Med School/Year Graduated: A.T. Still University, 2007
Years in Practice: 14
Apologies, but we must ask: Are you related to Evel?
Yes, I am [distantly]!
You’re board-certified in headache medicine. What does that encompass?
We treat severe refractory migraine and other headaches, facial pain and disorders of spinal fluid pressure. We use medications [and] injection procedures and employ a holistic care approach including lifestyle, psychology, physical therapy, diet, yoga and mindfulness.
Have you ever suffered from headaches?
Yes, as have friends and family members.
Has that shaped your approach with patients?
Absolutely. Experiencing headache creates empathy for my patients and a true appreciation of the impact headache can have on our lives.
Before going to med school, you obtained a master’s in neuroanatomy and neurobiology. How did that ultimately help you as a clinician?
It solidified my love for neurology and created a deeper understanding of neuroscience before medical school and residency.
Does it also mean you’re handy in the lab? Talk a little about research and theory. Have you participated in any notable studies or development efforts?
Yes, I developed a love for research while completing my master’s, and I’m very proud that we conduct a series of clinical studies at the Lewis Headache Center at Barrow Neurological Institute. Although this research is not necessarily lab-based, this pioneering research in the clinical setting allows us to have a more detailed understanding of headache and migraine, which in return makes a huge difference in the lives of our patients.
What are your thoughts about biofeedback as a headache remedy? Are there any rules of thumb that can get people started at home?
Biofeedback along with other mind-body practices are very important for headache management. The Lewis Center offers mindfulness resources and support to our patients to help them find relief in addition to other treatments tailored to their specific needs.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Travel, cooking, watercolor painting and hiking with my German shorthaired pointer, Truxel.
What shows are you streaming these days?
I just finished Shrinking and am rewatching Schitt’s Creek now!
“If I wasn’t a doctor, I’d be…”
I really can’t imagine another career, but I would either own a flower shop or a bakery if I didn’t work in the medical field.
