5 Groundbreaking Reasons Why The University Of Miami Department Of Neurology Is A 2025 Global Leader
The University of Miami (UM) Department of Neurology at the Miller School of Medicine is currently solidifying its position as a global powerhouse in neurological care and research, with a series of high-impact announcements and clinical advancements dominating the field as of December 22, 2025. This top-tier academic center, renowned for its commitment to both clinical excellence and innovative research, is driving forward critical studies in areas ranging from stroke intervention to the cutting edge of paralysis treatment via brain-computer interfaces (BCI). With over 100 clinical and research faculty members, the department continues to set the benchmark for neurological health locally, nationally, and globally.
The department’s recent achievements, including its sustained high ranking in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, are a direct result of its specialized divisions and collaborative institutes. From the critical work being conducted at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis to the specialized care offered across its Centers of Excellence, the UM Department of Neurology is a beacon of hope for patients facing complex neurological disorders. Its leadership, under the guidance of a recently appointed chair, is aggressively pursuing federally funded basic science research programs and expanding global access to lifesaving care, particularly in stroke management.
Leadership and The Comprehensive Profile of Dr. Jose Romano
The strategic direction and continued success of the department are now steered by its new leader. Following an extensive national search, Jose Romano, M.D., was officially named the Chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
- Full Name: Jose Romano, M.D.
- Current Position: Chair, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
- Expertise: Esteemed stroke clinician and researcher.
- Previous Roles: Professor of Neurology, Executive Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, and Chief of the Stroke Division.
- Research Focus: Dr. Romano’s background as a leading stroke expert ensures the department maintains its pivotal role in advancing acute stroke interventions and clinical trials, a major area of focus for the department in 2025.
Dr. Romano’s appointment signifies a continued dedication to translational research, ensuring that breakthroughs in the lab quickly move to the bedside. His leadership is crucial as the department prepares for the 58th Annual Neurology Update and Stroke Intensive Review in March 2025, a major educational event that draws medical professionals from across the country.
Cutting-Edge Research: From BCI to Global Stroke Initiatives
The Department of Neurology is not merely keeping pace with neurological science; it is actively defining the next generation of patient care through its research initiatives. The year 2025 is marked by several high-profile projects that underscore the department’s topical authority in complex neurological conditions.
One of the most compelling areas is the collaboration between the department and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. In January 2025, this partnership announced a significant focus on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, participating in a breakthrough paralysis study aimed at restoring function to individuals with severe spinal cord injuries. This paralysis study represents a monumental step forward, merging neurological surgery with advanced computing to create direct neural pathways.
Simultaneously, the department’s strength in vascular neurology remains unparalleled. Dileep R. Yavagal, M.D., a professor of neurology and neurosurgery, is leading a new multicenter trial with the goal of expanding Global Access to Lifesaving Stroke Care. This initiative is critical, especially following the department’s pivotal role at the International Stroke Conference 2025, where Miller School scientists presented key findings that will shape future stroke treatment protocols.
Furthermore, the department honors its history of research excellence through events like the Ralph L. Sacco Resident Research Day, named for the esteemed former professor and chair. This event emphasizes the department's commitment to fostering the next generation of clinician-scientists and maintaining strong federally funded basic science research programs.
Centers of Excellence and Comprehensive Clinical Divisions
The breadth of clinical care at the University of Miami is delivered through highly specialized divisions and Centers of Excellence, ensuring that every patient receives focused, expert treatment. The department boasts more than 6,000 adult neurology outpatient visits per year across its extensive facilities, including the Desai Sethi Medical Center (DSMC).
Key areas of clinical and research focus include the following specialized divisions:
- Neuro-Oncology Division: Led by De la Fuente, who is also the Director of the Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program, this division provides state-of-the-art care for patients with brain and spinal cord tumors.
- Movement Disorders Division: Recognized as a Center of Excellence with a strong clinical and research focus on conditions like Parkinson's Disease (PD).
- Cognitive Aging Division: Works in close conjunction with The Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute. The Institute, established in 2007, is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge about memory loss and related cognitive disorders, a critical area of public health concern.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center: Another designated Center of Excellence, providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with MS.
- Epilepsy Division: Offers advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options for complex seizure disorders.
- Headache Division: Specializes in the diagnosis and management of chronic and debilitating headache disorders.
- Clinical Translational Research Division (CTRD): The backbone of the department's effort to move discoveries from the lab to the patient's bedside.
The UHealth system, which includes the UHealth Tower, continues to see its Neurology and Neurosurgery programs receive high marks. In the 2025-2026 rankings, UHealth’s combined program was ranked No. 23 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, climbing from its previous No. 25 position and marking the fourth consecutive year the program has been recognized in the top tier. This consistent recognition is a testament to the quality of care and the impact of its research, which includes significant NIH Funding across its various programs.
The Future of Neurological Care
With its robust team of over 100 faculty, the University of Miami Department of Neurology is positioned to lead the conversation on neurological care for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. The combination of its established Stroke Division expertise, the pioneering work at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, and the specialized focus of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute creates a unique ecosystem for innovation.
The commitment to education, evidenced by the numerous named lectures and the annual Neuro Update event, ensures that the department remains a hub for knowledge dissemination and professional development. For patients, researchers, and aspiring neurologists, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine represents a dynamic, high-achieving environment where the most challenging neurological conditions are met with the most advanced science and compassionate clinical care.
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