Robert G. Kaniecki, MD

Associate Professor of Neurology

Title(s)

  • Director, UPMC Headache Center
  • Chief, Headache Division
  • Associate Program Director, Neurology Residency Training Program
  • Director, Headache Fellowship Program

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Kaniecki is Founder and Director of the UPMC Headache Center which has developed into one of the most active clinical headache programs in the country. For nearly 30 years, he has worked as a renowned clinician-educator in the field of headache medicine, and as a researcher, has published extensively.  His teaching skills have been recognized through multiple awards. For over a decade he has been annually named a “Top Doc” by the Pittsburgh Magazine, and he has received the prestigious Healthcare Provider of the Year from the National Headache Foundation.

Education & Training

  • MD, Washington University School of Medicine, Medicine

Specialized Areas of Clinical, Research and/or Educational Interests

  • Clinical:  Migraine treatment (Acute and preventive management) and triggers; Tension-type headache

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology: Neurology 
  • United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties: Headache Medicine 

Professional Organization Membership

  • American Academy of Neurology
  • American Headache Society
  • International Headache Society
  • National Headache Foundation

Honors & Awards

  • National Headache Foundation Healthcare Provider of the Year Pittsburgh Magazine “Best Doctor” Award 
  • UPMC Excellence in Patient Experience Award 
  • Department of Neurology Excellence in Teaching Award 
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award 

Selected Publications

Kaniecki R. Approach to the Patient with Chronic and Recurrent Headache. In Practical Neurology (Fifth Edition). Biller J (ed.) Wolters Kluwer 2017:227-240.

Kaniecki R. Cluster and Facial Headache. In Orofacial Disorders. Current Therapies in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine. Ferreira J, Fricton J, Rhodus N (eds.). Springer International Publishing 2017:257-267.

Kaniecki R. Chronic Secondary Headaches. In Chronic Headache. Green M, Cowan R, Freitag F (eds.). Springer Publishing 2018:113-124.

Kaniecki R. Headache and Facial Pain. In Decision Making in Otolaryngology. Alper C, Myers E, Eibling D (eds.). Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishing 2019:124-126.

Kaniecki RG, Levin AD. Headache in the elderly. Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;167:511-528. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-804766-8.00028-5. PMID: 31753152.