for her support and friendship; and most importantly, my students at the University of Missouri who inspire me daily to go above and beyond in both teaching and patient care.
Education Research Grant Recipient: Christina Ulane, MD, PhD New York, NY
hank You Statement: Many colleagues inspired me to pursue T this project and grant, and I am thankful for their support and interest. I am grateful for the support of my chairman Dr. Richard Mayeux who places a priority on resident education, and to Dr. Blair Ford for cultivating the art of combining excellence in patient care with resident education. Recipient: Amy A. Pruitt, MD Philadelphia, PA
hank You Statement: Dr. Laura Stein will be directing this T project with me. We both would like to thank the person for whom our new educational clinic will be named, Dr. Arthur Asbury. Dr. Asbury has been an extraordinary quadruple neurologic role model in research, clinical medicine, teaching, and administration. We hope to inspire others to follow his example! Recipient: Atul Kalunaria, MD Philadelphia, PA
hank You Statement: This grant would not have been possible T without the immense help and guidance of my senior colleagues and mentor. A big thanks to Dr. Jensen, Dr. Pruitt, and Dr. Levine for their unconditional support and for their positive influence on my career. I look forward to working on this opportunity and I am sure that with the support of my colleagues it will be a success.
197
2017 Award Recipients Medical Education Research Training Fellowship Recipient:  Gina L. Hadley, MD Oxford, UK hank You Statement: Professor Gabriele De Luca has always T been incredibly supportive of my endeavors in medical education. I aspire to his amazing ability to captivate and educate students. Dr Veronica Santini at Stanford is now my enthusiastic co-supervisor. In addition, Professor Alastair Buchan at Oxford has been a longstanding and invaluable mentor.
Frank A. Rubino Award for Excellence in Clinical Neurology Teaching Funded by Mayo Clinic Frank A. Rubino, MD, Development Fund Recipient:  Amy A. Pruitt, MD Philadelphia, PA hank You Statement: I am grateful to the colleagues who T nominated me, to the sponsors of this award and to the American Academy of Neurology. Most of all, I thank the students who make teaching the art and science of clinical neurology one of the greatest rewards of our profession. Why the Recipient Was Chosen: Dr. Amy Pruitt embodies the spirit of the Frank A. Rubino Award. For over four decades, medical students, residents, practicing health care providers, and patients have benefited from her exceptional teaching skills, clinical acumen, and patient care at the institutional and national levels. She is the consummate clinician educator.
198
2017 AAN Annual Meeting On-site Guide