Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois provides comprehensive medical treatment for stroke and related conditions, from immediate treatment for people experiencing a stroke to specialized follow-up care for those coping with the aftermath of a stroke or stroke-related condition.

Earning the "Gold Seal of Approval," the Rush Stroke Program has been certified by the Joint Commission as a primary stroke center. This certification recognizes hospitals that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Rush specialists in stroke, other cerebrovascular conditions and neurological critical care provide care for people with cerebrovascular disorders in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.

In additon, the Stroke Program at Rush was recently awarded the Gold Performance Achievement Award by the American Stroke Association. The award recognizes Rush's commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment  for at least 24 months according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations. Rush has developed a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate.

Our Mission

The mission of the Stroke Program at Rush University Medical Center is to reduce the risk and morbidity of cerebrovascular disease through multidisciplinary efforts in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

The Comprehensive Stroke Program at Rush treats approximately 600 inpatients with stroke and other cerebrovascular disorders each year.

The program offers the following services:

• Acute Stroke Inpatient Service: 24/7 services to respond immediately to acute stroke patients.
• Outpatient Stroke Clinic: For follow-up care.
• Neuroendovascular Clinic: Offering expert evaluations in cerebrovascular disease from multiple disciplines in the same visit.
• TIA Express Service: Expedited service for patients with suspected transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

Stroke care at Rush is a collaborative effort involving many disciplines and departments, including neurology, neurosurgery, emergency medicine, rehabilitative medicine, radiology, laboratory services, nursing and other professions.

Physicians

• Shyam Prabhakaran, MD, MS (section head for cerebrovascular disease and neurological critical care, stroke neurologist)
• Michael Chen, MD (endovascular neurologist)
• Sayona John, MD (director, transfer program)
• Michael A. Kelly, MD (stroke neurologist) 
• Vivien H. Lee, MD (stroke neurologist)
• Steven L. Lewis, MD (vascular neurology-certified)
• Demetrius Lopes, MD (endovascular neurosurgeon)
• Yousef Mohammad, MD, MS (stroke neurologist)
• Lorenzo Munoz, MD (neurosurgeon)
• Megan Shanks, MD (vascular neurology-certified)
• Richard E. Temes, MD, MS (director, neurological intensive care)

Nurses and Other Professionals

• Mila Andalcio, MS (business manager, stroke program)
• Olga Borisovsky (physician assistant)
• Maria L. Gonzalez (comprehensive neurovascular clinic coordinator)
• Susan Dvojack, MS (research coordinator)
• Lindsay Goldstein-Smith, APN (nurse practitioner)
• Yulonda Lundy, BSN, RN (nurse educator)
• Kiril Peev, RVT, RDMS, RDCS (ultrasound technologist)
• Gail Valadez (administrative assistant, stroke program)
• Laura Vaught, RN (coordinator, stroke program)
• Derek Zakowski (business analyst)

The offices of the Section of Cerebrovascular Disease and Neurological Critical Care are located in Suite 1121 of the Rush Professional Office Building (see full address below).