Research & Innovation

Abeer Al-Gharaibeh, M.D., Ph.D.

Director of Research

Dr. Abeer Al-Gharaibeh attained a doctoral degree in medicine from Jordan University of Science and Technology and received a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Central Michigan University.

Her research focused on using induced pluripotent stem cells and neural progenitor cells as neuronal replacement therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. She also worked on studies using genetically modified stem cells for treatments of stroke and traumatic brain injury. Dr. Al-Gharaibeh is currently collaborating with Dr. Jawad Shah in conducting research studies focusing on neuromodulation as a treatment for spinal cord injury. She is also conducting studies to test solid lipid curcumin particles and nanoparticles as treatments for glioblastoma and neurodegenerative diseases.

Jawad Shah, M.D., FRCSC, FAANS, FACS

Neurosurgeon

Dr. Jawad Shah studied at McGill University in Montreal and the University of Manitoba prior to completing medical school at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. He completed subspecialty training in skull base neurosurgery at the University of Arkansas. His areas of specialty include brain stem surgery, vascular neurosurgery, brain tumors, complex spine, and neuromodulation. He currently practices at McLaren, Hurley, and Genesys hospitals.

He is involved in extensive research projects including clinical, patent work, biological/mechanical and electrical product development, industry-sponsoredstudies, and theoretical philosophy. He is a faculty member at the Michigan State University Medical School and the Co-Director of the Center for Cognition and Neuroethics, jointly administered by the University of Michigan and Insight.

Omer Abid, MD

Physician

Dr. Omer Abid is a physician board certified in preventive medicine with his residency and MPH in epidemiology from the University of Michigan. He is an EIS (Epidemic Intelligence Service) alumnus from the CDC. Dr. Abid has worked abroad in public health in multiple chronic disease programs for several years mostly in public health programming but he has also published in the peer-review literature. He is currently an Addiction Medicine physician at Insight Institute of Neurosurgery & Neuroscience.

Sudesh Ebenezer, M.D., Ed.M., FRCSC, FAANS

Neurosurgeon

Dr. Sudesh Ebenezer is an adult and pediatric neurosurgeon and the director of Pediatric Surgery at Insight. He also performs spine surgery and epilepsy surgery. Originally from British Columbia, Canada, he obtained his medical degree and neurosurgery training while in Canada. During his studies, Dr. Ebenezer obtained a Harvard University Scholarship, and went on to obtain a master’s degree from Harvard University. He wrote editorials for various Harvard University School newspapers, including the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and has been a guest lecturer at Harvard Medical School. He received a Congratulatory Certificate from the Government of Canada for his work at Harvard University.

He then completed his pediatric neurosurgery training at Seattle Children’s Hospital – University of Washington. Dr. Ebenezer also served as an Attending Physician at Seattle Children’s Hospital, and was voted to the Staff Honor Role. While in Washington State, Dr. Ebenezer received the Patient’s Choice Award three years in a row for being one of Washington’s Favorite Physicians. He also served as a consulting and treating neurosurgeon for active duty U.S. military stationed in Washington.

Dr. Ebenezer has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as having Extraordinary Ability in Science and Education. He now serves as an advisor for Harvard University’s Alumni Affairs & Development. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He is also an active member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Dr. Ebenezer is also committed to humanitarian medical service, and he has volunteered his time in various countries, from medical clinics in rural Peru to military hospitals in the Ukraine.

Keith Denning, DC, FACMUAP

Chiropractor

Dr. Keith Denning received his doctoral degree from Sherman College of Chiropractic in South Carolina. While at Sherman, he worked on extensive studies with nutrition and neurophysiology. After completing his doctorate in chiropractic in 2000, he trained in specialties such as physiotherapy, weight control, nutrition, and non-surgical decompression.

He continues to advance his knowledge through clinical research in weight control, nutrition, sports injuries, and non-surgical decompression.

Allison Piatt, ACNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner

Allison Piatt, ACNP-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner with a specialty in acute care. She completed her nurse practitioner degree with honors from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, and her nursing degree at the University of Michigan in Flint.

Allison had six years of experience as a registered nurse taking care of step down and ICU surgical patients at area hospitals before pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner. She also worked in general surgery as a nurse practitioner prior to joining Insight in July 2014.

Allison sees her patients at Hurley Medical Center, Genesys Regional Medical Center, and McLaren Regional Medical Center and is an integral part of the Insight team.

Vincent Rampersaud, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon, Pain Management Physician

Dr. Vince Rampersaud trained in orthopedic surgery with special interest in hand and spine surgery. He attended the University of Virginia Medical School and completed his residency at the Detroit Medical Center. He has been a respected member of southeast Michigan’s medical community since 2004, and beginning in 2009 he further specialized his practice in interventional pain management. He has practiced both in corporate as well as solo practices.

Siva K. Sripada, D.O.

Anesthesiology & Pain Management

Dr. Siva Sripada is board-certified in anesthesiology as well as in pain management. He completed his medical training at the University of North Texas HSC in Fort Worth, Texas. He then went on to complete his anesthesia residency at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

After working as an anesthesiologist in the greater Dallas area, he went back to receive his subspecialty training in pain management from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Sripada has been working exclusively as a pain management specialist in the southeast Michigan area for over 10 years. He is dedicated to providing a variety of treatment options for his patients to help them manage chronic pain.

Sushruth Shenava, M.D.

Addiction Physician

Dr. Sushruth Shenava has been trained in anesthesiology, pain management, and addiction treatment and has been in practice since 2011. After anesthesiology training, he began focusing solely on pain management. Dr. Shenava offers a variety of procedural, behavioral, and medical options for the treatment of chronic pain, with an emphasis on improved functionality and daily living.

Erica Hammond, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Erica Hammond graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Michigan-Flint in 2003. Dr. Hammond’s experience includes working with patients in outpatient and subacute orthopedics, spine care, neurological rehabilitation, and multi-trauma cases. Her special areas of interest and training include treatment of neurological conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury.

Dr. Hammond has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Michigan-Flint since 2013. She joined Insight in 2013 and cares for patients at Insight Physical Therapy, Insight Neuro Rehabilitation, and the Insight Healing Center.

Ali Ramadan

Research Fellow

Dr. Al-Ramadan is a research scholar at the University of Michigan-Flint and working on collaborative research projects with IINN. Dr. Al-Ramadan worked as a volunteer to treat refugees in Jordan before coming to the United States. He is interested in neuro-medicine.

Dr. Omar Rabab’h, MD.

Research Fellow

Dr. Rababah is a research scholar at the University of Michigan-Flint and working on collaborative research projects with IINN. Dr. Rababah has a passion for research and interested in continuing his career in the physician/scientist track. Dr. Omar’s research is focused on tumors/cancer treatment from bench to bedside.