Northeast Florida Medicine, Spring 2016

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12 Vol. 67, No. 1 2016 Northeast Florida Medicine DCMS online . org
Residents’ Corner: University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville
30-plus clinical trials offered by the Neurology Department.
Some of the current or recent trials that the Neurology
Department was a part of include evaluating the efficacy of
SAGE-547 in super-refractory status epilepticus, investigat-
ing the role of intravenous glyburide in reducing malignant
cerebral edema following severe anterior circulation ischemic
strokes, and examining the long-termsafety and effectiveness
of alemtuzumab as an immunomodulatory of MS.
With this extensive clinical and translational science
exposure, neurology residents and fellows frequently pres-
ent posters on the national level. For instance, Dr. Ryan
Crooks presented at the American Academy of Neurology,
while Drs. Omar Moore and Marianne De Lima will be
presenting at the American Federation forMedical Research.
There are many examples of resident and fellow research
currently underway. Dr. Mary-Ann Fares is studying poor
sleep hygiene post-stroke and its detrimental effects on
potential future strokes. The Neurology Department,
led by future vascular neurology fellow Dr. Constance
Katsafanas, is working with the Emergency and Radiology
Departments to implement new acute stroke protocols
in order to further shorten door-to-needle tPA times. Yet
another quality improvement project is being headed by
Dr. Sherif Makar, in which he is attempting to expedite
post-discharge follow-ups with various services.
Early on, residents are encouraged to participate in hos-
pital-based committees, including appointments in patient
safety, pain, pharmacy& therapeutics, and graduatemedical
education committees. Senior residents and fellows are able
to give back to the community by speaking with various
support groups.The department also coordinates organized
5k runs and is involved with free yoga and tai chi classes.
The Future of Neurology
Upon completion of residency, residents have the oppor-
tunity to continue their education in fellowship or start a
career as neurologists. Some recent graduates have elected
to sub-specialize in vascular neurology, neurocritical care,
neurophysiology, neuromuscular disorders, movement
disorders, neuro-ophthalmology and neuro-oncology. Prior
graduates from the residency and fellowship programs have
gone on to serve many different urban to rural locations.
Others have elected to stay on as attending physicians and
give back to future neurology classes.The University of Flor-
ida College of Medicine - Jacksonville neurology program
aims to deliver excellent and compassionate healthcare to
the residents of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
To learn more about the program, please visit the residency
website at v
Junior residents, such as
Dr. Imran Farooqui, have
early exposure to critical
neurological procedures like
electroencephalography.
Senior resident Dr. Mary-Ann Fares reviews a
case while covering the neurology consult service.