2025 Scottsdale Headache Symposium Award Recipients
The American Headache Society (AHS) proudly recognizes the recipients of the 2025 Scottsdale Headache Symposium® Awards. These annual awards celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of headache medicine through clinical excellence, research, innovation, and leadership.
This year’s honorees exemplify the spirit of the AHS community by advancing patient care, promoting scientific discovery, and strengthening collaboration within the field.
#AHSAZ Awards
Advanced Practitioner Award
The Advanced Practitioner Award honors a nurse practitioner or physician assistant who demonstrates clinical expertise, leadership, and dedication to improving the lives of patients with headache disorders. The 2025 award goes to Annika Ehrlich, DNP, FNP-C, CNRN, AQH, of the UCSF Headache Center (UCSF Health) in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Ehrlich’s work reflects a deep commitment to advancing patient-centered care and supporting multidisciplinary collaboration in the field of headache medicine.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award recognizes efforts to expand representation, equity, and inclusion in the headache community. The 2025 award goes to Jerome Goldstein, MD, of the San Francisco Clinical Research Center and San Francisco Headache Clinic in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Goldstein has been a champion for equitable access to care and research opportunities, helping create a more inclusive environment for clinicians and patients alike.
Steven B. Graff-Radford Orofacial Pain and Headache Award
In honor of Dr. Steven B. Graff-Radford, the Steven B. Graff-Radford Orofacial Pain and Headache Award recognizes excellence in the field of orofacial pain and headache. The 2025 award goes to Alexandre F. DaSilva, DDS, DMSc, of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. DaSilva’s innovative research and clinical work at the University of Michigan have advanced the understanding of pain mechanisms and improved treatment approaches for patients with complex headache and facial pain conditions.
Women’s Health Science Award
The Women’s Health Science Award honors a leader whose research and advocacy have advanced the understanding of headache and migraine in women. The 2025 award goes to Jessica Ailani, MD, FAHS, FAAN, of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Ailani’s clinical and academic work continues to shape the field, improving treatment and quality of life for women affected by headache disorders.
"Frontiers in Headache Research” Scholarship Awards
The "Frontiers in Headache Research" Scholarship awards are awarded to proposals, studies, or theses with the potential to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and future research in the field of headache medicine. Drs. Sylvia Escolero, Muhammed Miran Oncel, and Zuha Mheir-Al-Saadi will deliver an oral presentation on their submitted research project/proposal. Drs. Sarah Friedman, Manavjot Gill, Stella Iskandarian, Charmaine Alexia Jenkins, Shiv Jha, Grace Kim, and Monica Ngo will present a poster on display in the exhibit hall.
Recipients:
- Sylvia G. Escolero, MD – Ohio State University
- Muhammed Miran Oncel, MD – Massachusetts General Hospital
- Zuha Mheir-Al-Saadi, DO – University of South Florida
- Sarah A. Friedman, MD – Weill Cornell Medicine
- Manavjot Gill, MD – University At Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
- Stella E. Iskandarian, MD – Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine)
- Charmaine Alexia Jenkins, MD – Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Shiv Jha, MD – Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Grace Y. Kim, MD – University California Irvine; Children's Hospital Orange County
- Monica W. Ngo, MD – MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Runnin’ for Research Advocacy Award
Two recipients were selected for the 2025 Runnin’ for Research Advocacy Awards and will attend the Scottsdale Headache Symposium. This award supports neurology residents committed to health advocacy and advancing the mission of the American Headache Society.
Recipients:
- Avneet Hans, MD – University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Bradley Ashley Ong, MD – Cleveland Clinic
Resident Scholarship Award
The American Headache Society, in partnership with For the Love of Ryan, is pleased to introduce a new scholarship opportunity being offered for the first time in 2025. Through a grant from For the Love of Ryan, five Resident Scholarships will support attendance at the 2025 Scottsdale Headache Symposium. Recipients were selected based on their demonstrated interest in headache medicine, experience working with mental health disorders, and other qualifying criteria.
Recipients:
- Joshua Beitchman, MD – University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Minnie Mitchell, MD – Morehouse School of Medicine
- Heidi Mueller, MD – Cleveland Clinic
- Maryann Nicola, MD – University of Ottawa
- Anjali Patel, MD – Morehouse School of Medicine
AHS congratulates this year’s award recipients for their achievements and dedication to improving the lives of people with headache and migraine. Their contributions embody the mission of the Society to improve the lives of people living with headache and migraine and advance knowledge that leads to better care for all.