Ali R . Rezai , M . D .
Assoc . Dean & Vice President of Neuroscience ; John D . Rockefeller IV Chair in Neuroscience ; & Executive Chair of the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute , WVU
EMILY RICE
Ali Rezai , M . D ., is making history in the Mountain State with his groundbreaking procedures targeting ailments with different methods from different perspectives .
Rezai earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California and his medical degree from the University of Southern California . He completed his neurosurgery training at New York University and a subspecialty fellowship in functional neurosurgery at the University of Toronto .
“ Early in my medical school studies , I became fascinated by the human brain , its complexity and how it oversees all aspects of our lives and our overall health ,” Rezai says . “ There was so much we still did not understand about the brain , and it is still amazing to me that there is so much we don ’ t know about the brain . There are more than 100 million people in the U . S . and 1 billion worldwide affected by brain and nervous system conditions , such as Alzheimer ’ s disease , Parkinson ’ s disease , Huntington ’ s , ALS , multiple sclerosis and brain tumors , many of which we don ’ t understand and can ’ t predict , treat or cure .”
Rezai was recruited to West Virginia University ( WVU ) in 2017 to build and lead the new Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute ( RNI ), a world-class patient care and research hub in the heart of Appalachia .
Photo by WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute .
“ In just four years , we have developed one of the most innovative institutes and forward-thinking teams in the U . S ., which is making a difference for those with neurological and mental health disorders right in the heart of Appalachia in West Virginia ,” Rezai says . “ We have created an environment that fosters cutting-edge care , compassion , creativity and curiosity coupled with boldness and determination to make a difference . I am incredibly grateful to our dedicated team of experts ; Gordon Gee , Clay Marsh and Albert Wright for their leadership and partnership ; and to our supporters who have made our work possible .”
Today , Rezai is the John D . Rockefeller IV chair in neuroscience , executive chair of the RNI and associate dean and vice president of neuroscience at WVU .
“ The institute has over 1,300 dedicated team members and 200 physicians and scientists who , together , are deeply rooted with a common purpose and passion ,” Rezai says . “ The RNI strives to advance brain health and patient care , to break barriers and seek cures for the incurable . The courage of our patients and their families continues to inspire our team and motivates us to further seek breakthroughs in science and treatment .”
The RNI team in neurology , neurosurgery and behavioral medicine sees over
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