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Fawaz Al-Mufti, M.D. is a highly accomplished triple-trained, board-certified neurologist, neurointensivist, and neuroendovascular surgeon—standing out among a select few in the country. He joined Westchester Medical Center in 2018 from Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he served as the director of neuroendovascular surgery (neurology).
Specializing in cutting-edge neuroendovascular techniques for the minimally invasive management of cerebrovascular conditions, Dr. Al-Mufti focuses on treating aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, dural and cavernous fistulae, spinal conditions, and life-saving acute ischemic stroke.
With an exceptional track record of over 250 peer-reviewed publications, he oversees research at the Westchester Medical Center (WMC) Brain and Spine Institute and serves as the inaugural director of the Center for Neurological Research and Innovation.
As the Director of the CNS Neuroendovascular Surgery Fellowship, Dr. Al-Mufti has mentored over 100 students, residents, and fellows. His contributions extend to representing New York Medical College and the WMC Brain and Spine Institute at national and international cerebrovascular conferences, as well as designing and leading numerous national and international clinical trials. Serving as the principal investigator for multiple major funded multi-site trials, he plays a crucial role in scientific and educational committees of prestigious organizations, such as the American Academy of Neurology, Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN), and the Neurocritical Care Society. Additionally, he chairs the Interventional Neurology Section of the American Academy of Neurology.
In addition to his clinical and academic pursuits, Dr. Al-Mufti takes on leadership roles, serving as the treasurer of SVIN and the global chair of SVIN's Mission Thrombectomy, a non-profit organization advocating for global access to mechanical thrombectomy. Dr. Al-Mufti's commitment to patient outcomes is deeply rooted in his experiences working with Doctors Without Borders in war-torn regions. His dedication is evident in his belief in a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to patient care, emphasizing patient education and joint decision-making with patients and their families.
"I attribute my dedication to my patients' outcomes largely to my war experiences and my upbringing. A patient must be considered as a person first and foremost – and should be treated as if they were a family member." Dr. Al-Mufti firmly believes in a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to patient care, seeing his role as a combination of physician and educator, with patient education and joint decision-making being paramount.
Education
- Fellowship: Neuroendovascular Surgery, Rutgers University
- Fellowship: Neurocritical Care, Columbia University
- Residency: Neurology, The State University of New York at Stony Brook
- Residency: Chief Resident, Neurology, The State University of New York at Stony Brook
- Medical: M.D., Nahrain University College of Medicine
Areas of Expertise
- Surgical Management of Strokes
- Cerebral Aneurysms
- Cerebrovascular Malformations
- General Neuroscience
Honors and Awards
- 2024: Inducted Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society
- 2023: Inducted Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
- 2020: Castle Connolly Top Doctor in New York
- 2019: Marquis Who's Who Top Doctor in Neuroendovascular Surgery
- 2018: Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine
- 2017: Recipient, Cerebrovascular Fellow’s Award, American Academy of Neurological Surgeons
Publications
- Weitzner Y, Xu P, Jain A, et. al. "Outcomes of acute ischemic stroke in patients with hypothyroidism: A population-based cross-sectional study of 388,000 patients." Interventional neuroradiology : journal of peritherapeutic neuroradiology, surgical procedures and related neurosciences, (), (2025) 15910199251341379. doi: 10.1177/15910199251341379
- Gulko E, Lerman S, Spirollari E, et. al. "The delayed spectral sign in Post-transfer CT imaging: an imaging marker of stroke severity and hemorrhagic risk." Neuroradiology, (), (2025) . doi: 10.1007/s00234-025-03718-7
- Moeini-Naghani I, Syed SA, Jain A, et. al. "Recalibrating the COMPASS: Insights from the first global deployment of CEREGLIDE™ 71 Intermediate Catheter in endovascular treatment of stroke." Interventional neuroradiology : journal of peritherapeutic neuroradiology, surgical procedures and related neurosciences, (), (2025) 15910199251350216. doi: 10.1177/15910199251350216
- Elfil M, Sabet H, Abbas A, et. al. "Efficacy and Safety of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques, (), (2025) 1-22. doi: 10.1017/cjn.2025.10364
- Nolan B, Rajkovic C, Subah G, et. al. "Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas presenting as intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage: A systematic review." Interventional neuroradiology : journal of peritherapeutic neuroradiology, surgical procedures and related neurosciences, (), (2025) 15910199251328721. doi: 10.1177/15910199251328721
- Dicpinigaitis AJ, Etienne M, Nguyen TN, et. al. "Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Incarcerated: Comparison of Treatment Rates and Clinical Outcomes With the United States General Population." Journal of stroke, (), (2025) . doi: 10.5853/jos.2025.00619
- Al-Mufti F, Ghaith HS, Sacknovitz A, et. al. "Publication Race: The Battle for Residency in a Competitive Landscape." Cardiology in review, 33(5), (2025) 394-401. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000978