10th Annual Stroke Care Symposium 2026

Schedule

2026 Conference Agenda

Below is the 2026 Conference Agenda as presented. Two full days of educational sessions led by national and international specialists in stroke treatment, endovascular intervention, and neurovascular medicine.

Day 1 — Friday, May 1, 2026

8:15 AM

Stroke Triage

Dr. Sofia Janjua — Interventional Neurologist, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

8:45 AM

Prehospital Stroke Care

Rene Perez, RN — Director of Patient Transport Services, South Texas Emergency Care Foundation, Harlingen, TX

9:15 AM

Mobile Stroke Units: Redefining Pre-Hospital Stroke Care

Dr. M. Shazam Hussain — Interventional Neurologist, Director, Cleveland

9:45 AM

Direct to Angio and Why We Don’t Need CT Perfusion

Dr. Qaisar Shah — Interventional Neurologist, Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, VA

10:15 AM

When the Doctor Goes to the Patient and Fellowship Lessons with Dr. Adnan Qureshi

Dr. Mikayel Grigoryan — Neurointerventional Director, Adventist Health Glendale Comprehensive Stroke Center, Los Angeles, CA

10:45 AM

☕ Mid-Morning Break

11:00 AM

Best Stroke Triage Models: Lessons from Catalonia’s Hub-and-Spoke System

Dr. Marc Ribo — Interventional Neurologist, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Spain

11:30 AM

The Microbiome and Stroke: A New Frontier in Cerebrovascular Medicine

Dr. Mario Cerdan — Vascular Neurologist, Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville; Clinical Associate, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

12:00 PM

Two Decades of Stroke Therapy: Device Evolution and Where We’re Headed Next

Dr. Ameer Hassan — Head of Neuroscience, Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, TX; Professor of Neurology & Radiology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

12:30 PM

🍽️ Lunch — provided for all registered attendees

1:00 PM

Late Window Stroke Treatment: What’s Next Beyond Current Trials

Dr. Amrou Sarraj — Director, Cerebrovascular Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center, UH Cleveland Medical Center

1:30 PM

Stroke Therapies on the Horizon: Innovations Driving the Next Decade

Dr. Rakesh Khatri — Interventional Neurologist, Lutheran Health Network, Fort Wayne, IN

2:00 PM

Sleep Apnea and Stroke: The Overlooked Risk Factor

Dr. Raza Khan — VBMC Neurology Clinic, Director, Valley Baptist Medical Center – Harlingen

2:30 PM

Neuroprotection in Stroke: Translating Promise into Practice

Dr. Jawad Kirmani — Director, Neuroendovascular Service, Marcus Stroke & Neuroscience Center

3:00 PM

Basilar Artery Occlusion: Strategy, Timing, and Outcomes

Dr. Diogo C. Haussen — Director, Neuroendovascular Service, Marcus Stroke & Neuroscience Center, Atlanta, GA

3:30 PM

☕ Mid-Afternoon Break

3:45 PM

Carotid Stenting and Tandem Occlusions: Adapting to Evolving Challenges

Dr. Santiago Ortega — Endovascular Neurologist & Associate Professor of Neurology, Radiology & Neurosurgery, University of Iowa

4:15 PM

MEVOs and DEVOs: Expanding the Scope of Mechanical Thrombectomy

Dr. Alberto Maud — Fellowship Program Director, Interventional Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center of El Paso, TX

Day 2 — Saturday, May 2, 2026

8:00 AM

Endovascular Advances in Cerebrospinal Fluid Disorders: Lessons from Mayo Clinic

Dr. Waleed Brinjikji — Diagnostic Neuroradiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

8:30 AM

Aneurysm Treatment in Transition: Optimizing Outcomes with Emerging Endovascular

Dr. Farhan Siddiq — Associate Professor, Director Neurological Surgery Residency, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

9:00 AM

Tackling CTOs in Neurointervention: Challenges, Strategies, and Future Directions

Dr. Samantha Miller — Vascular Neurologist, Christus Trinity Clinic Spohn Neurosciences Center, Corpus Christi, TX

9:30 AM

Anatomy Matters: Navigating Complex Neurovascular Procedures

Dr. Eytan Raz — Chief of Neurointerventional Radiology, NYU Brooklyn, NY

10:00 AM

☕ Mid-Morning Break

10:15 AM

Acute Ischemic Stroke Innovation: Moving Beyond Traditional Management

Dr. Max Mokin — Professor and Vice-Chair, Neurology Department, Texas Tech University Health Science Center

10:45 AM

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Guidelines in Transition: Practical Updates from the Neurocritical Care Society

Dr. Jose Suarez — Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD

11:15 AM

Headache in Interventional Neurology: Future Directions from a Pioneer in Stroke and Endovascular Care

Dr. Adnan Qureshi — Endovascular Neurology, Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Radiology, University of Missouri

11:45 AM

Meningioma Management: Evolving Endovascular Strategies

Dr. M. Fareed Suri — Interventional Neurologist, Aspirus St. Luke’s Stroke Center, Duluth, MN

12:15 PM

🍽️ Lunch — provided for all registered attendees

12:45 PM

Vasospasm Therapy Reimagined: New Frontiers in Treatment and Monitoring

Dr. Gustavo Rodriguez — Professor and Vice-Chair, Neurology Department, Texas Tech University Health Science Center

1:15 PM

Surgical Decision-Making in Neurovascular Disease: Trends and Innovations

Dr. Bradley Stephens — Neurological Surgery, Neurosurgery Medical Director, Valley Baptist Medical Center – Harlingen, TX

1:45 PM

AI in Neurointervention: From Algorithms to Clinical Impact

Dr. Sunil Sheth — Neurology, University of Texas at Houston

2:15 PM

TNK in Large Stroke Hubs: Long-Term Results and Practical Lessons

Dr. Jefferson Miley — Endovascular Neurology, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School

2:45 PM

Chronic Subdural Hematomas: Modern Endovascular and Surgical Approaches

Dr. Harabalos Zacharatos — Endovascular Neurologist, JFK NJ Neuroscience Institute, Edison, NJ

3:15 PM

Endovascular Techniques for Subdural Evacuation and Future Directions

Dr. Osman Kozak — Endovascular Neurologist, Jefferson Abington Hospital, Abington, PA

3:45 PM

MMA and Intractable Headache

Dr. Muhammad W. Khan — Endovascular Neurologist, Valley Baptist Medical Center – Harlingen, TX

* Speakers subject to change. Program based on confirmed schedule as of publication date.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend the symposium?

This symposium is designed for practicing neurologists, emergency physicians, neurosurgeons, hospitalists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, EMS professionals, physical and occupational therapists, and medical students or residents with an interest in stroke care.

Are CME credits available?

Yes. CME credits are available for eligible attendees. Physicians may claim up to 14.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ for the full two-day program, accredited through Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen and the Texas Medical Association (TMA). Registered Nurses may receive up to 7.5 contact hours for Day 1 and 7 contact hours for Day 2, pending approval through the California Board of Registered Nursing. Successful completion requires signing in, attending the full activity, and submitting an evaluation form. Partial credit will not be awarded. Please indicate your interest in CME credits when completing the registration form.

What is the registration fee?

Registration pricing depends on attendee type and whether you plan to attend one day or both days. Physicians: $225 single day or $250 both days. NPs, PAs, and Nurses: $100 single day or $125 both days. EMS, Technicians, and Non-Clinical attendees: $75 single day or $100 both days. Medical Students and Residents: $25 single day or $50 both days. Lunch is provided for registered attendees on both days.

Where exactly is the event held?

The symposium takes place at the Hilton Garden Inn, South Padre Island, Texas. Hotel room block information and driving directions will be sent to registered attendees ahead of the event.

Is the Red Ball happening the same weekend?

Yes. The Red Ball 2026 fundraising gala takes place on Saturday evening, May 2 — the same weekend as Day 2 of the Symposium. We encourage attendees to join us for both events. Tickets for the Red Ball are available separately.

How do I contact the organizers?

For questions about registration, agenda, or logistics, please contact:
Lisa Evans — lisa.evans@valleybaptist.net · 956-389-6741
Teri Retana — ltmretana1@gmail.com

Support the Symposium

Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities

Organizations can support the 10th Annual South Texas Comprehensive Stroke Care Symposium through sponsorship or exhibitor participation — connecting with healthcare professionals and community leaders while advancing stroke education and research across South Texas.

Presented in partnership with Valley Baptist Health System

Sponsorship Levels

Double Platinum

$20,000

Presenting sponsorship
Faculty dinner sponsor — seating for 8
Featured double booth location
Presenting roll-up banner
Top placement on symposium signage
Recognition from podium
8 tickets (both days, reserved seating, breakfast & lunch)

Platinum

$10,000

Prominent booth location
Platinum sponsor roll-up banner
Recognition from podium
Placement on symposium signage
6 tickets (both days, reserved seating, breakfast & lunch)

Gold

$5,000

Prominent booth location
Recognition from podium
Gold placement on symposium signage
4 tickets (both days, reserved seating, breakfast & lunch)

Silver

$3,000

Booth at symposium
Silver placement on symposium signage
2 tickets (both days, breakfast & lunch)

Exhibitor Levels

Double Platinum Exhibitor

$5,000

Featured double booth in exhibit hall
Top placement on symposium signage
8 tickets (both days, breakfast & lunch)

Platinum Exhibitor

$2,500

Prominent booth in exhibit hall
Platinum placement on symposium signage
6 tickets (both days, breakfast & lunch)

Ready to Participate?

Use the buttons above to submit your sponsorship or exhibitor inquiry. Our team will follow up to confirm your selection and provide payment instructions.

Questions? Contact us at:

ltmretana1@gmail.com · strokerefoundation@gmail.com

Check payments payable to Stroke Research & Education Foundation · 4409 Water Edge, Harlingen, Texas 78552