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Joseph I. Sirven, M.D.

  1. Neurologist
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Departments

Location

  1. Jacksonville, Florida

Languages

EnglishSpanish

Existing patients

Appointments

Joseph I. Sirven, M.D., is a professor of neurology and editor-in-chief of Epilepsy.com. He is currently chair of the AAN Education Meeting Subcommittee and he is on the board of directors for the American Brain Foundation and the editorial board of Neurology Now. Previously, he served as director of education for Mayo Clinic's Arizona campus with oversight over all educational activities at the Arizona campus, including medical student rotations, residencies, fellowships, Ph.D. candidates, nursing, allied health and continuing medical education programs. He was the previous chair of Neurology at Mayo Clinic's campus is Arizona and the previous vice chair of the Epilepsy Section of the American Academy of Neurology, chair of the Communication Council for the American Epilepsy Society and former chair of the Professional Advisory Board for the Epilepsy Foundation.

Dr. Sirven is Cuban-American and served as chief medical contributor for NBC Latino, the English-language website for Latinos by NBC News. He is currently the medical commentator for KJZZ radio in Phoenix, the NPR affiliate for Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.

Dr. Sirven has published extensively on epilepsy and its treatment. His interests in epilepsy include:

  • Status epilepticus
  • Surgical therapy
  • Epilepsy in older adults and psychosocial issues, particularly those involving Hispanic populations and transportation

His articles have appeared in Neurology, Epilepsia, The Lancet, Archives of Neurology, Annals of Neurology, Epilepsy & Behavior and Mayo Clinic Proceedings. He is editor of seven textbooks, including Clinical Neurology of the Older Adult, the American Epilepsy Society's Introduction to Epilepsy, Clinical Epilepsy, and An Atlas of Video EEG Monitoring. He is currently director of the Epilepsy Program at Mayo Clinic's Arizona campus.

  1. Absence seizure
  2. Epilepsy
  3. Frontal lobe seizure
  4. Grand mal seizure
  5. Seizure
  1. EEG
  2. Epilepsy surgery
  3. Ketogenic diet
  • Epilepsy and seizure treatments in adults and children (particularly older adults)
  • Epilepsy surgery
  • Electroencephalography
  • Investigational anti-epilepsy drugs
  • Status epilepticus
  • Vagal nerve stimulator
  • Ketogenic diet
  1. 1996
    Fellow - EEG / Clinical epilepsyGraduate Hospital, University of Pennsylvania
  2. 1994
    Resident - NeurologyUniversity of Minnesota Hospitals and Clinics
  3. 1991
    Internship - Internal MedicineAlton Ochsner Medical Foundation
  4. 1990
    MDLouisiana State University School of Medicine
  5. 1985
    BS - BiologyGeorgetown University

Certifications

  1. 2011
    EpilepsyAmerican Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
  2. 1999
    Clinical NeurophysiologyAmerican Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
  3. 1996
    NeurologyAmerican Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Awards and honors

  1. 2017
    George Forster Memorial LectureshipIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Beth Israel
  2. 2013
    Reviewer: Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) http://cdmrp.army.mil/pubs/press/2013/13prmrppreann.shtmlCongressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, United States Department of Defense
  3. 2012
    Program Reviewer on Special Emphasis Panel (SEP)The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  4. 2011
    Elected to Committee on the Public Health Dimensions of the EpilepsiesInstitute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences
  5. 2008
    MacMillan Leadership Scholar (sent to Physician Executive Management Courses)Mayo Clinic in Arizona
  6. 2008
    Distinguished Mayo Educator of The YearMayo Clinic
  7. 2007
    Selected as the epilepsy expert for media contacts regarding the illness for the American Academy of NeurologyAmerican Academy of Neurology
  8. 2007
    Best Doctors in America (Selected by Peers)Best Doctors in America
  9. 2006
    Elected as a FellowAmerican Academy of Neurology
  10. 2006
    President's Award for Outstanding Leadership and Educational Contributions to Continuing Medical EducationThe Alliance for Continuing Medical Education and International Association of CME Professionals
  11. 2006
    International Health Professional of the YearInternational Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England
  12. 2005
    Elected into MembershipAmerican Neurological Association
  13. 2004
    Best Doctors in AmericaAwarding Organization
  14. 2004
    Top DoctorsPhoenix Magazine
  15. 2002
    Best Doctors in AmericaAwarding Organization
  16. 2002
    Who's Who in Medicine and HealthcareAwarding Organization
  17. 2002
    Top DoctorsPhoenix Magazine
  18. 2000
    Who's Who in AmericaAwarding Organization
  19. 2000
    Who's Who in Science and EngineeringAwarding Organization
  20. 1999
    J. Kiffin Penry Eagle Award in EpilepsyAwarding Organization
  21. 1995
    Cleveland Clinic ScholarshipCleveland Clinic
  22. 1995
    National Epifellows Foundation Scientific ForumAwarding Organization
  23. 1994
    Neurology Resident Advisory BoardParke-Davis
  24. 1990
    Dr. Peter Graffagnino Memorial AwardSchool of Medicine, Louisiana State University
  25. 1984
    Dean's ListGeorgetown University
  26. 1981
    Bellarmine ScholarshipGeorgetown University
  27. 1981
    ValedictorianJesuit High School, Shreveport, Louisiana

Professional memberships

  1. 2017 - present
    Board of DirectorsAmerican Brain Foundation
  2. 2016 - present
    MemberBoard of Directors, American Brain Foundation
  3. 2014 - present
    Vice ChairEpilepsy Section, American Academy of Neurology
  4. 2014 - present
    ChairNeurology Specialty Council, Mayo Clinic Enterprise
  5. 2014 - present
    ConsultantFederal Air Surgeon's Consultant Program, Aerospace Medical Certification Division, Federal Aviation Administration
  6. 2013
    Grant ReviewerDefense Health Program, Defense Medical Research and Development Program, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
  7. 2013
    MemberCore Panel Review for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers, The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  8. 2012 - 2013
    ChairProfessional Advisory Board, Epilepsy Foundation of America
  9. 2012 - present
    Program ReviewerSpecial Emphasis Panel, The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  10. 2011 - 2014
    Course DirectorEpilepsy Skills Pavilion, American Academy of Neurology
  11. 2011 - 2013
    ChairAnnual Course Committee, American Epilepsy Society
  12. 2010 - 2014
    MemberNeurology Specialty Council, Mayo Clinic Enterprise
  13. 2010 - 2011
    Chair-ElectProfessional Advisory Board, Epilepsy Foundation of America
  14. 2009
    Physician CoordinatorNational Examination held at Mayo Clinic Hospital, American Board of Registered EEG Technologists
  15. 2009 - present
    MemberBoard of Directors, American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology
  16. 2009 - present
    MemberEducation Committee, American Academy of Neurology
  17. 2009 - present
    MemberScientific Program Subcommittee, American Academy of Neurology
  18. 2008 - 2010
    MemberEpilepsy Quality Measures Development Expert Panel, American Academy of Neurology
  19. 2007
    ChairmanDean of the Mayo School of Continuing Medical Education, Search Committee, Mayo Clinic Committees
  20. 2007
    Conference OrganizerWinter Meeting, Arizona Neurological Society
  21. 2007 - present
    Grant ReviewerNew Zealand Neurological Foundation
  22. 2007 - present
    PresidentWestern Clinical Neurophysiology Society
  23. 2006
    Course DirectorSpecial Considerations of Women with Epilepsy, American Academy of Neurology
  24. 2006 - 2008
    CounselorExecutive Committee, Epilepsy, American Academy of Neurology
  25. 2006
    President-ElectWestern Clinical Neurophysiology Society
  26. 2006
    ChairNeurooncology Staff, Search Committee, Department of Neurology
  27. 2006
    Course DirectorEmerging Topics in Arizona Neurology, Arizona Neurological Society
  28. 2006
    Conference Organizer19th Annual Epilepsy Update
  29. 2006 - present
    ChairEducation Committee, Executive Operations Team - Arizona, Mayo Clinic Arizona Committees
  30. 2006 - present
    MemberMayo Clinic Education Committee, Mayo Clinic Committees
  31. 2006 - present
    MemberAdministrative Committee, Board of Governors, Mayo Clinic Arizona Committees
  32. 2006 - present
    MemberHispanic Council, Epilepsy Foundation of America
  33. 2006 - present
    MemberElected Nominating Council, Epilepsy Foundation of America
  34. 2005 - 2009
    MemberAnnual Meeting and Education Committee, American Academy of Neurology
  35. 2005 - 2006
    MemberDevelopment Committee, Mayo Clinic Arizona Committees
  36. 2005
    ChairEpilepsy Staff, Search Committee, Department of Neurology
  37. 2005
    Conference OrganizerPractical Seizure Management: Epilepsy Therapy, American Academy of Neurology
  38. 2005 - present
    MemberSelection Committee, UCB Patient and Family Scholarship Committee
  39. 2004
    Research Grant Reviewer2004 Targeted Research Initiative for Seniors, Epilepsy Foundation of America
  40. 2004
    Conference OrganizerUpdate in EEG, EMG, and Clinical Neurophysiology
  41. 2004
    OrganizerEpilepsy Scientific Topic highlights, American Academy of Neurology
  42. 2004
    OrganizerPractical Management of Common Conditions in the Older Adult
  43. 2003 - 2005
    Vice ChairEducation Committee, Executive Operations Team - Arizona, Mayo Clinic Arizona Committees
  44. 2003 - 2005
    Associate DeanContinuing Medical Education Subcommittee, Education Committee, Executive Operations Team - Arizona
  45. 2003
    OrganizerMayo Clinic Scottsdale Spring Medical Publishing Seminar Series
  46. 2003
    Co-ChairScientific Session, Epilepsy: Antiepileptic Drug Therapy, American Academy of Neurology
  47. 2003
    Conference Organizer16th Annual Epilepsy Update
  48. 2003
    MemberEpilepsy and the Elderly Advisory Panel, Epilepsy Foundation of America
  49. 2003 - present
    ChairStudent and Resident Education, American Epilepsy Society
  50. 2003 - present
    MemberProfessional Advisory Board, Epilepsy Foundation of America
  51. 2002 - 2005
    MemberProvider Relations Steering Committee, Mayo Clinic Arizona Committees
  52. 2002 - 2003
    Conference OrganizerPractical Seizure Management: Initiating and Discontinuing Antiepileptic Drugs, American Academy of Neurology
  53. 2002
    ChairContinuing Medical Education Subcommittee, Education Committee, Executive Operations Team - Arizona
  54. 2002
    ChairEpilepsy Staff, Search Committee, Department of Neurology
  55. 2002
    Conference OrganizerClinical Neurophysiology Review
  56. 2002
    Co-ChairScientific Session, Epilepsy: CoMorbidities, American Academy of Neurology
  57. 2002 - present
    MemberEducation Committee, Executive Operations Team - Arizona, Mayo Clinic Arizona Committees
  58. 2002 - present
    MemberWestern Clinical Neurophysiology Society
  59. 2002 - present
    ExaminerPart II Oral Examinations, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
  60. 2001 - 2005
    MemberContinuing Education Committee, Mayo Clinic Committees
  61. 2001 - 2003
    PresidentProfessional Advisory Board, Arizona Epilepsy Foundation
  62. 2001 - 2002
    MemberNeurology Research Committee, Department of Neurology
  63. 2001
    Abstract ReviewerEpilepsy, American Academy of Neurology
  64. 2001
    Co-ChairScientific Session, Epilepsy: Efficacy and Safety of Treatment, American Academy of Neurology
  65. 2001
    Conference OrganizerFourteenth Annual Epilepsy Update: Back to Basics
  66. 2001
    Research Grant ReviewerHealth Research Board in Ireland
  67. 2000 - 2005
    MemberContinuing Medical Education Subcommittee, Education Committee, Executive Operations Team - Arizona
  68. 2000 - 2002
    MemberInternational Affairs Committee, Mayo Clinic Arizona Committees
  69. 2000 - 2001
    MemberAcademic Affairs Committee, Department of Neurology
  70. 2000 - 2001
    MemberClinical Practice Committee, Department of Neurology
  71. 2000 - 2001
    ChairMedical Student Subcommittee, Student and Resident Education, American Epilepsy Society
  72. 2000
    Co-ChairScientific Session, Epilepsy: Epidemiology and Genetics, American Academy of Neurology
  73. 2000
    Course CoordinatorGovernor's Advisory Conference on Aging, Epilepsy and Seizures Disorders in Older Adults
  74. 2000
    Conference OrganizerFocus on Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis, Neurology Clinical Update
  75. 2000 - present
    OrganizerNeuroscience weekly conference, Department of Neurology
  76. 1999
    Course CoordinatorEpilepsy in the Elderly, American Geriatrics Society and American Federation for Research on Aging
  77. 1999 - present
    Committee ChairEpilepsy, American Academy of Neurology
  78. 1999 - present
    Newsletter EditorEpilepsy, American Academy of Neurology
  79. 1999 - present
    MemberNational Association of Medical Communicators
  80. 1998 - 2001
    Course CoordinatorManagement of Status Epilepticus, American Academy of Neurology
  81. 1998 - 1999
    MemberExecutive Committee, Neurology Department, Jefferson Medical College
  82. 1998 - present
    Medical AdvisorHispanic Epilepsy Patient Support Group, Epilepsy Foundation of Southeastern Pennsylvania
  83. 1998 - present
    MemberAmerican Geriatrics Society
  84. 1998 - present
    MemberStudent and Resident Education, American Epilepsy Society
  85. 1997 - 1999
    MemberMedical Student Neurology Education, Neurology Department, Jefferson Medical College
  86. 1997 - 1999
    MemberInstitutional Review Board, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
  87. 1995 - present
    MemberAmerican Epilepsy Society
  88. 1994 - present
    MemberAmerican Clinical Neurophysiology Society
  89. 1991 - present
    MemberAmerican Academy of Neurology
  90. 1986 - present
    MemberAmerican Medical Association
  91.  
    DirectorElectromyography Laboratory, Department of Neurology
  92.  
    MemberEducation Advisory Group, Mayo Clinic Committees
  93.  
    ExaminerAmerican Board of Registered EEG Technologists
  94.  
    MemberProfessional Advisory Board, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals
  95.  
    MemberProfessional Advisory Board, Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  96.  
    MemberProfessional Advisory Board, Nihon-Kohnden Inc.

Publications

Research activities

See a description of research activities.