2019 Summer Update - UH Neurological Institute

Dr. Cathy Sila and other appointments take department to the next level 

The University Hospitals Neurological Institute continually breaks new ground in its field. Now, the institute welcomes the experience and leadership of Cathy Sila, MD, the first woman to chair the Department of Neurology at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

Cathy Sila, MD

“The mission of the Neurology Institute not only includes a strong clinical component with the delivery of neurology and neurosurgery, but also strong research and educational components,” says Nicholas C. Bambakidis, MD, FAHA, FAANS, Director and Vice President, UH Neurological Institute and Professor of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. “Dr. Sila has a strong background in all three, which is critically important.”

YEARS OF LEADERSHIP

Dr. Sila is the Gilbert W. Humphrey Professor of Neurology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and has served as the Vice Chair for Clinical Activities and Quality since 2014. She is Director of the  at UH Cleveland Medical Center and the University Hospitals System Stroke Program. 

Daniel I. Simon, MD, President of UH Cleveland Medical Center, said in a statement that Dr. Sila's initial priorities include ensuring patients have access to innovative, high-value care. She also plans to advance training for the next generation through fellowships and the neurology residency program — the second largest in the country. 

In addition to her leadership capabilities, Dr. Sila is known for her research on stroke prevention, especially stroke related to cardiac disease, stenosis of the intracranial arteries, and stroke occurring in young adults. As department chair, she will promote research around stroke and other neurologic diseases.

“Dr. Sila has accomplished a tremendous number of important goals in her time here,” says Dr. Bambakidis. Under Dr. Sila’s leadership, the Comprehensive Stroke Center was the first in Northeast Ohio to receive a Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification by the Joint Commission. She will continue to serve as its director for the near future.

NEURO RECRUITS

Dr. Bambakidis says the UH Neurological Institute also plans to recruit for several important positions, including Epilepsy Center Director.

Camilla Kilbane, MD

Jill Winegardner, PhD

Meanwhile, the UH Neurological Institute recently appointed Camilla Kilbane, MD, as Director of the Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center. The institute also welcomes Jill Winegardner, PhD, a neuropsychologist, to the team. Winegardner will oversee the neuropsychological rehabilitation division. She received the British Psychological Society Practitioner of the Year Award in 2016 for her work in that field. 

The arrival of Winegardner comes with the expansion of the UH Neurological Institute's neuropsychological rehabilitation services. “People with acquired brain injury have ongoing cognition and motor behavior issues that restrict their return to work and meaningful activities,” says Dr. Bambakidis. “We're excited to have Dr. Winegardner leading this growth.”

To refer a patient to a neurological specialist, call 216-553-1778.