Neurology
Stroke & Vascular Neurology
Our mission is to translate scientific discovery into real-world improvements in outcomes and quality of life, while cultivating the next generation of vascular neurologists.
Trainees receive mentorship and guidance from experts across multiple sites within Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and its affiliated stroke network, supported by 24/7 stroke neurology coverage, learning to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to patients with a full spectrum of cerebrovascular disorders. As a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center, Banner – University Medical Center participates in quality-improvement initiatives and adheres to the highest national standards of stroke care and patient safety.
Mentored by our faculty, trainees work in close coordination with emergency medicine, neurosurgery, neurocritical care, interventional radiology, vascular surgery and rehabilitation to ensure rapid evaluation, diagnosis and intervention, gaining experience in acute ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral aneurysms, carotid artery stenosis, and vascular malformations of the brain and spinal cord. They learn to administer acute therapies, including intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy and management of hemorrhagic stroke, and focus on long-term secondary prevention and recovery planning, emphasizing individualized care, risk factor management and reintegration into daily life.
Research & Innovation
The Division of Stroke and Vascular Neurology is deeply involved in clinical and translational research to improve stroke prevention, diagnosis, acute treatment and post-stroke recovery. Faculty participate in national and international stroke trials, evaluating novel pharmacologic agents, neuroprotective therapies, advanced neuroimaging techniques and endovascular interventions. Our division is an active site for NIH- and industry-sponsored studies through collaborations with the Arizona Emergency Medicine Research Center and other consortia.
Our translational research efforts are led in part by faculty with expertise in neuroimmunology, neurorepair and vascular biology. Projects include investigations into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ischemic injury, hemorrhage and neuroinflammation, as well as preclinical studies using animal models of stroke and brain injury. We are also exploring biomarkers to predict stroke outcomes and guide personalized therapies.
Additionally, we support investigator-initiated research on stroke systems of care, health disparities in stroke treatment, and innovative models for post-stroke recovery and secondary prevention in diverse populations.
Education & Training
The division is home to an ACGME-accredited Stroke and Vascular Neurology Fellowship Program, which offers advanced clinical training in acute stroke management, neurovascular imaging, stroke prevention and post-stroke care. We are approved for two one-year fellowship positions annually. Fellows rotate through our Comprehensive Stroke Center, Neurocritical Care Unit, Interventional Neuroradiology and outpatient stroke clinics, gaining hands-on experience in both urban and community settings. A second year of training focused on clinical research is available for selected candidates pursuing academic careers.
Our division also plays a central role in educating neurology residents, internal medicine residents and medical students in the diagnosis and management of stroke. Trainees are involved in acute stroke code responses, inpatient stroke rounds, vascular neurology clinics and interdisciplinary case conferences. Didactic offerings include a robust curriculum in stroke neurology, journal clubs and workshops on neuroimaging and NIH Stroke Scale certification.
By combining rigorous clinical training with opportunities for research and scholarly development, our program prepares future vascular neurologists to become leaders in stroke care, education and investigation.
