Autoimmune Neurology
Dr. Sharma grew up in India in a military background, and went to medical school in one of the largest government funded tertiary care centers in the capital. She then joined the Clinical and Translational Neuromuscular Research Program at the Yale School of Medicine. Her lab research with the Guthy Jackson Foundation under the mentorship of Dr. Kevin O’Connor focused on novel, high-throughput assays studying serum and CSF biomarkers in NMO. Dr. Sharma also worked with Dr. Richard Nowak on the clinical side, during which she interfaced between the clinic and the basic science laboratory, acting as a link between them. She helped develop the bio-repository, followed research subjects, and developed research questions and areas of independent investigations. She served as the principal blinded evaluator for multiple clinical trials. She was also in charge of the development, successful launch, and maintenance of the EXPLORE-MG registry using REDCap, which enabled this to be used as a tool to study MG patients longitudinally. During residency, Dr. Sharma found herself particularly drawn towards neuroimmunology, especially the intersection with multiple areas of biomedical science such as systemic autoimmunity, vaccines, infections, and possibly even neurodegenerative disease. She is very excited to start her fellowship in Utah, and will be moving there with her husband and their puppy. In her free time, she likes to cook, hike, and play board games.
Autonomic Disorders
Luke grew up in Fort Collins, CO where he attended Colorado State University for an undergraduate degree in chemistry and master's degree in biomedical science. After several unrelated work experiences including tennis coach, school nurse, and internet radio show host, he settled on a career in medicine and completed his medical training at Loma Linda University. While completing his pediatric neurology residency at the University of Utah, he became very interested in the care of patients with autonomic disorders, particularly in the pediatric population. In his spare time he enjoys recording and producing music, trying out new recipes, and snuggling with his two cats.
Neuroimmunology
Cori grew up in the Boston area and moved to Maine in high school. She earned a double major in Spanish and physiology/neurobiology at the University of Connecticut, where she also pursued her love for ski racing as a member of the UConn Ski Team. She then worked for two years as a women's health case manager at a community health center in Boston area before attending the University of Vermont for medical school. She did her residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she served as chief resident. She is excited to join the neuroimmunology team and to be back in the mountains.
Clinical Neurophysiology
Ram grew up in Delhi, India where he received his medical degree from Delhi University and later moved to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh to pursue his master’s degree while working as resident teaching fellow. He then moved to the United Kingdom for his FRCS and worked at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he was involved in cutting-edge research in transplant surgery and he presented his findings nationally and internationally. Subsequently, he moved to the United States of America. While staying home to take care of his daughter, he mentored medical students online and contributed as an author to First Aid for USMLE Step 1 for several years. While doing his residency in neurology, he became interested in the electrophysiological aspect of the field and decided to further pursue a sub-specialization in neurophysiology at the University of Utah.
Neurocritical Care
Connie completed her residency at the University of Southern California and loves geeking out over neurology. Although she is a neurologist first and foremost, she knew she wanted to devote time to training in neurocritical care. She completed her undergraduate studies at University of California San Diego and obtained her medical degree from University of California Los Angeles. She additionally spent some time in Taiwan as well as in Boston for a postbaccalaureate program. Her husband, Matt, has a shrine in devotion to mountain biking, so he will fit in well here. All four members of the family, including their two cats, are eager for the mountain life!
Neuromuscular
Brittany Passiak grew up in Connecticut and then moved to Nashville, TN, for her undergraduate degree in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University. She worked for a year in electronic health record implementation and optimization before returning to Vanderbilt for medical school and a child neurology residency. In residency, she evaluated the efficacy of mixed modality resident education modules and created QR-code based education pamphlets for the pediatric neurology clinic. She hopes to advance pediatric neuromuscular care through clinical trials while focusing on equity through patient/family education initiatives and investigating barriers to care. Outside of work, she is looking forward to exploring the outdoors of Utah with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Midori Eckenstein grew up in Burlington, Vermont and completed her undergraduate degree and medical degree at the University of Vermont. Following graduation, she moved to Salt Lake City for a Neurology Residency at the University of Utah. During her time at the University of Utah, she gained more interest in neuromuscular disorders and made the easy decision of pursuing a fellowship.
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Dr. Riehle received her undergraduate degree in biology and German from Boston College. She subsequently worked in a plasmid repository in Boston for two years before heading to medical school. She graduated from medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Maine and completed her neurology residency at the University of Vermont Medical Center. During residency, Dr. Riehle served as the teaching chief and worked closely with the medical school neurology clerkship. She is excited to be the neuro-ophthalmology fellow and be a part of the team.
Vascular
Dr. Wiggins is originally from Missouri, although she considers New Mexico to be her home at heart. She attended the University of New Mexico where she received a BA in biology and minor in chemistry and public health. She then went on to complete medical school at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and completed her neurology residency at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. Her hobbies include hiking, traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with family and friends. She looks forward to embarking on this new journey in Utah!
Holly did her medical school training at Loma Linda University in Southern California and completed her neurology residency at the University of Utah. She enjoys finding new vegan restaurants, hiking, and exploring national parks. She is looking forward to staying here at the University of Utah for her fellowship!
