Excellence is the quality of being exceptionally good at something or the state of excelling. Excellence can be the result of caring about what you do and putting your best effort into it. It can also be an expression of inner integrity, passion, and a strong sense to make a difference. These are all qualities that are embodied by Dr. Neha Prakash who practices neurology at the UConn Health Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center

“Excellence can mean different things for people,” says Prakash. “Excellence in medicine has deep historical roots, with remarkable contributions from renowned physicians that have shaped the field.”

Prakash completed medical school in India and moved to the U.S. completing her residency in neurology at the St. Louis University School of Medicine and her fellowship in movement disorders at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

She joined UConn Health in 2019 and her practice primarily focuses on patients with a variety of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and tremors. During her time here, she has established and directed two specialized clinics within the division, the Interdisciplinary Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Clinic, and Movement Disorders Advanced Therapeutics Clinic. She is engaged in teaching residents about patient safety and quality improvement through her role within the GME as the patient safety faculty expert for Neurology residency.

This past spring, the Connecticut Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (CAPI) presented Prakash with its Outstanding Young Physician Award.

“I find my job incredibly fulfilling. Receiving a diagnosis of any neurodegenerative disorder can be challenging and life-changing for patients and their family members. Every day I am reminded of the complex challenges that patients and their families face,” says Prakash.

Her work allows to her to build strong long-term patient-physician relationships and provide continuous support. She appreciates the opportunity to be able to diagnose complicated, often underdiagnosed conditions, and help people navigate their medical journey.

“I believe that excellence often finds its root in a profound desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives,” says Prakash. “When one’s motivation is a genuine wish to help people, it becomes a powerful driving force that can propel individuals to consistently push their boundaries. I think the same innate sense applies to me which pushes me to continuously improve myself and provide even better care.”

One of Prakash’s interests and areas of expertise is the use of advanced therapies in movement disorders such as Deep Brain Stimulation. If appropriately selected, they can have a transformative impact on a person’s life. She feels the prospect of improving a person’s quality of life, providing them with tailored care, and witnessing the profound impact our comprehensive care approach has on people’s lives is deeply rewarding.

“Excellence for me is reflected in our dedication to providing comprehensive, compassionate, safe, and quality care to patients while empowering them to manage their condition,” says Prakash. “Medicine is an ever-evolving field, and there’s always more to learn, more lives to impact, and more ways to contribute positively to patient care.”

In addition to working with her patients, Prakash enjoys being able to contribute to teaching and advancing knowledge. She feels the work the team has done at UConn Health in building a comprehensive Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Clinic which has helped many individuals is gratifying.

UConn Health has a diverse medical community, each with its special gifts. Neurodegenerative disorders can be complex and multifaceted. Our interdisciplinary clinic integrates the special talents of various specialties allowing us to deliver comprehensive and well-rounded patient-centric care. Being able to collaborate with fellow experts to improve the level of care offered at UConn is professionally gratifying. UConn Health encourages such collaboration and growth that makes it easier to provide exceptional care.

“This spotlight perhaps, serves as a reminder of the responsibility we as physicians carry and the need to keep striving for excellence in the service of those who trust us with their health,” says Prakash.