Awards & Recognitions – November 2025

ISCoS Third-Place Poster

Matthias Linke, DO, director of spinal cord injury rehabilitation at Barrow, represented the Institute at the 2025 International Spinal Cord Injury Society Meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden. There, he presented on a neurogenic bladder education module and won third place in the “Fall Prevention – Spinal Cord Protection Poster Contest.” The competition was held in honor of World SCI Day.

AAN Palatucci Grant

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has selected Barrow neurology resident Tshibambe Nathanael Tshimbombu, MD, as one of the recipients of the 2026 Palatucci Action Plan Support Grant. Dr. Tshimbombu received the grant for his project, the “Bongo Initiative.” Named after the Ligala word for “brain,” the “Bongo” project aims to establish an online platform through with Congolese physicians will receive bimonthly, high-yield stroke education delivered by global stroke experts. It is part of Dr. Tshimbombu’s larger vision for reshaping the landscape of stroke education in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Az Business’ Best Doctors

Eight physicians from Barrow Neurological Institute are among Az Business magazine’s “100 Best Doctors in Arizona for 2026.“ AZ Big Media compiled this list in collaboration with industry experts to spotlight medical excellence, help patients find top care, elevate health care standards across the state. The eight physicians are:

• Michael T. Lawton, MD
• Francisco A. Ponce, MD
• Randall W. Porter, MD
• Marwan Sabbagh, MD, FAAN
• Nader Sanai, MD (pictured on the magazine cover)
• Jeremy Shefner, MD, PhD
• Jay D. Turner, MD, PhD
• Juan Uribe, MD