Neurology Grand Rounds: Dr Aleksandra Pikula
Speaker: Aleksandra Pikula MD, DipABPN, DipABLM, FAHA, FELMOc 
Jay and Sari Sonshine Chair in Stroke Prevention & Cerebrovascular Brain Health | UHN/UofT
Founder| JS Sonshine Centre | UHN/KBI
Associate Professor of Medicine (Neurology) | U of Toronto
Co-Director | Women’s Neurology Fellowship Program | U of Toronto
Clinician Investigator | KBI/UHN
Topic: From Life-Changing Experience to Splendors of Brain Care: Future of Stroke Prevention & Brain Health
Learning objectives:
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To learn about projected global trends of stroke and age-related neurological conditions
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To illustrate how patients with lived experience could teach us about the best next step in stroke prevention for all
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To discuss development of innovative models of care to optimize brain health for the stroke community and others
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To introduce the JS Sonshine Centre in Stroke Prevention and Cerebrovascular Brain Health and its work
Dr. Aleksandra Pikula is a quadruple board-certified in Medicine, Neurology, Vascular Neurology, and Lifestyle Medicine, with Neurology and Vascular Neurology Fellowship and postdoctoral training at Boston University, Harvard University, and the Framingham Heart Study, supported by a NIH-NINDS institutional grants and a National Clinical Research Award from the AHA.
Currently, Dr. Pikula holds a status of an Associate Professor of Medicine (Neurology), a Clinician-Investigator, and Co-Director of the Women’s Neurology Fellowship Program at the U of T. Since 2023, she had been appointed as the Inaugural Jay & Sari Sonshine Chair in Stroke Prevention and Cerebrovascular Brain Health at the UofT/UHN/KBI, and serves as the founding director of the JS Sonshine Centre at UHN.
Her clinical and research focus is on stroke prevention and outcomes in younger adults, particularly emphasizing on women’s brain health during midlife. Dr. Pikula advocates for a holistic approach to brain care, targeting stroke and dementia prevention through evidence-based lifestyle medicine programs. Over the past 20 years, she has published over 90 high-impact scientific papers and secured sustainable funding as a PI/Co-PI from various grant agencies (NIH, CIHR, HSFC, etc.) and philanthropy. She also serves as a chair, co-chair or professional member on numerous national and international committees related to research and/or clinical guidelines.
Generously supported through formal partnership with the Division of Neurology by: Alexion, Eisai, Novartis, Paladin Pharma, Roche, and UCB.