3 Questions for the 2026 Barrow Graduating Class

As we complete another academic year at Barrow Neurological Institute, 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

We’ve compiled their responses below.

“Congratulations to the outstanding 2026 Barrow Neurological Institute graduates. As you advance to the next stages in your careers, may the training you received and the memories you made continue to inspire your commitment to excellence and pave the way for innovation in the neurosciences. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to what you will continue to achieve.”

-Courtney Schusse, MD, FAHS, Designated Institutional Official, Graduate Medical Education

Neurosurgery Residents

“You have grown from students of the craft into stewards of it. The training was demanding, as is the responsibility that lies ahead. Go forward with confidence in your hands and conscience in your judgment, and stay courageous in your commitment to every patient. Congratulations.”

-Francisco Ponce, MD, Director, Neurosurgery Residency Program

Joelle Noon, MD

New role: Neuroendovascular Intervention Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. While the operative experience at Barrow is second to none, some of the most memorable parts of residency had nothing to do with neurosurgery. Over seven years, this place became family—built through long nights, shared struggles, and the unwavering support we gave one another both inside and outside the hospital. I will always be grateful to my co-residents and attendings for their friendship, mentorship, and for making Barrow feel like home.
2. The advice I would give my younger self on my first day at Barrow would be simple: Don’t get so focused on the destination that you miss the journey. Embrace every part of residency, and trust the process. Seven years may feel like a lifetime at the start, but they pass faster than you can imagine—and before you know it, they may just become the best seven years of your life.
3. There are so many people at Barrow who influenced me during training and helped shape me into the neurosurgeon and person I am today. I feel deeply indebted to all of the faculty at Barrow, but I am especially grateful to the vascular faculty—Drs. Michael Lawton, Felipe Albuquerque, and Andrew Ducruet—as well as my mentor during residency, Dr. Nader Sanai. Their mentorship, trust, and investment in my growth have been invaluable. I am equally thankful for my co-residents, who have been incredible teammates, steadfast friends, and a constant source of support throughout this journey. I would not be where I am today without them.

Mark Pacult, MD

New role: Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

1. The most memorable moments at Barrow for me were spending time with our attendings, co-residents, and their families outside of the hospital during the Barrow Olympics, Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike, and winning the softball championship in New York City.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to trust the process more and not be so hung up on every piece of gravel in the road.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most are Drs. Michael Lawton, Kaith Almefty, Nader Sanai, and Andrew Little. They supported and encouraged me to blend neurosurgery and writing, gave me courage in the operating room and took an interest in my education, and supported my young family on our journey.

Robert Rudy, MD

New role: Neurosurgeon, Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah

1. Spending time and getting to know the incredible, unique group of people who embody Barrow Neurological Institute will forever be my fondest memory of my residency.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to soak in as much as you can here because this is a truly special place. The experience of everyone at the institution, access to world-class surgical education, and the ownership residents have in patient care here should be cherished.
3. All of the faculty members have been influential. My fellowship mentor, Dr. Jay Turner, has modeled how I’d like my practice to be in the future. His ability to balance an incredibly busy clinical practice with a rich family life is inspiring.

Baltazar Zavala, MD, PhD

New role: Attending Neurosurgeon and Epilepsy Surgery Director, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

1. My most memorable moment at Barrow was when we implanted the very first Neuralink N1 Implant. The patient, who is now a personal hero of mine, had been paralyzed for several years after an accident. The surgery went well, and the next day the patient’s implant was paired wirelessly to a laptop. As the connection completed, a Neuralink engineer declared, “You are now connected to this laptop, and that has to be the first time anyone has ever said those words.” The patient then went on to imagine specific arm movements, and we were able to see in real time how each of his attempts controlled the neurons in his brain. He then found one neuron that he could control directly, and then he showed us as he turned that neuron off and on with his thoughts. It was truly incredible. That moment felt like the ultimate culmination of my undergraduate training as an engineer, my PhD training in neuroscience, and my clinical training in neurosurgery. I am so excited to start my career and look forward to all of the amazing advances that are coming in the field of functional neurosurgery.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training would be: This too shall pass. You are about to begin the most difficult three months you have ever faced, but they will then be followed by the very best 81 months of your entire life. You will repeatedly fall short and feel like you are failing and unforgivably stupid. By the end, you will become a better surgeon and doctor than you ever thought was possible. Know that both the worst times and the best times will come to an end, and try to relish both for the experiences and lessons that they bring.
3. The person who has influenced me the most during my time at Barrow is our program director, Dr. Francisco Ponce. His attention to detail and continuous striving for perfection in the operating room has molded who I am as a surgeon. He has never rested on his laurels and has continued to incorporate the most modern advances into his practice. Having him as a role model will help me shape my practice into the best that it can be.

Neurology Residents

“Congratulations to all of our Barrow graduates. You leave training not just as healers but as stewards of medicine’s future. Lead with humility, and let your curiosity drive you forward.”

-Daniel Gonzalez, MD, Director, Neurology Residency Program

Garrett Benson, MD

New role: Epilepsy Fellow, University of Texas Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas

1. I still look fondly back at the brief moments between seeing patients with my co-residents in our workroom. One that particularly stands out was a game of reflex hammer minigolf that myself and another resident played while awaiting patients on call.
2. I have no advice for my former self. I think he will be better for the trial by fire set in front of him.
3. It’s hard to pick just one or two people who have influenced me the most during my time at Barrow. I’ve learned so much from all of my attendings, the fellows, and my co-residents.

Josiah Chang, MD

New role: General Neurologist and Neurohospitalist, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, Loma Linda, California

1. Graduation day itself tops the list of my most memorable moments at Barrow. It was great to get to see so many people who shaped me to who I am in one place, both family and friends and Barrow people alike.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be that residency is what you make of it. Training is always going to be hard, but it’s also an invaluable chance to make lifelong friends and mentors. Also, don’t let residency be your whole life—there will be time to pursue interests outside of medicine.
3. As for the people at Barrow who have influenced me the most, there are too many to count. They include Drs. Daniel Gonzalez, Justin Hoskin, Courtney Schusse, Guillermo Moguel-Cobos, Michael Robers, Jay Patel, Erik Ortega, Timothy Fullam, Bryan Franzen, Lynn Ashby, Fiona Lynch, Nassim Matin, Kerry Knievel, and Ritika Suri, as well as, of course, Program Coordinator Ann Chowdhury-Johnson. I consider all of them mentors and friends. They may not know it yet, but I’ll be texting them for help until the end of time.

Jordan Iyere, MD

New role: Clinical DBS and Movement Disorders Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. Some of my most memorable moments at Barrow are from building relationships with patients and their families in my resident continuity clinic. I even had one patient cry when I told her I was moving on. Graduating is bittersweet because I’m leaving behind these people whom I deeply care for.
2. If I could give advice to myself on my first day of training at Barrow, I would say to remember that you will learn so much more from each patient you see than any paper or textbook you read. The depth and breadth of neurology seem unending, but if you study what is pertinent to the patients under your care at that moment, you will excel.
3. The people who have influenced me most at Barrow are every one of the attendings I worked with on the inpatient service and in my outpatient resident clinic. I learned something from every one of them—whether medical knowledge from their area of subspecialty or rapport-building with patients.

Kyle Kaneko, DO

New role: Vascular Neurology Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were spending time with co-residents at sporting events, concerts, and Barrow-sponsored events.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training would be to keep snacks and water in your resident locker at all times.
3. My co-residents have been the biggest influence on me. Their selflessness and teamwork created an environment where I could thrive and persevere throughout training. I consider my co-residents lifelong friends and cannot imagine this experience without the joy and support they provided. I am grateful to all of the attendings at Barrow, and I am especially thankful to Drs. Daniel Gonzalez, Fiona Lynch, Courtney Schusse, Brad Racette, Erik Ortega, Shafeeq Ladha, Justin Hoskin, Michael Robers, Vladimir Shvarts, Kerry Knievel, Justine Chan, and Nicki Niemann.

Sarah Lam, MD

New role: Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow include hiking the Grand Canyon with the neurology department and spending time with my co-residents.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training would be to remember that the days are long but the years are short. It is impossible to learn everything there is to know about neurology in four years.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most are my co-residents, Dr. Daniel Gonzalez, and all of the attendings in the Barrow Epilepsy Center.

Martha Orozco Cortes, MD

New role: Neuro-Otology and Balance Disorders Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were spending time with my co-residents and talking about work, interesting cases, and life outside of residency.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to relax; learning takes time.
3. The person at Barrow who has influenced me the most is Dr. Daniel Gonzalez. When I worked with him in clinic, he was a great role model for his approach to patient care. He also puts a lot of work into helping residents with their goals, and I felt very supported in whatever my goals were at different times during residency.

Alyssa Redai, MD

New role: Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My time at Barrow coincided with some of the biggest milestones of my life. During residency, I got married, became a mother, and became a neurologist. I shared those experiences alongside co-residents who became some of my closest friends. We bonded through late nights, early mornings, stroke codes, endless consults, and the challenges that come with training. While there are many memorable clinical moments, what I will cherish most are the people, patients, and experiences.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be: Give yourself grace. You will work hard, make mistakes, learn from them, and grow because of them. Trust the process, and remember that you are surrounded by mentors who want to help you succeed. Residency is not just medical training—it is a chapter of life. Embrace the unexpected, be present for the journey, and know that it will go by much faster than you think.
3. Dr. Daniel Gonzalez and Dr. Justin Hoskin have had a tremendous influence on my training. Dr. Gonzalez recognized leadership potential in me early on and challenged me to grow as both a physician and chief resident. Dr. Hoskin leads with kindness, humility, and genuine care for the residents. He makes it a priority to get to know each of us personally, celebrates our successes, and supports us through our challenges. Together, they helped shape not only the neurologist I have become, but also the leader, mentor, and colleague I aspire to be. Beyond Barrow, my daughter, Emerson, has been one of my greatest influences. Becoming her mother gave me a renewed sense of purpose and perspective, reminding me daily of the privilege and responsibility of caring for others.

Graduates who did not submit responses:

Neurosurgery Fellows

Samuel Hall, MD

New role: Endovascular Neurosurgeon, Chattanooga, Tennessee

1. My most memorable experience during my time at Barrow was being present for the Dr. Felipe Albuquerque symposium. It was inspiring to see so many prior endovascular fellows reunited in one place and the wide influence that this fellowship has on the landscape of endovascular neurosurgery.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day would be to remember that training at Barrow is a unique and privileged experience. Throw yourself 100% into all that it has to offer, and make sure you learn as much as possible from every experience.
3. All of the endovascular faculty—Drs. Felipe Albuquerque, Andrew Ducruet, Ashutosh Jadhav, Richard Williamson, Neil Majmundar—have taught me so much about the practice of endovascular neurosurgery. They are all fantastic teachers, and I owe all of my skills to them.

Naveed Kamal, MD

New role: Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Fellow, Northwell Health, Long Island, New York

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were being inducted into Craniotome and participating in the Hike From Hell.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to trust the process and be a sponge. The year will fly by, and you’ll have great experiences and cases you’ll keep with you forever.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most are the endovascular faculty: Drs. Andrew Ducruet, Ashutosh Jadhav, Richard Williamson, and Neil Majmundar. I’m very grateful for their mentorship and trust they placed in me caring for their patients. I’d also like to thank the residents for welcoming me to Barrow for the year, along with the nurses and techs for their support and teamwork.

Winny Mapuor, MD

New role: Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Juba, School of Medicine, Juba, South Sudan

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were in the operating room, in spine clinics with Dr. Laura Snyder, and at the Barrow Neuroscience Symposium.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to soak in as much knowledge and advice as possible.
3. I would say all the incredible people and staff whom I have interacted with at Barrow have influenced me a lot in one way or another. I am especially grateful to my mentors, Dr. Laura Snyder and Dr. Brian Kelly, for their unwavering and invaluable support and guidance.

Michael Silva, MD

New role: Neurosurgeon, Howell Allen Clinic, Nashville, Tennessee

1. My most memorable experience at Barrow was being a part of Dr. Felipe Albuquerque’s retirement celebration and meeting the huge group of endovascular fellowship alumni who came back to Barrow for the event.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to take advantage of the amazing events, talks, and symposia that Barrow organizes each month. Barrow is a very special place.
3. My co-fellows, Drs. Sam Hall and Naveed Kamal, influenced me tremendously this year. They pushed me to be a better physician and became great friends as well.

Davis Taylor, MD

1. My first bypass anastomosis with Dr. Michael Lawton is the pinnacle of a cerebrovascular experience. But a single memorable moment is hard to identify, as the entire experience—the teaching of residents, the friendships made with residents and attendings, and the education and mentorship of Dr. Lawton—is equally as memorable and important to the process.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to remain patient, treat the chiefs well and they will treat you well, pay attention to the little things (such as microscope position and hand position), and embrace the mouthpiece and foot pedal.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most are Dr. Lawton and the chief neurosurgery residents, Drs. Noon, Pacult, Zavala, and Rudy.

Michael Yang, MD

New role: Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice in Neurosurgery, Highlands Ranch Hospital, Denver, Colorado

1. Despite a lifetime of memories in the operating room, clinic interactions with profusely thankful patients are the most indelible. Patients seek out Barrow from every corner of the country and globe, and surgeries here transform lives. I feel so privileged to have been part of that transformation.
2. There are endless neurosurgical opportunities and possibilities at and through Barrow. I would advise my younger self to dive—and become fully immersed—in the world-class research; skillful surgeries; supportive relationships with peers and attendings; and one-of-a-kind, work-hard-play-hard culture.
3. I am infinitely grateful for the surgical expertise, technical pearls, and wisdom imparted by Drs. Kumar Kakarla, Laura Snyder, and Jay Turner during my complex spine fellowship this past year. Their guidance and mentorship will be invaluable as I transition to practice and for years to come. And to the residents and operating room staff, thank you for welcoming me, teaching me, and supporting me throughout the past year.

Neurology Fellows

Siddhant Arora, MD

New role: Neurohospitalist and Stroke Medical Director, PeaceHealth, Bellingham, Washington

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were the opportunities to learn something new every day—from being immersed in the incredible educational environment and presenting at and attending research conferences, to building camaraderie outside of the hospital during happy hours with colleagues. I am especially grateful for the kindness and support I received from my department during a difficult personal time following the loss of my grandmother.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to remember that this year will go by faster than you think. Learn as much as you can—both on service and during electives—while also making time to enjoy life outside the hospital. Explore, travel, and build meaningful relationships because Barrow provides an incredible platform to learn not only medicine but also from the people around you.
3. I am especially grateful to Dr. Supreet Kaur, whose mentorship in stroke neurology, research, and clinical reasoning had a profound impact on my training. I was constantly inspired by her depth of knowledge, particularly regarding stroke trials and evidence-based care. I am also thankful to Dr. Ashutosh Jadhav, whose enthusiasm for neurointervention and engaging case-based discussions during didactics made learning both exciting and memorable.

Elizabeth Cipparrone, DO

New role: Headache Neurologist, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. I have enjoyed many moments at Barrow, from discussions with my mentors to patients who surprised me. Every day has shaped me as a person and a clinician.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to relax. You are here to learn, and curiosity is more important than perfection while you are training.
3. No fair. This feels like a trick question. Honestly, of course my attendings influenced me, but also our advanced practice providers and my patients who continually surprise me.

Laura Collins, MD

New role: Clinical Neurophysiology Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were spending time and developing friendships with my co-fellows.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training would be to relax instead of being nervous. Barrow has been a wonderful place to grow and learn.
3. The Barrow epilepsy faculty have been wonderful mentors, and I greatly appreciate the time they spent teaching and guiding me.

Christopher Martin, MD

New role: Clinical Neurophysiology Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moment at Barrow was the first time I accessed the Doctor’s Lounge and ate three Snickers ice cream bars in a row.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to not eat three Snickers ice cream bars in a row.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most are the fiercely exceptional EEG technicians and the epilepsy faculty.

Oladayo Osuntokun, MD

New role: Epilepsy Fellow, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were reading EEGs at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The children were so adorable.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be: Don’t worry. It’ll be hard work, but you will be OK.
3. I can’t pick one person who influenced me the most during my fellowship. I honestly appreciated everyone.

Alisha Qaiser, MD

New role: Vascular Neurologist, Corewell Health/Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

1. One of my most memorable experiences at Barrow was caring for a patient whose case was initially discussed with me over the phone by an emergency physician at an outside hospital during an acute stroke alert. Based on the presentation, I recommended treatment with tenecteplase (TNK) and transfer for mechanical thrombectomy. I later met the patient after the procedure and had the opportunity to see him again during my acute rehabilitation rotation, where he was doing remarkably well. It was incredibly rewarding to be part of this patient’s recovery journey and reinforced for me the profound impact that timely stroke care can have on a patient’s life.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to embrace every moment and enjoy the ride because this is one of the most meaningful parts of medicine. The long days, challenging cases, and constant learning can feel overwhelming at times, but they are also the moments that shape you the most.
3. The incredible support from the entire stroke team influenced me the most at Barrow. The residents, attendings, nurses, and clinic staff all created an environment where I felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged to learn and grow. No matter how busy things were, people were always willing to help one another. It reminded me how important teamwork, kindness, and mentorship are in medicine.

Graduates who did not submit responses:

Neuroradiology Fellows

“To the graduating neuroradiology class of 2026: It has been a true privilege to watch you grow throughout this fellowship. You have distinguished yourselves not only through your clinical excellence and intellectual curiosity, but through the collegiality and compassion you have brought to every case and every patient. As you take this next step, you do so with the full confidence of the faculty behind you—we have no doubt you will excel wherever your careers lead. On behalf of the entire neuroradiology staff, congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of each of you and look forward to seeing the impact you will have on patients, colleagues, and the field for years to come. Wishing you every success in the chapters ahead.”

–Jeremy Hughes, MD, Director, Neuroradiology Fellowship Program

Caleb Boehler, DO

New role: Neuroradiologist, Sanford Radiology Clinic, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were noon conference times with the co-fellows.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to enjoy the year; you made a great choice.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced the most are my co-fellows and all of my neuroradiology attendings, with a special shout-out to Drs. Austin Svec and Mathew Smith.

David Casper, MD

New role: Valleywise Health Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moment at Barrow was when Dr. Mat Smith brought his coffee setup to educate the fellows on specialty coffee.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to keep an open mind, even in situations that make you uncomfortable. Some of the best learning comes from things that make you uneasy.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced the most are Drs. Austin Svec and Mat Smith. Working with two brand-new attendings and seeing the caliber they practice radiology at has given me confidence that the training I am going through will prepare me for the future. The way they conduct themselves also serves as a model for how I hope to practice.

Khalid Eteer, MD

New role: Emergency Radiologist, Wake Radiology UNC REX Healthcare, Raleigh, North Carolina

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were the daily walks with coworkers and staff to the Barrow lounge for a quick snack or lunch. Over the year, this small act fostered camaraderie and friendships that I’m sure will continue for years after.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to enjoy every day because the year will be over before you know it.
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most are Drs. Mathew Smith and Austin Svec for being shining examples of how to be a junior attending, as instructors and forever learners.

Dylan Hoyt, MD

New role: Neuroradiologist, Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants, Fort Collins, Colorado

1. A memorable experience during my time at Barrow was meeting the radiology residents in Tanzania via Zoom with my classmates, and meeting with them again later on in the year to present on a neuroradiology topic.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to focus on the anatomy early on. At Barrow, there will be numerous highly complex patients, and you will work with many experienced neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, and neurologists. Your ability to localize findings using exact anatomic terminology is crucial.
3. My neuroradiology attendings have most influenced me this year at Barrow. Dr. John Karis has influenced me with his exceptional understanding of MRI and his commitment to advancing the field. Dr. Jeremy Hughes has an impressive span of medical knowledge and has offered countless learning points that I will continue to utilize in my practice.

Naomi Kis, MD

New role: Private Practice Radiologist, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments of fellowship were working alongside the incredible staff and co-fellows.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of fellowship training would be to enjoy every day and have fun.
3. It was wonderful working with the entire neuroradiology staff, but I’d like to give a special shout-out to Dr. John Karis for his unwavering support.

Blake Marmie, MD

New role: Neuroradiology and Nuclear Radiology, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, Temple, Texas

1. What I will remember most from my time at Barrow are the incredible patients and cases; learning from the best in the world at neuroradiology, neurosurgery, and neurology; and the time spent in the reading room with my co-fellows and attendings.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be that the year goes by fast; enjoy it.
3.  All of the faculty in the Department of Neuroradiology have been excellent. Dr. John Karis has an incredible background in MRI physics and a long established neuroradiology practice. Drs. Jeremy Hughes, Kevin King, Wende Gibbs, Manoj Massand, and Raja Mushtaq have incredible educational and clinical expertise. Drs. Svec and Smith provided a lot of procedural education and reading room clinical education. I had an incredible fellowship, and it is largely due to the awesome staff. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to train at Barrow.

Casey Meek, MD

New role: Neuroradiologist, Boise Radiology Group, Boise, Idaho

1. My most memorable moment during my time at Barrow was mountain biking with Dr. John Karis and finding a tortoise along the trail.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to remember that it goes by quick; make the most of it.
3. Everyone has been impactful during my fellowship, including my class of co-fellows, but I worked most with Drs. John Karis, Mathew Smith, Austin Svec, and Raza Mushtaq and am especially grateful for their education.

Zachary Morrison, MD

New role: Staff Radiologist, Valleywise Health, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow were listening to Dr. Mat Smith talk about the food he likes.
2. My advice to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to attend more interdisciplinary conferences.
3. Everyone I’ve worked with at Barrow has been awesome. It’s been such a well-rounded experience. I just wish Dr. Mushtaq was better at ping-pong.

Benjamin Weigman, MD

New role: Radiologist, Marathon Medical Imaging, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow involved the camaraderie of the reading room among the attendings and fellows, great ping-pong battles, and fellow lunches.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to enjoy every day and appreciate the many learning opportunities, as the year is over in a flash.
3. Drs. Mathew Smith, Austin Svec, and Raza Mushtaq were the most influential during my time at Barrow, as their mentorship and pearls of wisdom positively impacted my understanding of neuroradiology and life as a new attending.

Richard Wruble, DO

New role: Radiology Group Staff Radiologist, Phoenix, Arizona

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow include all of the days I spent learning from incredibly talented staff and interacting with other specialties who strive to provide the highest quality care possible.
2. I would advise myself on my first day of training at Barrow to ask as many questions as possible throughout training to maximize learning.
3. The people who have influenced me the most include the neuroradiology staff here at Barrow. They have helped shape me into a confident and capable neuroradiologist, who is proud to carry on the training they have provided me into my practice.

Physical Therapy Neurologic Residents

“Graduating physical therapy residents, congratulations on completing a very challenging year. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have brought you to becoming a well-rounded, confident clinician. We are so proud of the growth you’ve demonstrated throughout your residency, which shows you have achieved the knowledge, skills, and compassion to make a significant impact on your patients’ lives. We wish you the best for your future.”

-Risa Maruyama, PT, Director, Physical Therapy Neurology Residency Program

Rachel Black, PT, DPT

Editor’s Note: Before starting a new role, Dr. Black will be taking time off to explore Austria and sail the coast of Italy.

1. My most memorable moments at Barrow included transferring a patient with complete paraplegia for the first time (with progression of slide board transfers) and having a patient with a disorder of consciousness stand for the first time and then walk with cardiac walker. I had been working with the latter patient for a long time (yes, I cried).
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to treat yourself with kindness; you will be making a lot of mistakes (in a good way).
3. The people at Barrow who have influenced me the most are Brenda, Ammon, Barbara M., and Megan Pagan.
   • Brenda for being compassionate and patient and guiding residents with clinical pearls, particularly with specialty patient populations.
   • Ammon for being patient in teaching me dependent transfers, various hemi stand-pivot transfers, gait training, and how to use the Barihab table—all with a sense of humor while maintaining a high level of excellence and patient-centered care.
   • Barbara for her insights and flexibility in the modification of treatment sessions and for helping me progress my spinal cord injury skills, which made me the clinician I am today.
   • Megan for being incredibly patient in helping me navigate a challenging setting with compassion, attention to detail, and evidence-based practice.

Jacquelyn Dompier, PT, DPT

New role: General Neuro Outpatient Physical Therapist, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

1. There are too many memorable moments from my time at Barrow to pick just one. I will remember:
   • Forming new friendships and following the brilliant minds all around campus.
   • Two-step dancing to music with a patient with Parkinson’s, blending physical therapy with what he loved and watching him light up and move differently than I could have ever imagined when we first met.
   • Two very specific patients I got to see, both with traumatic brain injuries, whom I had the pleasure of working with across the entire continuum. I will never forget them or their families.
   • Teaching my first very complicated car transfer for a patient with a spinal cord injury. I met him on his first day in acute rehab, and I got to be with him on one of his final days for family training before he went home. This was one of my first “aha” moments of confidence in my new skills—confidence itself being one of them. The “oh my gosh, I can do this” feeling was something I was fighting for during this residency, and it was a really special experience altogether.
2. The advice I would give to my younger self on my first day of training at Barrow would be to remember that confidence, knowledge, and experience won’t come as fast as you want them to. Learning and asking questions to be better prepared helps you and the patient—and sometimes even your mentor. You are not the weak link in their rehabilitation journey; it will come.
3. It’s impossible to pick one person at Barrow who has influenced me most. I’d be neglecting recognition for so many incredible people and clinicians. The most memorable people are my coworkers, my mentors, and the patients I will never forget. If I had to pick one, I think Katie Asher might have been the most influential person. She was the first resident in the PT Neurologic Residency Program at Barrow. She has become one of the most talented, dedicated, and brilliant clinicians I have ever worked with—and one of the most genuine people. She goes above and beyond for her patients with effort, evidence, and empathy. She does the same for her coworkers and peers. When Katie doesn’t know the answer, she asks one of the amazing resources here or looks it up and goes on a deep dive to understand and then teach others. She is encouraging and supportive on the good days and reassuring and motivating on the hard days. Katie Asher is a clinician that I hope I can be more like one day.

ASU-Barrow Neuroscience PhD Students

Graduates who did not submit responses:

Featured illustration created by Ann Mai, Barrow Neuroscience Publications