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    Yasmeen Elsawaf, MD

    Oregon Health & Science University

    Yasmeen Elsawaf, MD is a fifth-year neurosurgery resident at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience, cum laude, from the University of California San Diego in 2016, followed by her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in 2021.

    Dr. Elsawaf's clinical and research interests include general neurosurgery, spine surgery, and pediatric neurosurgery, with particular emphasis on hydrocephalus management, neurotrauma, and medical device innovation. Her work spans neuro-oncology, cerebrovascular disorders, and neurosurgical education. Dr. Elsawaf is developing an implantable intracranial pressure monitoring system with continuous Bluetooth transmission for improved hydrocephalus management. This translational research project was supported by the 2024 OCTRI Biomedical Innovation Program Grant. Her research portfolio includes work on pediatric high-grade gliomas, traumatic brain injury management, cerebrovascular disorders, and surgical education.

    Her training includes research experience with OHSU faculty mentors, including Drs. Christina Sayama, Donald Ross, Barbara Lazio, Nathan Selden, and Jesse Winer. During medical school, she worked with Dr. Alexander Khalessi at UCSD on cerebrovascular research and Dr. Samer Elbabaa on pediatric neuro-oncology. She has also collaborated with Dr. Sabino Luzzi in Italy on CSF fluid dynamics and Chiari malformations.
    Dr. Elsawaf is an active member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons. She serves as the OHSU Neurosurgery DEIB Working Group Resident Representative. Her academic achievements include the James E. Boggan Award and merit-based scholarships from both UCSD and UCF College of Medicine.

    Her long-term career goals include advancing hydrocephalus research, contributing to medical device innovation, and mentoring the next generation of neurosurgeons pursuing translational research in both general and pediatric neurosurgery.

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

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