Awards & Recognitions – June 2025
Newsweek‘s Best Hospitals for Neurological Care
Newsweek has named Barrow one of “America’s Best Hospitals for Neurological Care” for 2025. The No. 21 ranking recognizes our dedication to providing top-tier care for neurological conditions, specifically noting our expertise in epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neurological infections, brain tumor surgery, and spinal fusion surgery.
SPARK NS Award
Barrow scientist Fredric Manfredsson, PhD, is collaborating on a project that has been selected for the 2025 cohort of the SPARK NS Translational Research Program. The project, “A Disease-Modifying Gene Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease for Multimodal Patient Benefit,” is one of eight selected from around the world for the 2025 cohort. Each project will receive up to $2 million in milestone-based funding over the course of two years.
Dr. Manfredsson, a professor in the Department of Translational Neuroscience at Barrow, is collaborating with principal investigator Kathy Steece-Collier, PhD, a professor in the Department of Translational Neuroscience at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
With this cohort, SPARK NS aims to advance academic discoveries in Parkinson’s disease from the laboratory to the clinic. The nonprofit organization selected Dr. Steece-Collier and Dr. Manfredsson’s project for its robust and innovative approach to addressing an unmet need in Parkinson’s.
Distinguished Contribution to Diversity in Psychology
Monica Acevedo-Molina, PhD, a neuropsychology resident at Barrow, has been selected by the Arizona Psychological Association (AzPA) to receive the organization’s Distinguished Contribution to Diversity in Psychology Award. The award recognizes Dr. Acevedo-Molina’s commitment to advocating for diversity in all forms in Arizona. She will be presented with the award at the AzPA’s annual convention this fall.
Neuroradiology Fellowship Matches
On the heels of Radiology Fellowship Match Day, we’re excited to introduce our incoming class of neuroradiology fellows:
Top row, from left:
- Michael Ashley, MD
- Mason Bening, MD
- Michael Brunner, MD
- Ryan Forney, MD
- Joshua Hunt, MD
Bottom row, from left
- Harrison Lang, MD
- Jake Luther, MD
- Armon Nikravan, MD
- Zaid Saadeh, MD
- David Vogelsang, MD
Neurosurgery Teacher of the Year
At the Barrow neurosurgery graduation ceremony, the graduating neurosurgery residents presented neurosurgeon Zaman Mirzadeh, MD, PhD, with the 2025 “Teacher of the Year” award. Each year, this award is given to a faculty member who demonstrates commitment to and leadership in the education of young physicians.
Neurology Teacher of the Year
At the Barrow neurology graduation ceremony, the graduating neurology residents presented Patrick Crooks, MD, a neurologist in the Neurocritical Care Program, with the “Teacher of the Year” award for the 2024-25 academic year. Each year, this award is given to a faculty member who demonstrates commitment to and leadership in the education of young physicians.
Nurse of the Year
At the Barrow neurosurgery graduation ceremony, the graduating neurosurgery residents presented Mike Dela Cruz, BSN, RN, with the 2025 “Nurse of the Year” award. Each year, this award is given to a nurse to recognize their dedication to and leadership in consistently ensuring the highest quality of care for patients at Barrow and their families.
Surgical Technician of the Year
The graduating neurosurgery residents selected Marni Glenn Densing as the 2025 “Surgical Technician of the Year.” The award was created to recognize a surgical technician who shows dedication to and leadership in consistently ensuring the highest quality of care for patients at Barrow and their families.