Stroke / Vascular Neurology Division
Our mission is to lead the way in stroke care excellence within the Mid-South region, dedicated to enhancing health and well-being through innovative, compassionate, and high-quality care for stroke patients. We are committed to providing cost-effective solutions, advancing academic research, and delivering exceptional service, ensuring optimal outcomes for our community.
Through our team of skilled vascular neurologists, nurse practitioners, and fellows, alongside our collaboration with esteemed institutions like Semmes Murphey Clinic, we strive for excellence in acute stroke management, secondary prevention, and stroke recovery. Our comprehensive approach extends beyond treatment, encompassing outreach and education initiatives that empower our community with vital knowledge for stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
As primary referral centers for acute stroke care, we serve a diverse population spanning the tri-state area, including Eastern Arkansas and Northern Mississippi. With one of the highest treatment rates in the region, we annually administer over 600 IV thrombolysis and 400 thrombectomies, delivering life-saving interventions that positively impact countless lives.
Driven by our unwavering dedication to innovation, quality, and service, we aim to set the standard for stroke care excellence, ensuring every patient receives the utmost care and support on their journey to recovery.
Balaji Krishnaiah, MD
Division Chief of Vascular Neurology
Fellowship
Our program offers a one-year ACGME-accredited vascular neurology fellowship, with four positions available annually. Designed to cultivate expertise and leadership in stroke care, our fellowship provides comprehensive training and diverse opportunities for subspecialty electives, including endovascular neurosurgery, neurocritical care, neuroradiology, neurosonology, and research.
Rotations encompass inpatient and outpatient settings, primarily based at the Methodist University Hospital Comprehensive Stroke Center, a hub of innovation and excellence in stroke care. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, fellows gain hands-on experience in acute stroke management, secondary prevention, and rehabilitation, preparing them for the complexities of stroke care delivery.
Our commitment to fostering excellence extends beyond clinical training, empowering fellows to pursue diverse career pathways. Graduates of our program have embarked on fulfilling careers in neuro-interventional fellowships, academic faculty positions, stroke directorship roles, and neuro-hospitalist positions, among other things.
Visit our Fellowship Site!Research
Our Vascular Neurology division stands at the forefront of stroke research, spearheading groundbreaking trials funded by private industry and federal institutions like the NIH StrokeNet. As an integral part of the StrokeNet RCC Wash U, we collaborate with leading experts to advance our understanding of stroke and develop innovative treatments. Participation in numerous acute stroke and secondary prevention clinical trials underscores our commitment to driving progress in stroke care. Our fellows benefit from immersive research opportunities, with the option to pursue an additional year of fellowship focused on StrokeNet initiatives.
Telestroke
Operating across three Methodist facilities, each designated as a primary stroke center, our team is dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality stroke care to our community. With nearly 1000 new consults per year, our commitment to excellence is evident in our extensive reach and impact on stroke management.
Recognizing the importance of telemedicine in modern healthcare delivery, our fellowship program offers an elective in telestroke. This opportunity allows our fellows to gain valuable experience in leveraging technology to provide timely and specialized care to stroke patients, regardless of geographic location.