Neuroscience Institute: Year in Review
As the CHOC Neuroscience Institute develops professional excellence from within, we also collaborate with fellow leaders in our field — leading and supporting efforts to bring research and enhanced treatments to children near and far. We would like to highlight some of our accomplishments and advancements in 2023 that have moved pediatric healthcare forward — helping create healthy communities, one child at a time.
- Expanded our Comprehensive Epilepsy Program team, including an epilepsy program manager, a nurse navigator, a nurse practitioner and three epileptologists.
- Launched the Fast Assessment and Stroke Triage in Kids of Orange County (FAST-Kids OC) — a multi-phase study with the University of California Stroke Consortium to improve rapid
detection of strokes in children through enhanced pre-hospital emergency medical services. - Recognized as a Comprehensive Care Center with the Dravet Syndrome Foundation.
- Produced 52 research publications — surpassing 2022’s record of 41 — and currently conducting 48 ongoing studies.
- Appointed Dr. Joffre Olaya as our institute’s medical director for neurosurgery.
- Welcomed neurologist Dr. Adam Kalawi, one of the first summer interns at CHOC’s Sharon Disney Lund Medical Intelligence, Information, Investigation and Innovation Institute; Dr. Harshul Zaveri, our first fellowship-trained headache specialist; and neurosurgeon Dr. Brian Hanak, whose research interests include hydrocephalus.
Making Strides in Clinical Innovation & Care
CHOC Neuroscience Institute earns high ranking from Becker’s Hospital Review
Attacking pediatric brain tumors from both sides: A neurologist’s perspective
CHOC awarded coveted NIH grant for research into hydrocephalus treatment
CHOC research affiliate’s award-winning work could lead to advances in sleep disorder studies
More about the Institute
Consistently ranked among the Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, the CHOC Neuroscience Institute offers families a dedicated team with expertise in brain and spine medicine, top-tier multidisciplinary centers, a suite of the latest technology and a rigorous research program. We welcome inquiries from prospective patients, referring physicians, passionate donors and job-seekers looking to join our world-class institution.
