Sakshi Bajaj, MD

Natasha Hameed, MD, is a neurologist specializing in neuroimmunology and multiple sclerosis, dedicated to providing advanced care for patients at Northwell Health Physician Partners Neuroscience Institute at Great Neck.Dr. Hameed is a leading expert in the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of neuroimmunological disorders. Her areas of focus include complex conditions such as multiple sclerosis, myelitis (including transverse myelitis), neuromyelitis optica, optic neuritis, demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, encephalomyelitis, autoimmune encephalitis, and neurosarcoidosis. She is committed to offering comprehensive and personalized treatment plans to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by these challenging neurological conditions.Dr. Hameed completed her medical education at the University of Health Sciences Lahore, earning her Bachelor of Medicine (MB). She further honed her clinical skills through a rigorous residency in Neurology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She also completed a fellowship at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, deepening her expertise in neurological rehabilitation and patient care.Board-certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry/Neurology, Dr. Hameed is recognized for her exceptional knowledge and dedication to the field. She is passionate about advancing the understanding and treatment of neuroimmunological diseases through her clinical practice and commitment to patient well-being.

Souhel Najjar, MD is the Chair of Neurology at Lenox Hill Hospital and Staten Island University Hospital and is Chair and Professor of Neurology at the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. Dr. Najjar is a world-renowned physician, internationally recognized for his clinical, research and teaching expertise, having dedicated his career to the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, neuroinflammation-related neuropsychiatric disorders and autoimmune disorders of central nervous system.Dr. Najjar received his MD from Demascus Medical School in Syria and completed residencies in pathology and neurology at Albany Medical College. Following residency Dr. Najjar completed a fellowship in neuropathology at the NYU School of Medicine as well as a fellowship in epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology at NYU's Hospital for Joint Diseases.Prior to his appointment at North Shore-LIJ, Dr. Najjar was the Director of Neurosciences and Director of Stroke at SIUH, as well as the Director of Epilepsy Quality Assurance and Associate Professor of Neurology at New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Najjar was also the Founder and Director of the Epilepsy Center Division of the NYU Department of Neurology's Neuroinflammation Research Group.Dr. Najjar was featured in the New York Times' best-selling novel "Brain on Fire," a memoir written by Susannah Cahalan, a reporter from the New York Post. Dr. Najjar diagnosed Ms. Cahalan with a rare autoimmune disease in which the body was attacking her brain. This illness is now thought to have been the cause of "demonic possessions" throughout history.In addition, Dr. Najjar has been featured in several nationally syndicated broadcast interviews including TLC's "Mystery Diagnosis," NBC-TV's "Today" show and ABC-TV's "Katie Couric Show." Dr. Najjar has also been featured in Oprah magazine and Forbes magazine and has been included in "Best Doctors" issues published by US News and World Report and New York magazine. Dr. Najjar was also recognized in Exceptional Parent Magazine's Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the care of children with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, movement disorders and related disabilities. Dr. Najjar's work has been widely published and is a reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals. He is also the Co-Director of the Scientific Planning Committee of the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance and lectures regularly both nationally and internationally.

Robert A. Duarte, MD joined the North Shore-LIJ Health System in 1991 and is Director of the Pain Center and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. Dr. Duarte is board certified in neurology, pain medicine and headache medicine and is also a certified acupuncturist. His clinical interests also include traumatic brain injury and concussion. Dr. Duarte attended Ponce School of Medicine and completed his residency in neurology at Nassau University Medical Center. Post residency Dr. Duarte completed a fellowship in pain/headache management at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.Dr. Duarte is President Elect of the New York State Pain Society and a member of the American Headache Society and American Academy of Neurology. He also sits on the Admissions Committee for Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine and is board member of the College of Health Professions in Syosset, NY.Dr. Duarte has written multiple chapters on pain, headache, complementary medicine and traumatic brain injury. He lectures extensively and continues to participate in multiple research projects on pain and headache.