Barrow Neurological Institute

06/25/2026

As we wrap up another academic year at , we’re honoring the latest graduates of our training programs in neurosurgery, neurology, neuroradiology, neurologic physical therapy, and research.

We asked our 2026 graduates to reflect on their training at Barrow by sharing:

1. their most memorable moments
2. the advice they would give to their younger selves on day one
3. who influenced them the most

Read their reflections in our annual "3 Questions" feature at https://bar.rw/graduates2026.

(🎨: Ann Mai, Barrow Publications)

06/24/2026

Congratulations to the nine physicians who are named among Az Business magazine's "100 Best Doctors in Arizona for 2026"!

AZ BIG Media compiles this annual list in collaboration with industry experts to spotlight medical excellence, help patients find top care, and elevate health care standards across the state of .

The following Barrow and made this year's list:

Michael T. Lawton, MD
Frederick Marciano, MD, PhD
Francisco A. Ponce, MD
Randall W. Porter, MD
Marwan Sabbagh, MD, FAAN
Nader Sanai, MD
Jeremy M. Shefner, MD, PhD
Jay D. Turner, MD, PhD
Juan Uribe, MD

View the full list at https://bar.rw/azbest2026.

06/24/2026

and Barrow Neurological Foundation contributed to a landmark study that is helping to unravel the mysteries behind why some aneurysms rupture while others do not. These findings could help us better predict and prevent hemorrhagic .

An estimated 1 in 50 Americans has a , which is a balloon-like bulge on a weakened blood vessel wall in the brain. While some brain aneurysms may never cause problems, others can burst and lead to life-threatening brain bleeds. Predicting which aneurysms require intervention and which can be monitored has always been challenging, due to unknowns about the underlying biology of these malformations.

The new study, led by UCSF and published June 10 in “Nature ,” analyzed more than 100,000 individual cells from human aneurysms and healthy brain arteries. The researchers identified a process in which scar-forming cells replace supportive muscle cells in the blood vessels, activating inflammatory immune cells and gradually weakening the vessel walls.

The paper's senior author, UCSF Associate Professor Ethan Winkler, MD, PhD, is a graduate of the and /skull base fellowships at Barrow. He was mentored by Barrow President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, a corresponding author on the paper. Barrow faculty Ruchira Jha, MD, MSc; S. Paul Oh, PhD; and Tomoki Hashimoto, MD, are also authors on the paper, along with Barrow alumni Lea Scherschinksi, MD, and Joshua Catapano, MD.

Read the paper at https://bar.rw/aneurysm-nature.

06/23/2026

Today is , and June is .

, or hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, is a genetic disorder that causes blood vessels to form improperly. People with HHT may develop multiple abnormal tangles of blood vessels called (AVMs), which can rupture and bleed into surrounding tissues.

The AVMs may develop in the brain, spinal cord, and various other places throughout the body. That's why managing this lifelong condition often involves multiple specialists. At , we understand that visiting different doctors at different practices can feel overwhelming and be challenging to coordinate.

Through partnerships with Arizona Pulmonary Specialists and Dignity Health, the Barrow HHT Program allows patients to see an integrated team of specialists who work together in close proximity, under one health care system. In fact, our comprehensive approach to managing HHT has earned us the distinction as the only HHT Center of Excellence in as designated by Cure HHT, the nation's leading advocacy organization for HHT.

Learn more at BarrowNeuro.org/HHT.

(🎨 Illustration of a brain AVM by Dani VanBrabant, Barrow Publications)

06/22/2026

This Friday, June 26, is the last day to submit a poster abstract for the 44th Annual Barrow Symposium!

Each abstract will be evaluated through a blinded, peer-review process by members of the conference planning committee. Notification of abstract selection or non-selection will be made by the end of business on Friday, July 24, 2026.

For more details and to submit a poster, please visit https://bar.rw/nursingsymposium2026.

06/21/2026

Whether you're a dad, soon-to-be dad, stepdad, fur dad, or father figure, Barrow Neurological Institute is wishing you a very Happy Father's Day!

06/20/2026

As we continue to observe ( ), join us for a discussion of common myths in treatment.

As part of our " in the News" webinar series, you'll have the opportunity to hear from Jennifer Robblee, MD, FAHS, a in the at . This webinar series is free and open to the public, offering you the chance to pick the brains of world-renowned experts without sifting through research articles yourself.

📆: Friday, June 26, 2026
⏰: Noon to 1 p.m. (PDT/ time)
💻: Virtual via Zoom

Registration is required. Sign up at https://bar.rw/inthenews.

06/19/2026

: In April, members of the Barrow Global team attended the Second Annual World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) International Conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This year's meeting was held in collaboration with the inaugural International Society of Global Neurosurgery (ISGNS) Conference and marked one year since the Boston Declaration—a formal pledge to strengthen research, expand access, and advance education in neurosurgery.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan (pictured in the middle of the seated row) addressed conference attendees, affirming the country's commitment to bolstering neurosurgery access and services. Dr. Kerry Vaughan, the Africa site director for (also pictured), presented a video message from the World Health Organization (WHO)'s regional director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, and Barrow Global Co-Director Dr. Dilan Ellegala. Dr. Vaughan also gave talks on workforce migration factors and leadership strategies.

Barrow neurosurgery resident Dr. Cyrus Elahi and Barrow spine research fellow Dr. Francisco Rivera provided one-year updates on 's commitments made at the Boston Declaration, alongside Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) neurosurgery resident Dr. Dyllan Omwenga.

Dr. Gail Rosseau, adjunct faculty and co-organizer of the conference, acknowledged her volunteer assistant and incoming Barrow neurosurgery resident Dr. Nikki Perez for her contributions.

Learn more about Barrow Global at BarrowNeuro.org/Global.

06/18/2026

Just six months into her dream job as a veterinarian, Dr. Nisha Parasher found herself on a medical leave that would last more than two years due to daily attacks.

But when she arrived at the at in , , she finally felt heard and finally received answers. And thanks to her multidisciplinary team of clinicians at Barrow, Nisha has returned to work with a new, resilient perspective.

Read her story at https://bar.rw/nisha.

The Lewis Headache Center helped Dr. Nisha Parasher return to her veterinary career after debilitating daily migraine attacks. Learn more.

06/17/2026

and Dignity Health AZ were proud to join the Arizona Diamondbacks for another at Chase Field!

Each year on June 2, MLB teams honor the ALS community and the late baseball player who brought public awareness to after being diagnosed with the disease himself.

Learn more about ALS and our Gregory W. Fulton ALS and Disease Center by visiting BarrowNeuro.org/ALS.