Name: Rohan Arora, MD, FAHA
Hometown: New Delhi, India
Current Position: Director of Stroke Program at LIJ Forest Hills, New York; Program Director, Vascular Neurology Fellowship, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra, Northwell, NY
Q: What made you interested in a career in stroke?
A: Finding myself in a position where my knowledge and expertise can save an individual from having permanent disability due to stroke is my constant motivation to practice this field. It could be a quick phone call/a telemedicine consult or long hours of ICU care; everything counts.
Q: What has been your career path into this field?
A: My focus is providing cutting edge clinical care, especially to young stroke patients, and enrolling patients in NIH-funded clinical studies and clinical trials. I am interested in finding novel methods to encourage people for a low-stress healthy lifestyle; that is one of the most commonly encountered risk factors for stroke and cerebrovascular disease.
Q: Who is your stroke mentor or stroke hero?
A: Stroke mentor: chairman of my residency program, Dr. Robert Schwartzman; an excellent neurologist and an educator whose teachings about neurology and life helped me shape my career. I have had several young stroke faculty as my mentors: Dr. Andrew Barreto, Dr. Vivek Misra and Dr. Souvik Sen.
Q: What is a piece of advice you would give to a trainee?
A: First, I want them to know that they have made a noble decision by choosing to train in this field, and they will have opportunity to help not just the patient but their entire family. Know your stuff, work hard and set an example for your trainees.
Q: What is your favorite hobby or way of de-stressing?
A: Dancing and acting. I had a short role in a Bollywood film released last year. I enjoy the high energy Indian folk dance called “Bhangra”; it is an excellent workout and I love to teach beginners. I am currently working on finding a connection between dancing and stroke prevention, so stay tuned.
Q: What is your favorite place to travel to?
A: Amalfi Coast in Italy; Iceland for the wonders of nature; Austria for scenic beauty.
