BMC’s Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center is proud to be certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission, which recognizes our ability to treat complex strokes. Our multidisciplinary team of stroke neurologists, interventional neuroradiologists, and cerebrovascular neurosurgeons provides a full spectrum of diagnosis and treatment for patients with brain, carotid, and spinal vascular diseases. ### Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center - [Contact Us](#contact-us) - [Specialty Clinics](#specialty-clinics) - [Conditions We Treat](#conditions-we-treat) - [Treatments & Services](#treatments-services) - [Our Team](#our-team) - [Patient Resources](#patient-resources) - [Provider Resources](#provider-resources) - [Additional Information](#additional-information) - [Department News](#department-news) - [Research Overview](#research-overview) - [Residency and Fellowship Information](#residency-and-fellowship-information) ## Contact Us [ 725 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118 7th Floor, Suite 7B BMC, Shapiro Center ](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/725+Albany+Street,+Boston,+MA) [617.638.8456](tel:617.638.8456) Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM [ ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/bfc9329a-5a2c-47fb-a7a2-c64d0d17dfba/img_1611?io=transform:fill,width:300,height:200&format=jpg) ](/content/shapiro-center) ## Specialty Clinics [### Neurology A department providing specialized evaluation and treatment for a wide range of brain and nerve conditions, including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, headaches, memory loss, and concussion. ](/departments/neurology) ## Conditions We Treat - [Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/arteriovenous-malformations-avms) - [Brain Aneurysm](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/brain-aneurysm) - [Carotid Artery Disease](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/carotid-artery-disease) - [Cerebral Vasospasm](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/cerebral-vasospasm) - [Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (DAVF)](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/dural-arteriovenous-fistula-davf) - [Pulsatile Tinnitus](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/pulsatile-tinnitus) - [Sigmoid Sinus Diverticulum](/patient-care/conditions-we-treat/db/sigmoid-sinus-diverticulum) ## Treatments & Services ### Coiling Protocol This is a treatment protocol and guideline for aneurysm coiling and aneurysm flow diversion treatment used by our center. [Read more](/content/coiling-protocol) ### Spine Care The Section of Spinal Neurosurgery at Boston Medical Center encompasses the most advanced techniques to correct surgical disorders of the spine and spinal cord. [Read more](/content/spine-care) ## Our Team ### [Hugo J. Aparicio, MD, MPH](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/hugo-j-aparicio-md-mph) Neurologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/1ba173c0-eb0c-471e-b2a9-ffe6e6040692/Hugo-Aparicio_425_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Mohamad K Abdalkader, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/mohamad-k-abdalkader-md) Radiologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/6c218e9d-f650-4bdd-9731-a8aea33dcb9c/AbdalKader_Mohamad_MD_Radiology?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Ali Daneshmand, MD, MPH](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/ali-daneshmand-md-mph) Neurologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/628ab09b-3395-4d0a-b67a-56434501ed7f/Ali-Daneshmand-2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Emily K. Hamlyn, NP](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/emily-k-hamlyn-np) Nurse Practitioner ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/d923b4ac-5873-4875-8b88-ac3a4c2a9dfa/Emily-Sweetra_65_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [James W. Holsapple, MD, FAANS](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/james-w-holsapple-md-faans) Chief of Neurosurgery ![Photography for Bond Brothers. Photos of executive team head shots and environmental portraits. ](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/26befe9a-b14b-4391-a42d-8815b420ebde/James-Holsapple-2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Lauren M Nentwich, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/lauren-m-nentwich-md) Emergency Medicine Physician ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/53e0bdfb-86cc-43c6-ae0b-ae9829fe3673/Lauren-Nentwich?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Thanh Nguyen, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/thanh-nguyen-md) Neurologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/67147641-8791-4dcd-ab4f-c940b5df8b66/Nguyen-Thanh?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [José R. Romero, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/jose-r-romero-md) Neurologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/efd8603f-dcf3-450f-8041-7e9bab2f5f60/Jose-Rafael-Romero?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Julie G. Shulman, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/julie-g-shulman-md) Neurologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/4436ab1b-2407-468c-8944-016048b12773/Julie-Shulm_351_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ## Patient Resources [### Brain Aneurysm Second Opinion We're happy to give a second opinion to patients who are considering brain aneurysm treatment at another hospital. We also support our own patients seeking a second opinion. ](/neurology/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/patient-resources/glossary/brain-aneurysm-second-opinion) [### Glossary of Terms Common terms used in the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center ](/neurology/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/patient-resources/glossary) [### Public Reporting ](/neurology/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/patient-resources/public-reporting) ## Provider Resources [### Affiliated Hospitals and Practices Hospitals and practices affiliated with the BMC Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center ](/neurology/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/affilitations) [### Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center Forms Request forms, data forms, consent forms and more ](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/medical-professionals/forms) ## Additional Information [Department News](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/news) [Boston University Medical Center Neurology](http://www.bumc.bu.edu/neurology/) ## Department News ### [World Stroke Day: Simple Habits for a Healthier Heart and Brain](https://www.bmc.org/news/world-stroke-day-2025) Try to stay aware of your blood pressure. You can lower your risk for stroke by keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range.Observed every October 29, World Stroke Day is a global call to… Oct 29 ![A home health care worker smiles as she checks the blood pressure of an elderly man sitting on a couch as his spouse looks on (BigStock 13926641)](/sites/default/files/styles/image_620w/public/news-images/Large-bigst-Home-health-care-worker-and-an-13926641.jpg?itok=4sg-_0pA "Try to stay aware of your blood pressure. You can lower your risk for stroke by keeping blood pressure within a healthy range.") ### [Patient Story: Karlton Kavka](https://www.bmc.org/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/news/patient-story-karlton-kavka) Mr. Kavka was laying on his couch one day when he stood up and fell to the floor. His wife rushed over. He was disoriented and his mouth was sideways. He was trying to walk, but kept walking into… Apr 28 ![News article icon](/themes/custom/bmc_base_theme/assets/images/placeholders/news.png) ### [Patient Story: Laurette Moise](https://www.bmc.org/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/news/patient-laurette-moise) In December 2021, Laurette was transferred to Boston Medical Center from Morton Hospital after her family found her with left sided weakness and slurred speech. A CTA done at the hospital showed a… Mar 02 ![News article icon](/themes/custom/bmc_base_theme/assets/images/placeholders/news.png) ### [Patient Story: Eric Pansewicz](https://www.bmc.org/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/news/patient-story-eric-pansewicz) Eric was on his way to take out his garbage when suddenly he felt his right side go weak. He says he remembers trying to hold himself up on a fence when his neighbor, who was leaving for work,… ![News article icon](/themes/custom/bmc_base_theme/assets/images/placeholders/news.png) ### [Patient Story: Eleanor Gray](https://www.bmc.org/stories/patient-story-eleanor-gray) At age 82, Eleanor Gray resides alone at home. She has neighbors, and she says that they all look after one another.One day in December 2020, her neighbor had called Eleanor and she did not answer… ![News article icon](/themes/custom/bmc_base_theme/assets/images/placeholders/news.png) ## Research Overview [Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center Research](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research) [ARCADIA](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/arcadia) [INTREPID](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/intrepid) [MOCA Imaging](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/moca-imaging) [MOCHA](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/mocha) [MOST](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/most) [OPTIMISM](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/optimism) [REACT](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/react) [SLEEPSMART](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/sleepsmart) [TOBAS](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/tobas) [Framingham Study](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/framingham-study) [MIT Collaborative Research](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/mit-collaborative-research) [Completed Studies](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/completed-studies) ## Residency and Fellowship Information ### Stroke and Cerebrovascular Education The Department of Neurology at Boston Medical Center is affiliated with Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and has a long and distinguished history in both the academic and clinical arenas. [Learn about our Vascular Neurology fellowship program](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/medical-professionals/education/vascular-neurology-fellowship). Stroke and Cerebrovascular Education To learn about our Neurology residency program, please visit the [Neurology](http://www.bumc.bu.edu/neurology/) section of the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine website. [Grand Rounds Schedule](http://www.bumc.bu.edu/neurology) ### Vascular Neurology Fellowship The Vascular Neurology Fellowship has existed at the Boston Medical Center for more than 20 years, and it has trained stroke fellows continuously for more than 10 years. It is ACGME accredited for one year, and fellows are encouraged to stay for a second research year. Up to two fellows are accepted for clinical training each year. Twenty-three fellows have graduated from the program since 1996, with seven completing two-year fellowships. Ten of the graduates have pursued academic careers. The strengths of the Vascular Neurology Fellowship include extensive involvement in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of stroke and other cerebrovascular disorders, with exposure to patients in the emergency room, inpatient stroke ward and intensive care unit, and outpatient follow-up clinic. The patient population is very diverse, allowing exposure to uncommon conditions. The program is also integrated with interventional neuroradiological and neurosurgical treatment of these patients. The education of the stroke fellows also includes intensive exposure to neuroradiology and neurosonology, as well as involvement in multicenter clinical trials. Trainees are strongly encouraged to formulate research projects both at the Boston Medical Center and at the [Framingham Heart Study](/stroke-and-cerebrovascular-center/research/framingham-study) under the direction of the stroke faculty. They frequently present their work at national and international meetings and publish their findings in peer-reviewed medical journals. Bedside teaching and weekly didactic lectures supplement their training. ### Application Applications for 2021 should be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). A link to the ERAS system can be found on the [NRMP](http://www.nrmp.org/) website. ### Contact **Julie G. Shulman, M.D.** *Program Director, Vascular Neurology Fellowship* *Department of Neurology* Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine 72 East Concord Street, C-3 Boston, MA 02118-2394 617.638.5312 Above: Dr. Masoud, Dr. Johnsen, Dr. Catanese and Ms. Clark receive the BMC Quality Improvement award for Acute Stroke Management through Simulation Training. ### Faculty Listing - [David Greer, MD](/about-us/directory/doctor/david-m-greer-md-ma) - [Julie Shulman, MD](/about-us/directory/doctor/julie-g-shulman-md) (Program Director, Vascular Neurology Fellowship) - [Thanh Nguyen, MD](/about-us/directory/doctor/thanh-nguyen-md) - [Viken L. Babikian, MD](/about-us/directory/doctor/viken-l-babikian-md) - [J. Rafael Romero, MD](/about-us/directory/doctor/jose-r-romero-md) - [Hugo Aparicio, MD](/about-us/directory/doctor/hugo-j-aparicio-md) - Philip A. Wolf, MD - [Anna Cervantes-Arslanian, MD](/about-us/directory/doctor/anna-m-cervantes-arslanian-md) - [Coutney Takahashi, MD](/about-us/directory/doctor/courtney-e-takahashi-md) - [Charlene Ong, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/charlene-j-ong-md-mphs) - [Kushak Suchdev, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/kushak-suchdev-md)