Neurology Trainee Program

Dr. Elizabeth Donner is co-Chair of Project ECHO: Epilepsy Across the Lifespan. She is a pediatric neurologist, Head of the Division of Neurology and co-lead of the Garry Hurvitz Centre for Brain & Mental Health at the Hospital for Sick Children, Bloorview Children's Hospital Chair in Paediatric Neuroscience and Professor of Paediatrics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. (MD, M.Sc., FRCPC)

Dr. Lomax is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Queen’s University jointly appointed to the Division of Neurology and the Division of Respirology and the Director of the EEG Lab at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. She completed her MD and MSc degrees at the University of Calgary, and Neurology residency at Queen’s University. As she participates in the Stroke as well as Neurology inpatient services, her budding research interest includes sleep disordered breathing in acute stroke. (MD, MSc, CSCN)

Dr. Nouri is an Assistant Professor in Paediatric Neurology with appointments in the Department of Paediatrics, Clinical Neurological Sciences at Schulich school of medicine and dentistry with adjunct appointments to department of Neuroscience and epidemiology and biostatistics at Western University. Dr. Nouri is the Director of the Paediatric Epilepsy Research Program. The focus of her research program spans across better understanding the clinical spectrum of genetic and autoimmune causes of epilepsy in children and patient outcomes in patients with drug resistant epilepsy. (MD, Msc, FRCPC)

Dr. Elizabeth Kerr is a Neuropsychologist and Health Psychologist at the Hospital for Sick Children. She is an Active Scientific Staff with the Division of Neurology at SickKids as well as an Adjunct Professor with Paediatrics at the University of Toronto and with Clinical Neuropsychology at York University. Throughout her career, Dr. Kerr’s interests have focused on understanding and supporting the needs of exceptional children, with primary dedication to children living with epilepsy. As a fulltime clinician, Dr. Kerr has been a neuropsychologist with the Epilepsy Surgery Program since 1997, the director of the epilepsy classroom since 2006, and working with the Deep Brain Stimulation Program since 2018. She previously provided clinical care in the Genetics program. A clinician-scientist, Dr. Kerr’s research focus includes epilepsy, epilepsy surgery, genetic disorders, and the genetic basis of reading disabilities. Her expertise is exemplified through her involvement with numerous advisory boards and conference committees such as PPM 161 –Supporting Children with Prevalent Medical Conditions, CIHR Ge3LS, and the Canadian League Against Epilepsy. She is among the SickKids hub of specialists for Project ECHO – Epilepsy Across the Life Span, a provincial initiative. (PhD., CPsych.)

Samantha completed her PharmD at the University of Toronto in 2022 then went on to complete her Pharmacy Residency at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in 2023. Samantha has been a member of the Neurosciences team at Kingston Health Sciences Centre since 2023. (PharmD, RPh, ACPR)

Dr. Beshara is an Assistant Professor (adjunct) of Medicine at Queen’s University, and a Neurologist in the Department of Medicine at Lakeridge Health. He completed a PhD (on neuroplasticity) and MD at McMaster University, followed by a Neurology residency at Queen's University. His practice includes Inpatient Neurology, Acute Stroke, and EEG. His research interests include neuroprotection and neuroplasticity, particularly in relation to stroke.

Emilia Leslie, MSW, RSW has been working in communities with children, families, and individuals for 18 years. She has a diploma in Social Service Work, a Bachelor of Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University and an MSW with a specialization in Gerontology from U of T. Emilia's worked with community epilepsy agencies and clinics gaining knowledge about epilepsy management and treatment impacts. Emilia now works in community neurological supports with individuals and families affected by Stroke and Aphasia.

Mohammed AlQahtani is a 5th year Pediatric Neurology resident, a co-chief resident at SickKids, and a MSc student at IPME, University of Toronto. He comes from Saudi Arabia, where he received his medical degree. Dr. AlQahtani enjoys working in the inpatient neurology service and has a special interest in epilepsy with some research work on genetic epilepsies and autoimmune seizures. Out of work, he likes to play with his son, walk around Toronto, and listen to podcasts.

Rochelle Herrington is a 5th year neurology resident currently enrolled at UBC. She has an interest in epilepsy and medical education. On her time off, she enjoys going outdoors.

Brandy Love is currently a PGY4 Adult Neurology resident at the University of Alberta. She has an interest in epilepsy and headaches and is planning on a community-based practice in the Edmonton area. When not on service or studying for the RC exam, she enjoys trail running, cycling, bouldering, or listening to records with her two kiddos and the dog.

Basmah AlTinawi finished her master's degree in health sciences in Bioethics at the University of Toronto. Basmah is currently a neurology resident at the University of Manitoba. Basmah is interested in medical education, research and innovation.

Catherine is the site lead for the University of Alberta and a fifth-year pediatric neurology resident. Catherine thinks that epilepsy is the most exciting part of neurology with the variety of ways seizures present and enjoy trying to use the history, exam, and investigations to imagine a 3D seizure map in each patient.  Catherine is off to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia next year for a dual fellowship in Epilepsy and Neurogenetics.

Dr. Suganya Giri Ravindran is an Adult Neurology Resident (PGY-2) at the University of Saskatchewan. She completed medical school in India and holds an MRCP in Internal Medicine from the UK. Her background includes training in Endocrinology, which complements her current focus on neurology. Her professional interests span women's issues in epilepsy, movement disorders, medical education, and leadership. With her diverse international experience and multidisciplinary expertise, Dr. Ravindran brings a unique perspective to her role in the ECHO epilepsy project's neurology trainee series.

Amrit Sampalli is currently a fourth- year adult neurology resident at Dalhousie University. Having been an attendee as well as a case presenter for the Neurology Trainee Program sessions last year, he can definitely attest to what an excellent series it is and is even more excited to be involved for this coming year!

Nagham is a PGY3 Adult Neurology resident at McMaster University. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto and her medical school at the University of Galway, Ireland. It was during her medical school years that she discovered her interest in epilepsy after reading the book ‘Brainstorm’ by Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan – great book by the way! Since then, Nagham set out to be an epileptologist. She looks forward to help to spread interest in learning more about epilepsy through the ECHO Trainee Program.

Einas Hussein is a second-year Neurology resident at the University of Manitoba, she graduated from medical school in Cairo, Egypt. Einas Hussein trained as a family physician, and while practicing, simultaneously worked in academia and earned a PhD in medical sciences. This academic journey provided Einas with the opportunity of teaching neuroscience to medical students. A wonderful blend of roles as a clinician, researcher, educator, and perpetual student. Driven by a passion for electrophysiology and the interplay of epilepsy and sleep, Einas is excited about joining the ECHO Epilepsy team.

Annie-Kim is a PGY-3 Pediatric Neurology resident at CHEO/University of Ottawa. She is originally from Quebec, where she completed medical school at Universite Laval. She then completed 2 years of pediatric training at NOSM University before transferring into pediatric neurology at CHEO. Her areas of interest include epilepsy, movement disorder and global health.

Pouneh Amir Yazdani is a PGY-3 pediatric neurology resident at CHU Sainte-Justine in Montreal. Pouneh is passionate about medical education and collaborative initiatives that promote learning and growth within the medical community. Pouneh is excited about the opportunity to represent Quebec's residents in this national initiative, fostering connections and shared learning experiences with neurology trainees across Canada.

Liam Cooper-Brown, MD, CM, is a second-year Adult Neurology resident at the University of Toronto. He completed medical school at McGill University, where he developed an interest in investigating the clinical features and epidemiology of epilepsy-associated neuropsychiatric disorders. He also has experience as a co-investigator in health science education research and policy, as well as teaching medical students. His current clinical and research interests include neurophysiology, autoimmune diseases, bioethics, and health equity.