Dr. Abubaker Almadani completed his undergraduate certificate in 1997 from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. In Gothernburg University, he was involved in teaching and contributed in research study with Dr. Anders Hamberger in neuroprotective agents in acute stroke. Then, he completed his Canadian Royal College in Neurology (FRCPC) in 2009.<br><br>

Dr. Madani had his residency at the University of Toronto which is ranked number 1 in Canada by Royal College of Canada, and ranked number 4 in the whole North America by American Academy of Neurology. He was personally involved in regional stroke program and he was involved in at least 500 stroke cases and 80 TPA cases. In his residency he also did one whole elective year which involves EEG, research, pathology and nerve conduction studies. By finishing the residency, he was able to manage neurological cases as general neurological cases as general neurologist in 2007. He has his fellowship in neuromuscular subspecialty from 2007 to 2009.

Dr Ahmed Elkady is a neurology specialist at Sheikh Tahnoon Medical City (STMC). He completed his neurology residency at a tertiary teaching hospital in Cairo and obtained a clinical master’s degree in neurology. Then he moved to Goethe University Germany, for a stroke mini-fellowship. He worked as a neurology and stroke specialist in Saudi Arabia for 5 years and. Last year, he graduated from the World Stroke Organization Future Leaders Stroke Program, and also, he finished European board of neurology. He is now studying a clinical stroke master's degree at Bern University, Switzerland.    

Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Elsayed Hassan is a specialist neurologist. He graduated in 2007, obtained a
Master’s in Neurology from Mansoura University in 2013, and earned the MRCP (UK) Specialty
Certificate in Neurology in 2019. He worked in Kuwait until 2022 and is now practicing at Tawam
Hospital and STMC in the UAE. He is accredited as an AANEM Clinical Neurophysiology Additional
Physician, has multiple publications, and is a co-investigator in several clinical trials. His clinical
interests include neuromuscular disorders, EMG, neurophysiology, neuroimmunology, and multiple
sclerosis.

Dr. Ahmed Samir holds a Master’s degree in Neurology from Egypt (2014) and obtained a Stroke and Vascular Neurology Fellowship from the APPNA Academy in October 2024.

Dr. Samir has more than 14 years of clinical experience in neurology. He spent approximately eight years practicing at Al Jahra Hospital in Kuwait before joining Tawam Hospital in April 2023. He currently serves as a Neurology Specialist at both STMC and Tawam Hospital.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Samir is actively involved in medical research and has multiple publications in the fields of Multiple Sclerosis, Migraine, and Stroke.

Dr. Ahmed Osman Shatila obtained his BSc in Science Biology from the Wayne State University in the United States. He continued his medical education from the medical college of Wayne State University. 
Dr. Shatila’s conducted a residency in neurology at Wayne State University and continued his fellowship in neurophysiology. 
His interests include inpatient Neurology, but not limited to Stroke, IV TPA program development, Status Epilepticus, Multiple Sclerosis, Public Awareness of different Neurological Diseases with 10 years of experience and He is also interested in helping facilities develop a Neuro Hospitalist model where the inpatient care can develop independently from the outpatient services.

Dr. Quateen developed his expertise in interventional Neuroradiology throughout his career, which spans more than 16 years. He has taken a special interest in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology. Dr. Quateen is well-trained in the subspecialties of interventional neuroradiology and interventional vascular radiology. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions and the use of clinical imaging to conduct vascular procedures. Dr. Quateen is also a keen educator and has published several research papers. Dr. Quateen received his MBBCh degree from Tripoli University and is Canadian Board Certified Diagnostic Radiology. In addition, Dr. Quateen is a fellow of the prestigious Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He also holds three fellowships in interventional vascular radiology, interventional neuroradiology, and neuroradiology. Dr. Quateen served as an Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University and the University of Ottawa in Canada before joining our ranks at SSMC, Abu Dhabi in UAE.

Dr. Ali Hassan is a Consultant Neurologist and Chief of the Neurology Division at STMC and Tawam Hospitals in Al Ain, UAE. He completed his MD in neurology from Al Azhar University, with specialized training in epilepsy and EEG from Case Western Reserve University, USA. He led the development of accredited stroke centers and founded key neurology conferences in the region. With over 40 publications, he is active in international research and guideline development. Dr. Hassan also trains neurologists in botox therapy and has received awards for teaching and quality leadership.

Dr. Anu Jacob, MD, DM, FRCP, is a Staff Physician in the Neurological Institute and Director of Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Jacob was a consultant neurologist at the Walton Center for neurology and neurosurgery in Liverpool, United Kingdom. 

Dr. Jacob received his medical degree and internal medicine residency from Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, India and neurological certification (DM) training at Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, India. He received his Membership of the Royal College of Physicians and Neurology Board certification in the UK and completed his fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.  

Dr. Jacob served as the National Director for the United Kingdom NHS specialist service for Neuromyelitis optica and he was also the Director for multiple sclerosis services for North Wales, caring for more than 1000 patients affected by the condition. Whilst in the UK, Dr Jacob set up the National NMO service (the first ever comprehensive NMO service in the world) and was awarded the  Royal College of physicians Excellence in patient care award for his work that changed the lives of patients with NMO in UK. 

Dr. Jacob is passionate about education and research and published 3 doctoral theses during his training. Putting his knowledge and skills into practice he has published more than 100 peer reviewed research articles and several book chapters and he was the Chief /Principal or co-investigator for several clinical trials on MS or NMO and has received several research grants. He enjoys teaching at all levels and regularly lectures medical students and nurses, is an examiner for PHD degrees both in UK and abroad and has given more than 100 lectures across the world including at the American Academy of Neurology, European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) and British Neurological Association.

Rehabilitation specialist with 8+ years of experience. Currently working with Pediatric Rehabilitation and adult rehab, in patient and clinics, interventional pain and spasticity management in STMC and Tawam hospitals.

Dr. Chaouki Khoury, MD, brings over a decade of experience in neurology and headache medicine to PANDA Neurology & Atlanta Headache Specialists serving patients in and around metro Atlanta.
Dr. Khoury began his professional education at The American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. He graduated summa cum laude, then completed a combined masters in neuroscience and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree.
Following graduation, Dr. Khoury relocated to the United States and completed a neurology residency at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. After finishing his residency, Dr. Khoury moved to Texas and participated in a fellowship in child neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
After completing his fellowship, Dr. Khoury returned to Oklahoma and was the residency program director.  He then moved to Texas and served as the medical students’ neurology clerkship director, headache fellowship director and director of the comprehensive headache institute at Baylor, before joining Texas Neurology and serving as the associate director of their Comprehensive Headache Institute in Dallas. There, he focused on clinical research and advanced therapies for the treatment of patients with acute and chronic headaches.  Dr. Khoury is currently an adjunct clinical professor at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Dr. Khoury is board certified and provides neurological care for adults and children alike. He welcomes anyone seeking comprehensive neurological care to PANDA Neurology & Atlanta Headache Specialists.

Dr. Darakhshan Naheed is a specialist neurologist with expertise in the management of a broad spectrum of neurological disorders. She earned her DM in Neurology from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), India, and completed a clinical fellowship in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders at the National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore. Having practiced in India and the UAE, she combines strong clinical acumen with academic excellence. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and she has showcased her work at the International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders in the USA.

Dr. Deeb Kayed is an American Board Certified Neurologist (1997) and Clinical Neurophysiologist (1999) with a particular interest in headaches. 
Dr. Kayed graduated magna cum laude from the University of Evansville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1986. He then graduated from St George's University School of Medicine in 1990. 
He completed his residency training in Adult Neurology at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA in 1996 where he also served as Chief Resident. He next completed a Fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia in 1997 followed by a Fellowship in Advanced Clinical Neurology - Child Neurology at Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia in 1998. 
Dr Kayed relocated to The UAE in 2000 and served as a Consultant Neurologist at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain where he was also Head of the Division of Neurology. At the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, UAE University, Dr. Kayed served as Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor.
Dr.Kayed relocated to Dubai in 2005 where he has been working in private practice. He is an Assistant Professor at the MBRU School of Medicine. His practice is currently located at The Integrated Rheumatology & Arthritis Centre in Dubai Health Care City. He is an Independent Doctor, Consultant Neurologist, at The Mediclinic City Hospital Dubai in Dubai Health Care City. Dr Kayed's primary interest is in the management of patients with headaches, in particular migraine.

Emma began her nursing career in 1997 and holds nursing qualifications from the University of Limerick, the University of Dublin, and RCSI. She joined Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in 2015, progressing into specialised roles across headache, epilepsy, and movement disorders. As the hospital’s first Movement Disorder Nurse Coordinator, she leads service development, advanced therapy pathways, and multidisciplinary coordination for patients with Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. She also spearheaded electronic health record enhancements to improve safety for patients with implanted devices. Emma’s leadership and contributions have been recognised with several honours, including the DAISY Award and the Cleveland Clinic Art of Nursing Award.

Dr. Farida Almarzooqi is an Assistant Professor and Consultant in Clinical Immunology and Allergy at the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of British Columbia and advanced fellowship training in Clinical Immunology and Allergy at McGill University, with additional elective experience at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her clinical and research work focuses on inborn errors of immunity, and systemic immune dysregulation with publications on genetic variants in immune disorders. She leads national projects, including creating the genetic database for allergic and immunologic diseases, and is committed to advancing precision medicine.

Ms. Fatma Alsawwafi is a dedicated stroke navigator specializing in coordinating and optimizing the care pathway for acute stroke patients. With strong background in nursing and passion for improving patients’ outcomes,  I am playing vital role in early recognition and multidisciplinary collaboration in stroke unit. I am leading stroke codes, support BEFAST documentation and early recognition of stroke or deterioration in patient condition. Also, she actively involved in community awareness events that aim to increase the awareness on recognition of stroke among UAE community.

Gina Lee is a Certified MS nurse specialist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi with the Neurology Clinic since 2020. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the Metropolitan University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is Certified Multiple Sclerosis Nurse by the U.S. Multiple Sclerosis Nurses International Certification Board (MSNICB) in 2022. She obtained as well her UK MS Certification (MS Nurse Pro) in 2020. 

Janeth Eroela Billones, 37, is a dedicated healthcare professional whose career reflects passion, commitment, and continuous growth in the field of nursing. She began her medical journey as a staff nurse at Tawam Hospital, where she served for eight years with exemplary compassion and professionalism. During her years of service, she developed a strong foundation in patient care, clinical assessment, and multidisciplinary collaboration—skills that would later elevate her into leadership.

After nearly a decade of devoted service as a staff nurse, Janeth advanced in her career and now serves as the Charge Nurse of the Neurology and Neurosurgery Outpatient Department. In this role, she oversees daily clinical operations, coordinates patient flow, and supports her team in delivering safe, timely, and patient-centered care. Her leadership is recognized for being approachable, organized, and solution-oriented. Janeth is known for her ability to guide and mentor nurses, ensuring quality standards are consistently met while fostering a collaborative and harmonious workplace.

Dr. Al-Hashel is an adult neurologist and Headache specialist. He is a graduate of the college of medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
Dr. Al-Hashel completed his neurology residency as well as his fellowship in headache and Botulinum toxin injection at McGill University, Canada.
Dr. Al-Hashel is board certified from the Royal college of Physicians and Surgeon of Canada (FRCPC) and had also American fellowship in Headache Medicine (FAHS) and Canadian fellowship in Headache Medicine from McGill University. 
He is a Consultant Neurologist and Professor of Neurology at Kuwait University, faculty of medicine in Kuwait. He established the headache and the Botulinum toxin clinic in Ibn Sina and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospitals in Kuwait. 
Dr. Al-Hashel also the Chair of the faculty of Neurology in Kuwait and the President of Kuwait Neurological Society and the Vice President of Pan Arab Union of Neuroscience (PAUNS). 
Dr. Al-Hashel has more than 100  publications in the field of Neurology and author a chapter in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in International neurology book, Second edition.
Dr. Al-Hashel was awarded as best researcher in Kuwait University in 2015.
Dr. Al-Hashel was awarded by H.H the Amer of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah for scientific achievements in Medical Sciences and Allied Health Sciences 2019.

Dr Khalid Anwar joined Salma Rehabilitation Hospital in October 2024 and assumed responsibility as Acting Director of Medical Affairs at STMC Rehabilitation Hospital, Al Ain in April 2025.

Dr Khalid Anwar has worked in UAE since April 2015 when he joined Amana Healthcare as a Clinical lead and Consultant in Rehabilitation medicine. Dr Khalid led the rehabilitation services in Amana Healthcare with distinction by making Amana Healthcare as a leading rehabilitation facility in UAE. Under his clinical leadership Amana Healthcare became the first rehabilitation facility in UAE to achieve CARF accreditation for post acute rehabilitation program, Stroke rehabilitation and Amputee rehabilitation.

Prior to joining Amana Healthcare, Dr Anwar worked as Clinical Lead and Consultant in Neurorehabilitation at James Cook University hospital, Middlesbrough in UK from 2007 to 2015. It is a major trauma center and center of excellence for Neuroscience. Dr Anwar was instrumental in setting up an inpatient Neurorehabilitation Unit and also supervised Regional limb center and Regional Wheelchair services.

Dr Anwar served on the Executive Committee of British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine (BSRM) from 2011-2014 and also sat on the education committee during this time and played an important part nationally in advancing the specialty of Rehabilitation Medicine in the UK.

Dr Anwar brings wealth of clinical, academic and management experience to SEHA. He is the Acting Director of Medical affairs at STMC Rehabilitation hospital Al Ain and also provides clinical care and leadership at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital Abu Dhabi. His responsibilities include clinical management of patients, organization and planning of rehabilitation programs, leading service expansion, quality improvement, teaching and training activities.

Dr Anwar has presented at various National and International Rehabilitation and Neurology conferences. His specialist interests include Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, Stroke rehabilitation, Amputee rehabilitation and Spasticity management including botulinum toxin therapy. He has published extensively and has authored several book chapters.

Dr. Khuloud Aldhaheri is an Adult and Transplant Infectious Disease Physician. She earned her MD from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences in Al Ain and is Canadian and American Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. She completed training at the University of Toronto and a Transplant Infectious Diseases fellowship at the University of British Columbia. She later served as a consultant at Sheikh Tahnoon Medical City and is now an Assistant Professor at the United Arab Emirates University. Her academic interests are clinical Infectious disease and transplant infectious diseases and advancing evidence-based patient care.

Khuloud Saif Alkaabi is a dedicated Nurse Manager at STMC, Al Ain, UAE, with over ten years of professional experience in critical and medical care units. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fatima College of Health Sciences and a Master’s in Business Administration specializing in Human Resources from Abu Dhabi University. Throughout her career, Khuloud has led quality improvement initiatives, enhanced patient-safety standards, and mentored multidisciplinary teams. Known for her leadership, compassion, and commitment to excellence, she continues to advance clinical performance and patient outcomes within the CCU, SCU, and long-term ventilator care units She’s awarded with Daisy Award in leadership.

Dr. Laila Abdel Wareth, is a physician executive. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer, 
Diagnostics, Global patient Care Platform, M42, Chief Executive Officer at the National Reference 
Laboratory, previous Chair of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Adjunct Clinical Professor, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences at Khalifa University. Dr Laila also holds a position also as the President of The Emirates Clinical 
Chemistry Society under Emirates Medical Association in the UAE. 
Prior to joining the National Reference Laboratory, Dr. Abdel Wareth served as Chief Medical Officer of SEHA Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services and Chair of Pathology and Laboratory 
Medicine Institute at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.
She brings more than twenty-eight years of experience in healthcare, also including roles at British Columbia Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada and Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi,UAE.
Dr. Abdel Wareth earned her medical degree from Ain Shams University Cairo, Egypt and completed 
her postgraduate training at the University of British Columbia, Canada, in the specialty of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology.
She obtained Canadian and American Boards accreditation in Medical Biochemistry and Clinical 
Pathology and is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada, the College of American Pathologists. In addition to her clinical degrees, Dr. Abdel Wareth has an Executive 
Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Zayed University, UAE.
She is an active member in various scientific societies and has several publications to her credit in the field of Laboratory Medicine.

Dr. Luai Eldweik is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and a pediatric ophthalmologist and neuro-ophthalmologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. He specializes in complex strabismus, optic neuropathies, and neuro-ophthalmic complications of systemic and neurological disease. Dr. Eldweik is actively involved in research on optic neuritis and nutritional and toxic optic neuropathies, and he has published and reviewed for several peer-reviewed journals. He is also deeply committed to residency education, mentoring young ophthalmologists, and improving clinical care through thoughtful program development and innovation.

Mansoor Musthafa Varamangalath, is a Senior Speech Language Pathologist currently practising in Tawam Hospital, in acute care. Mansoor received his Master Degree in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology from Kerala University of Health sciences, Kerala, India. Mansoor has over 10 years of experience in various setting including, outpatients, long term care and acute care. Mansoor specializes in inpatient acute care setting, evaluating and treating acute adult patients with speech, language, cognitive, and swallow impairments and providing intervention in these specific areas. His main area of interest is in patients with neurological disorders specifically stroke assessment and rehabilitation. He provides training to nurses in Swallow screening for stroke patients and is involved in developing stroke educational material. He is an active member of the Stroke Care Team and multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. He is skilled in video fluoroscopic studies (VFSS) and holds a certification as registered MBSImP clinician and trained in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). He is a speaker at various local and international conferences and is involved in various educational and training programs in the facility.

Dr. Maria Junaidi is a neurologist practicing in Rashid Hospital, Dubai for the past eight years.
She is a graduate of the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan and completed her post graduate training from the same institute.
She holds a fellowship in vascular neurology and is one of the founding members for MENA stroke organization.
She is also an avid researcher and has a number of publications in international peer reviewed journals.

Miklós Szólics, MD, PhD, EDiNR, is a Hungarian board-certified Neurologist, Radiologist, and Neuroradiologist who is serving as a Consultant Neurologist at Tawam and STMC Hospitals, Division of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, and Clinical Full Professor at the Department of Medicine, CMHS, UAEU.

Dr. M.Szólics has been practicing clinical Neurology for more than 40 years. As a consultant neurologist at Tawam Hospital, he has served the Al Ain community for over 23 years. For another 20 years, he practiced in the former USSR, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Caribbean Dutch territories.

He was the Chief of the Neurology Division at Tawam Hospital from 2007 to 2021 and is the lead physician for the MS clinic.

His main professional interests include Neurovascular neurology, Epilepsy, MS, and Neuroimmunology, Neuro-Electrophysiology, Diagnostic Neuroimaging, and Medical Education

Dr. Mohammed Alhatou has a special interest in headache, neuro-immunology and neuromuscular diseases. He chaired the Department of Neurology at the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties from 2002 to 2015 and recently joined Hamad Medical Corporation where he is a Senior Consultant, Director of Neuromuscular Division at HMC and Head of Neurology at Alkhor Hospital.

Dr. Alhatou is American Board-Certified in Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology, Electromyography, Neuromuscular Disorders, Neuroimaging and Sleep Medicine. He completed his Residency in Neurology at the University of Virginia and his Fellowship in Neuromuscular Disease and Electromyography at Emory University.

He is a primary investigator in multiple drug studies in neuropathy, dementia, stroke and epilepsy. He is the Chair of Qatar Board of Neurology and Qatar representative to Arab Board of Neurology.  

Dr. Mustafa Shakra is a Consultant Neurologist based at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Specializing in inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, he oversees the Multiple Sclerosis clinics at SKMC. 

Dr. Shakra obtained his medical degree from Damascus University in 1992 and completed comprehensive training in general internal medicine and neurology subspecialty at major university hospitals. His extensive qualifications include an MD, MSc, MRCP, and FRCP in medicine and neurology. Furthermore, he has contributed to numerous articles as an author and co-author within the field of neurology

British trained consultant Neurosurgeon with highly specialised fellowships in open and endoscopic skull base surgery in the U.K. , France and Canada as well as Neuroncology (Canada). Dr Asha is currently the Chief of the Neurosurgery Department at Tawam Hospital (National Oncology Tertiary Centre in Abu Dhabi). Dr Asha is a pioneer in complex brain tumors surgery in UAE for adults and pediatrics. He has keen interest in open vascular surgery and functional Neurosurgery as well. Dr Asha is very motivated educator. He holds masters degree in evidence based medicine, Cardiff University and A degree in Global Health Education, University of Toronto. In addition to his clinical roles, he holds a position as adjunct professor at the University of UAE.

Dr. Nico Melzer is a Chief Consultant Clinical Neurologist and Head of the Section of Epileptology at the Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany. He holds board certifications in Neurology, Epileptology, and Clinical Neurophysiology, with expertise in neuroimmunology, autoimmune encephalitis, and epilepsy. Dr. Melzer has authored and co-authored numerous high-impact publications and international clinical guidelines and serves as a reviewer for leading scientific journals. His research focuses on autoimmune neurological disorders, neurodegeneration, and translational neuroscience.

Dr. Noho Solieman is currently working as a Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. She delivered numerous speeches at conferences for neurology. She holds Clinical Neurophysiology Epilepsy Tract Qualification from the American Board of Neurology and ECFMG Certification.

Dr. Noha is a Member of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, the American Epilepsy Society, and the American Academy of Neurology.

She received recognition from the Department of Neurology at Howard University Hospital for her outstanding work as a postgraduate trainee and chief resident in neurology. She also received a scholarship for the 65th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology and was recognized as the winner of the best oral presentation at the National Medical Association convention and scientific assembly.

Professor Patricia Pozo-Rosich MD PhD, is a specialist in Neurology.
• Head of the Neurology Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital
• Director of the Migraine Adaptive Brain Center, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital
• Group Leader of the Headache Research Laboratory at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of
Research (VHIR), which belongs to the Universitat Autonoma of Barcelona(UAB)
• Coordinator of the eCORE “Brain, Mind & Behaviour”, VHIR
• Vicepresident of the Internal Scientific Committee, VHIR
• Associate Professor at Department of Medicine, University of Vic
• Associate Clinical Professor at Department of Medicine, University Autonoma of
Barcelona
• Honorary Secretary of the International Headache Society
Past member of the European Headache Federation Council, past Coordinator of the Spanish
Headache Study Group of the Spanish Neurological Society (cefaleas.sen.es).
Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Lilly Foundation and Gadea Foundation in Spain.
Editor
Associate Editor of Cephalalgia, Headache, The Journal of Headache and Pain, Neurologia,
Frontiers in Neurology (Headache Medicine). Editor for Headache for Revista de Neurologia
Publications
• 225 papers with h-index of 45
• 30 book chapters
Awards
• “Scientfic Prize for Headache Research” from the Spanish Neurological Society for the
years 2019 and 2023
• “Social Prize for Headache” in 2020 for the website she founded midolordecabeza.org
• “Artur I Granes Prize” in 2021 for the Migraine Adaptive Brain Center
• Best-in-Class prize in 2022 and 2024 for having the “best” Headache Center in Spain
Research Grants
la Caixa Foundation, European FP7, Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (ISCIII), ERANet Neuron,
PERIS grant, FP7, FEDER RIS3CAT, la Marató TV3 Foundation, AGAUR, Mutual Medica,
International Headache Society and, the Migraine Research Foundation
Member of the International Headache Genetics Consortium, and member of the International
Cluster Genetics Consortium.
Principal investigator of more than 100 clinical trials in phases II, III and IV.

Prof. Peter Rieckmann, MD, FRCPC, FAAN, FEAN Peter Rieckmann received his medical degree from the University of Göttingen, Germany in 1988. After a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular immunology at the NIH, Bethesda, USA he completed his training in Neurology at the National Institute for Nervous Disease, London, UK and the University of Göttingen, Germany. Professor Rieckmann received German Board certification in Neurology in 1995. His academic and clinical positions have included Senior (staff) Neurologist and Professor for Neurology, Dept. of Neurology, as well as head of the Clinical Research Group for Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology, at the Julius-Mximilians University of Würzburg.
In 2007 Professor Rieckmann became the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Research Chair and Director of the MS Program and Full Tenured Professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Under his leadership the Vancouver MS clinical research program was awarded Western-Pacific Research and Training Center by the MS Society of Canada. He is a founding member of the EndMS campaign in Canada and was instrumental in establishing the Center for Brain Health at UBC in Vancouver (http://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca).
His major research interests are disease modifying factors and repair mechanisms in multiple sclerosis and stroke as well as improvement of rehabilitation strategies to facilitate neuroplasticity and to promote patient engagement in acute and chronic neurological diseases. Professor Rieckmann is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Canada (FRCPC), Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (FAAN) and European Academy of Neurology (FEAN).

Dr. Raed Alroughani is a consultant neurologist and the director of MS clinic at Amiri and Ibn Sina hospitals. He completed his neurology residency at the University of British Columbia and subsequently obtained the neurology certification from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeon (Canada). He then completed a fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis at the University of British Columbia. 
He is actively involved in research and he authored and co-authored more than 170 publications. Dr. Alroughani was awarded the National Prize for scientific production in the field of medical science in 2017 and the best researcher award by Amiri Hospital in 2018. 
He is a founding member and the secretary general of MENACTRIMS. He is the vice chair of the Scientific Leadership Group of MS Base Foundation.

Rita Hennessy is the Allied Health Director at STMC Rehabilitation Hospital in Al Ain, where she leads a large multidisciplinary team of over 100 allied health staff delivering high-quality rehabilitative and allied health services.

Originally from Ireland, Rita has worked in healthcare for 18 years, beginning her career as a healthcare assistant before qualifying as an Occupational Therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Master’s in Healthcare Management and Leadership with First Class Honours from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Since relocating to Abu Dhabi in 2018, Rita has been dedicated to advancing allied health practice, fostering staff development, and enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based, person-centred care.

Dr Seby John is Consultant, Vascular Neurologist and Neurointerventional Surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
He is currently Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, USA and Khalifa University College of Medicine, UAE.
Dr John has extensive experience in the medical and interventional management of cerebrovascular diseases.
He is an active researcher and has been an investigator in numerous international cerebrovascular clinical trials.
He has to his credit, more than 75 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in the field of stroke and neurointerventional surgery.
He is board of directors of MENA-SINO (Middle East North Africa Stroke and interventional Neurotherapies Organization) and the UAE Vascular Neurology Chair for Mission Thrombectomy 2020+.
He is an active reviewer for multiple journals, and is on the editorial board of Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery.

Shamsa Al Ghfeli is a dedicated physiotherapist at Sheikh Tahnoon Medical City (STMC), working primarily within the stroke unit and serving as part of the therapy leadership team across both stroke and medical units. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from Fatima College of Health Sciences and a Master’s degree in the Sciences of Organizational Excellence from Hamdan Bin Mohammed University. Shamsa has actively contributed to stroke unit quality initiatives and participation in accreditation processes, including AHA accreditation and the Department of Health Stroke Excellence audits, with a strong interest in multidisciplinary collaboration and service excellence in stroke care.

Dr. Shivam Om Mittal received his medical degree from Datta Meghe University of Medical Sciences University in Wardha, India. He completed his neurology residency at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He did postdoctoral fellowship in botulinum toxin treatment at the prestigious Yale University, where he initiated several clinical studies and streamlined unique treatment options for movement disorders. To pursue his interest further in the field of clinical movement disorders he completed a fellowship in parkinson’s disease and movement disorders at the Renowned Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA.<br>

Dr. Mittal lives in Abu Dhabi with his wife and two sons. He enjoys cycling, listening to music and spending time with his family.

FRCP (Edin), MRCP (SCE) Neurology, MRCP (UK), FCPS Neurology (Pakistan), MBBS (Pakistan)

Dr. Sidra Aurangzeb is one of the few professionals in the UK to hold dual accreditation in both neurology and clinical neurophysiology from the General Medical Council (GMC). With a career that blends clinical expertise, leadership, and a passion for innovation, she has made significant contributions to both patient care and service development.

After completing seven years of intensive postgraduate training in Oxford, Dr. Aurangzeb became a Consultant at Oxford University Hospitals, where she served as the Clinical Lead for Telemetry Services. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Oxford Intracranial EEG Service and introducing cortical stimulation with depth electrodes, alongside making key contributions to the development of the Oxford Sleep Service.

Her expertise extends to advanced neurophysiological techniques, including electromyography (EMG), single-fiber EMG (SFEMG), nerve conduction studies, and autonomic testing.

Currently, Dr. Aurangzeb is a Consultant at Tawam and Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammad Medical City in Al Ain, UAE. She is dedicated to integrating advanced neurological knowledge and cutting-edge neurophysiological techniques to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the broader development of healthcare services in the region.

Dr. Aurangzeb has authored numerous international papers in peer-reviewed journals and is deeply passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of specialists.

Dr. Syed Irteza Hussain, MD, is the Department Chair of Neurology in the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Hussain is a Consultant Neurologist with seventeen years of experience. After completing his medical degree from the prestigious Aga Khan University, he underwent extensive postgraduate training in the US. He is American Board certified in Neurology, Vascular neurology, Neurocritical Care and Neuroendovascular surgery.

Upon completion of his postgraduate training, he joined Michigan State University as an Assistant Professor in 2009, where he helped establish a 24/7 Neurointerventional Surgery Service and Fellowship Training Program. In addition to his procedures, Dr. Hussain had an integral role in the Management of Acute Stroke and critically ill neurological patients in the Hospital.

Subsequently, in 2011 he assumed the Medical Directorship of the Stroke Program at Michigan State University and its affiliate Sparrow Health system. In this administrative role, he supervised multiple successful joint commission recertifications of the Primary Stroke Center and subsequently became the first in Michigan to become a JC certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. Recognizing his services, he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2014 and awarded the Physician Leader of the Year award in 2015 by his institutions.

Dr. Hussain lives in Abu Dhabi with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys traveling with his family, listening to music and football.

Dr. Alsaadi is a Chief Medical officer and the Chair of the Neurology Department at the American Center of Psychiatry & Neurology (ACPN). He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Neurology at Khalifa University. He was trained in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology at the University of California San Francisco and was a research fellow in Epilepsy there. He is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and by the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology and the American Board of Neurology in Clinical Epilepsy.  

Before joining ACPN, Dr. Alsaadi was the Chief of the Neurology Department at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City for 11 years. He previously held a position as an Associate Professor of Neurology and the Director of the Adult Epilepsy Program and the Clinical Research Program at the University of California Davis. His research has focused on conducting drug study trials for new antiepileptic drugs for patients with epilepsy, quality of life in patients with epileptic and non-epileptic disorders, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Dr. Alsaadi has been honored with several prestigious awards for his work in the field of epilepsy. He has served on the Advisory Board of the Northern California Epilepsy Foundation and the membership committee of the American Epilepsy Society. He has previously served as the President of the Western Clinical Neurophysiology Society in the United States and as the Vice President of CEMA (Commission of the Eastern Mediterranean Affairs). He is currently the President of the Emirati League against epilepsy and the Chair of the ILAE Commission for epilepsy in the elderly. He serves as a member of the Guideline Development Group (GDG) for the WHO. He also serves on the Editorial Board for BMC Journal of Neurology and Journal of Neurosciences. He has authored and co-authored more than 85 papers and book chapters and has served as a peer-reviewer for more than 15 scientific journals. 

Dr Vishal Pawar is a Specialist Neurologist with over 13 years of experience in managing neurological and vestibular disorders. Over the last seven years, Dr Pawar has established and led a state-of-the-art Neuro-Vestibular Clinic in Dubai, treating more than 5000 vertigo patients using advanced diagnostics such as video-nystagmography, video head impulse testing, and posturography. His academic portfolio includes 38 publications, over 180 educational activities, and numerous keynote lectures internationally. He has received multiple awards for clinical and academic excellence. His expertise spans central and peripheral vestibular disorders, vestibular rehabilitation, headache medicine, and comprehensive patient-centred neurological care.

An American Board Certified Anaesthesiologist, Dr. Al Jalbout brings more than 13 years of experience in anaesthesiology, holding clinical and educational leadership roles in prestigious hospitals and institutions in the USA and her home country Lebanon. She has a special interest and is highly trained in simulation and medical education, in addition to regional and obstetric anaesthesiology. Dr. Al Jalbout received her Bachelor of Science (BS) from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon before pursuing her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the same university and then earning a Diploma in Simulation for Medical Education from the Lebanese American University (LAU).

Registered Nurse (RN) with more than 18 years of experience in Stroke Care, Medical-surgical and Emergency Unit dedicated to providing quality care to a wide variety of patients. Currently working as staff Nurse at Stroke Care Unit in Sheikh Tahnoon Medical City Hospital in Al Ain. Passionate about serving the sick with dedication and love, aiming to leverage skills, experience, and personality in delivering compassionate care. Committed to continuous professional growth while working hard with determination to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Eager to contribute to the healthcare industry by serving those in need and enhancing the well-being of every patient.