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Welcome to the Second Annual Neurology Research Symposium

We are delighted to welcome you to the Second Annual Neurology Research Symposium, hosted by the Department of Neurology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The symposium will take place on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Nicholson Conference Center (Gandy Auditorium, Conference Rooms A & B).

Building on the success of our inaugural event, this year’s symposium will focus on Artificial Intelligence in Neurology, highlighting the rapidly evolving role of AI in clinical care, research, and neuroscience innovation.

The program will feature keynote presentations from leaders in the field, including Dr. Lidia Moura (Harvard University)Dr. Shishir Shah (University of Oklahoma), Dr. Benjamin Kummer (Mount Sinai), and Dr. Oana Damițrăscu (Mayo Clinic), alongside talks from faculty and trainees. Through oral presentations, poster sessions, and interactive discussions, the symposium aims to foster collaboration and spark new ideas at the intersection of neurology and technology.

This event is designed for clinicians, researchers, trainees, and students interested in the future of neurological care and discovery. We hope this symposium will serve as a platform to showcase innovative work, strengthen interdisciplinary connections, and inspire the next generation of research in our field.

We look forward to welcoming you for a full day of learning, collaboration, and innovation.

Symposium chairs,

Michel Torbey, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAN, FANA, FNCS, FAHA
Calin Prodan, MD, FANA
Faddi Saleh Velez, MD

About the Symposium

The Second Annual Neurology Research Symposium, hosted by the Department of Neurology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, is dedicated to advancing education, research, and collaboration at the intersection of neurology and artificial intelligence. This year’s theme, Artificial Intelligence in Neurology, highlights the transformative role of AI in clinical care, neuroscience research, and healthcare innovation. The symposium will bring together leading experts, clinicians, and researchers to share knowledge, discuss emerging technologies, and explore how data-driven approaches can enhance diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. Through keynote presentations, invited talks, trainee contributions, and interactive discussions, the event aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and inspire new directions in neurological research.

Keynote Speakers

Lidia Moura, M.D., Ph.D. | Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital

Dr. Lidia Moura is a neurologist and researcher at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where her work focuses on the application of artificial intelligence and advanced neurophysiological techniques to neurological disorders. Her research integrates EEG analysis, machine learning, and clinical neurology to improve diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment of patients with acute brain injuries, including stroke and disorders of consciousness. Dr. Moura’s work aims to bridge the gap between complex neurological data and real-time clinical decision-making, helping translate AI-driven insights into meaningful improvements in patient care. She has been widely recognized for her contributions to neurocritical care and computational neurology, and her research continues to shape how AI is integrated into modern neurological practice.


Shishir Shah, Ph.D. | University of Oklahoma

Dr. Shishir Shah is the Chief AI Officer at the University of Oklahoma and a professor with extensive expertise in artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, and medical imaging. His work focuses on developing and implementing AI-driven solutions to improve healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and clinical workflows. Dr. Shah has led numerous interdisciplinary initiatives that integrate machine learning with real-world clinical applications, with a strong emphasis on translating AI innovations into scalable and impactful healthcare solutions. His leadership plays a key role in advancing the adoption of artificial intelligence across academic medicine and clinical practice.



Benjamin Kummer M.D. | Mount Sinai

Dr. Benjamin Kummer is a vascular neurologist, clinical informaticist, and Associate Professor of Neurology at Mount Sinai, where he works at the intersection of stroke care, digital health, and artificial intelligence. His work focuses on developing and implementing technology-enabled solutions that improve the quality and efficiency of neurological care, including clinical decision support tools, predictive analytics, and telehealth systems. He also holds an appointment in Mount Sinai’s Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, reflecting his leadership in bringing AI into real-world neurological practice.





Oana M. Dumitrascu M.D. | Mayo Clinic

Dr. Oana Dumitrascu is a Professor of Neurology at Mayo Clinic whose academic and clinical work centers on stroke, cerebrovascular disease, and cognitive disorders related to vascular and neurodegenerative conditions. Her research explores innovative systems of care, including telestroke and tele-ophthalmology, and she is actively evaluating how artificial intelligence can strengthen these models to improve diagnosis, access, and outcomes in neurological care. Her perspective brings together clinical excellence, systems innovation, and the expanding role of AI in modern neurology. 

Other Speakers

Faddi Saleh Velez, MD
Calin Prodan, MD
Michel Torbey, MD
***To be announced***

Opening and Closing Remarks: Dr. Michel Torbey, Chair of Neurology

2026 Symposium Committee Members

Michel T. Torbey, MD, MPH, MBA., FAAN, FANA, FNCS, FAHA

Dr. Michel Torbey serves as the Chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and as Clinical Service Chief of Neurology at OU Health. An internationally recognized physician-scientist specializing in vascular neurology and neurocritical care, Dr. Torbey has made significant contributions to stroke research and patient care. Prior to joining OU, he was a professor and chair at the University of New Mexico, where he expanded specialized services and research initiatives. Dr. Torbey has authored over 200 publications and has held leadership positions in several professional organizations, including serving as past president of the Neurocritical Care Society. Dr. Torbey’s research centers on advancing the understanding and treatment of acute neurological emergencies, with a particular focus on intracerebral hemorrhage, stroke recovery, and innovations in neurocritical care.

Calin I. Prodan, MD, FANA

Dr. Calin Prodan is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and holds the Ethelyn McElwee Endowed Chair in Alzheimer’s Research. He specializes in dementia and behavioral neurology, focusing on the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in earliest stages of memory loss. His research interests include synergistic research on age-related manifestations of cerebrovascular disease, by exploring mechanisms underlying the link between platelet biology and vascular changes leading to long-term neurological consequences and cognitive decline. Dr. Prodan has published extensively on topics including platelet pro-coagulant potential, cognitive aging, biomarkers, and neuroimaging.

Faddi G. Saleh Velez, MD

Dr. Faddi Saleh Velez is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and serves as the Associate Director of the Vascular Neurology Fellowship Training Program and Co-Director of the Brain Stimulation and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory at OUHSC. He earned his medical degree from Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Colombia, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in neuromodulation and clinical research at Harvard University followed by training in neurology residency at the University of Chicago and a vascular neurology fellowship at the University of Miami. His research interests include neurovascular effects of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques in neuropsychiatric disorders such as stroke, neuropathic pain, vascular related cognitive impairment and he has been recognized in the Future Stroke Leaders program from the World Stroke Organization as well as Diversity leaders program from the American Academy of Neurology. As principal investigator for multiple clinical trials and site PI for StrokeNet studies at OUHSC, he actively advances stroke research.

Abstract Submission

We encourage trainees, residents, fellows, researchers, scientists, attendings, and staff to submit abstracts highlighting their work.
Selected abstracts will be featured as oral presentations or posters during the symposium.

Submission guidelines:

  • Abstracts should be no more than 400 words.
  • Include title, authors, affiliations, and a structured abstract (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion).
  • Up to 3 images are accepted with submission
  • For trainees – Include attending/mentor/supervisor
  • Case reports will only be accepted for medical students and trainees at the level PGY1 and PGY2
  • Abstract submission opening: April 20th, 2026
  • Deadline for submission: May 18th, 2026 (5:00 PM)
  • Notifications of acceptance will be sent by May 29th, 2026

Please submit your abstract after completing registration by following the link on the registration confirmation page.

Registration

Registration is open to all OUHSC staff, neurologists, researchers, residents, fellows, students, and other professionals interested in AI in neurology.

Registration includes:

  • Access to keynote talks, invited lectures, and trainee presentations
  • Breakfast, lunch, and networking opportunities
  • Access to the poster session and award ceremony

Register

Program Schedule 2026

8:00-8:30am Registration & Breakfast
***

Coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend the symposium?

The symposium is open to neurologists, stroke specialists, researchers, residents, fellows, students, and healthcare professionals interested in vascular neurology and cognitive health from OU or outside OU network.

Is there a fee to register?

There is no registration fee, but advance registration is required.

How do I submit an abstract?

You may submit your abstract through the submission link provided after completing your registration. Please refer to the submission guidelines above.

What is the deadline for abstract submissions?

The deadline for abstract submission is May 18, 2026 (5:00 PM).

Will CME credits be offered?

No, CME credit will not be provided at this year's symposium.

What is the venue address?

Nicholson Conference Center (Gandy Auditorium, Conference Rooms A & B)

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

1000 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104

(405) 271-4700

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Please email us at Faddi-SalehVelez@ouhsc.edu; Calin-Prodan@ouhsc.edu for any inquiries regarding the symposium.