Chirag Choudhary, MD, MBA, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, and Marc Babi, MD, MBA, FNCS, Professor of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic and Case Western University, Florida Region, and Center Director for Neur

Cleveland Clinic leaders Dr. Chirag Chowdhury and Dr. Mark Bobby highlight significant advancements and ongoing challenges in stroke care during a recent discussion. They emphasize the importance of timely recognition and triage of stroke symptoms, noting that many patients still face barriers in accessing appropriate care. The duo points out that not all hospitals are equipped to handle every type of stroke, which can lead to disparities in treatment outcomes. They advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes community education, effective EMS partnerships, and standardized protocols across healthcare facilities.

Dr. Bobby elaborates on the operational requirements for achieving a Joint Commission's Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center designation, which involves years of coordinated efforts among various specialists and a robust infrastructure to provide 24/7 advanced stroke management. Dr. Chowdhury adds that Cleveland Clinic's integration with telehealth services allows for continuous support and expertise, enhancing patient care across their facilities in Florida.

Looking ahead, both doctors express optimism about the future of stroke care, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced imaging technologies. These innovations are expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency. They also emphasize the need for a dual approach to access—combining physical spaces with virtual care options—to ensure that patients receive timely and high-quality treatment. Overall, they convey a strong commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration within the healthcare system to enhance patient outcomes.

In this episode, Chirag Choudhary, MD, MBA, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, and Marc Babi, MD, MBA, FNCS, Professor of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic and Case Western University, Florida Region, and Center Director for Neurocritical Care, Neurohospitalist, Stroke, and Neuro-Intervention, join the podcast to discuss improving access to care for stroke patients and the best practices and quality metrics that support high-quality stroke care. They also share insights on putting patients and caregivers first while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety.