Dr. Neha Prakash Named ‘Outstanding Young Physician’

Connecticut Association of Physicians of Indian Origin recognizes neurologist who established UConn Health’s normal pressure hydrocephalus clinic

Dr. Neha Prakash environmental portrait

Dr. Neha Prakash is a neurologist in UConn Health's Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center who established a specialty clinic for normal pressure hydrocephalus. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)

Dr. Neha Prakash’s work in developing a normal pressure hydrocephalus program within UConn Health’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center has earned her recognition from the Connecticut chapter of the Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

The Connecticut Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (CAPI) presented Prakash with its Outstanding Young Physician Award at its annual meeting May 20.

Dr. Prakash receives plaque
Dr. Neha Prakash, UConn Health neurologist, accepts the Outstanding Young Physician Award from the Connecticut Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, presented by Dr. Sekhar Chirunomula, chair of the awards committee. (Photo provided by Neha Prakash)

“Dr. Prakash’s recognition through the outstanding young physician award is a tribute to her persistent dedication to clinical excellence and her constantly striving to improve the care of her patients,” says Dr. Ketan Bulsara, chief of UConn Health’s Division of Neurosurgery. “Her work in the movement disorder center and her establishment of the Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Center are just two examples of her countless contributions that continue to optimize care of all patients.”

Normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, is a progressive neurological condition with symptoms that can mimic Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. It requires specialized expertise to diagnose and treat.

“Working with a team of neurosurgeons, physical therapists, neuropsychologists, urologists and others, Dr. Prakash has helped many obtain a surgical treatment that dramatically improves function and quality of life,” says Dr. L. John Greenfield, UConn Health’s Neurology chair. “She has also led the quality improvement program for our neurology residents, teaching them how to identify problems and create solutions that improve patient care.  This award recognizes her outstanding dedication to patient care and medical education.”

Prakash says she’s honored and humbled by the recognition.

“They say, ‘It takes a village to raise a physician and provide exceptional patient care,’” she says. “I am grateful to my family and mentors, who have guided me throughout my medical training and whose collective efforts have shaped my clinical and research career trajectory. I especially thank Drs. Bulsara and Greenfield for their unwavering support in building our patients’ state-of-the-art normal pressure hydrocephalus clinic. I want to highlight the effort of each of my colleagues, who make providing exceptional care easier.

“I commend the invaluable contributions of CAPI in our region, as they champion the advancement of community health, foster professional growth, and promote cultural diversity, all of which enrich the medical community and the lives of the people we serve.”

Learn more about UConn Health’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center.