Dr. Balaji Krishnaiah Honored as a 2024 Health Care Hero by Memphis Business Journal

University Clinical Health (UCH) is proud to announce that Dr. Balaji Krishnaiah, a distinguished neurologist, has been recognized as one of the Memphis Business Journal's Health Care Heroes. Dr. Krishnaiah's contributions to neurology and his dedication to the Memphis community make him truly deserve to be called a Health Care Hero.

Dr. Krishnaiah's journey into neurology was deeply personal. A native of India, his path was inspired by a childhood experience when his father suffered a stroke. The care provided by a local neurologist fueled his determination to pursue a career in neurology. After completing his residency at Penn State in 2017, Dr. Krishnaiah planned a year-long fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis. However, his love for the community led him to stay and make Memphis his home.

Since joining University Clinical Health’s UT Neurology, Dr. Krishnaiah has played a pivotal role in advancing neurology care and research in the city. He introduced a groundbreaking telestroke program that gained national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for protecting medical trainees and providing virtual care. As the Medical Director for the Methodist Comprehensive Stroke Center and Division Chief of Vascular Neurology, he has significantly improved stroke care and treatment consistency across the board.

Dr. Krishnaiah’s leadership extends beyond Memphis. He has been one of four neurologists chosen annually from Tennessee to advocate for neurology and stroke patients before Congress in Washington, DC, as part of the American Academy of Neurology's (AAN) Neurology on the Hill initiative. In addition, his efforts in NIH stroke trials have positioned Memphis as a top performer in stroke research.

Dr. Krishnaiah's commitment to education is as strong as his dedication to clinical care and research. He serves as the Neuroscience Course Director and Vice Chair of the Neurology Department at UTHSC. His dedication to teaching has earned him numerous awards, including the Burton A. Sandok Award from the Mayo Clinic and the A. B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award from the American Academy of Neurology. His efforts have inspired many UTHSC students to pursue neurology, creating a pipeline to train and retain future neurologists in Memphis.

Dr. Krishnaiah's recognition and awards are a testament to his unwavering commitment to shaping the future of neurology and improving patient care. These include the Alumni Achievement Award from Penn State University and induction into the UTHSC Academy of Master Educators, Alpha Omega Alpha, and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Each honor reflects his tireless efforts and the pride he brings to the field of neurology.