Title(s)
- Director, Neuroimmunology/MS Fellowship
- Director, Neurology Clerkship
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Isitan-Alkawadri is dedicated to treating patients with various autoimmune neurologic disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) ab disease, neurosarcoidosis, autoimmune encephalitis, and other immune-mediated inflammatory conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord. Recently, she established a multidisciplinary autoimmune encephalitis clinic that collaborates with epilepsy and neuropsychiatry departments to enhance patient care.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Cigdem Isitan-Alkawadri has a dedicated research interest in neuroimaging biomarkers of multiple sclerosis. She also serves as the Clinical Director of the Neuroimmunology/Multiple Sclerosis Fellowship Program.
As Director of the Neurology Clerkship, Dr. Alkawadri is deeply committed to medical education. Her passion for teaching and mentorship is evident in her active engagement with students, residents, and fellows. She strives to be an inspiring and influential figure in their training, guiding them through each stage of their professional development.
Education & Training
- Fellow, Yale University, MS/Neuroimmunology
- Resident, Boston University Medical Center, Internal Medicine/Neurology
- MD, Yeditepe University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
Specialized Areas of Clinical, Research and/or Educational Interests
- Research/Clinical: MS and other immune-mediated diseases of the central nervous system; autoimmune encephalitis; neuro-imaging biomarkers of MS
- Education: Enhancing academic approach to medical education.
Board Certifications
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology: Neurology
Professional Organization Membership
- American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
- Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS)
Honors & Awards
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award
- American Academy of Neurology Fellow Scholarship Award
- Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award American Academy of Neurology Safety and Quality Award
- Multiple Sclerosis Masters Scholarship Award (Foundation of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis)
Selected Recent Publications
Isitan C, Yan Q, Spencer DD, Alkawadri R. Brief history of electrical cortical stimulation: A journey in time from Volta to Penfield. Epilepsy Res. 2020 Oct;166:106363. doi: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106363. Epub 2020 May 22. PMID: 32673971.
Ponath G, Lincoln MR, Levine-Ritterman M, Park C, Dahlawi S, Mubarak M, Sumida T, Airas L, Zhang S, Isitan C, Nguyen TD, Raine CS, Hafler DA, Pitt D. Enhanced astrocyte responses are driven by a genetic risk allele associated with multiple sclerosis. Nat Commun. 2018 Dec 17;9(1):5337. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-07785-8. PMID: 30559390; PMCID: PMC6297228.
Isitan C, Ferree A, Hohler AD. Cefepime induced neurotoxicity: A case series and review of the literature. eNeurologicalSci. 2017 Aug 4;8:40-43. doi: 10.1016/j.ensci.2017.08.001. PMID: 29260037; PMCID: PMC5730896.
Alkawadri R, Burgess R, Isitan C, Wang IZ, Kakisaka Y, Alexopoulos AV. Yield of repeat routine MEG recordings in clinical practice. Epilepsy Behav. 2013 May;27(2):416-9. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.02.028. Epub 2013 Mar 29. PMID: 23541858.
