The Neurophilia Podcast

Dr. Nupur Goel, MD and Dr. Blake Buletko, MD
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Neurophobia is "the fear of neural sciences and clinical neurology" that is often experienced by medical students and young healthcare professionals. The Neurophilia Podcast is our attempt to help dispel the growing issue of neurophobia in the medical community. We engage in meaningful, interdisciplinary conversations with leading physicians to better connect neurology with other fields of medicine. Our hope is that with each episode, our listeners learn to appreciate, and perhaps even develop a love, for clinical neurology. Hosted by Dr. Nupur Goel, Neurology Resident at Mass General Brigham, and Dr. Blake Buletko, Program Director of Cleveland Clinic's Adult Neurology Program.

  1. 2D AGO

    Neurology Beyond Borders: Germany

    Send us Fan Mail From his office in Cologne late at night, Dr. Lukas Hensel walks us through what neurology in Germany really looks like on the ground, especially inside a university hospital where stroke, ICU-level decisions, and rare diagnoses show up disproportionately often. We follow his path into medicine and the “brain as a map” mindset that pulled him toward neurology, then zoom out to the structure of German neurology training. He explains a mentor-driven approach to specialization, the sharp divide between outpatient neurology and inpatient academic centers, and why protected research time can be both possible and precarious depending on staffing and grant funding. If you’re curious about academic neurology careers, acute stroke care, and neurologic intensive care medicine, his day-to-day description is as practical as it is honest. The conversation also gets clinical: the dominant stroke risk profile in a Western aging population, the rising mix of vascular injury with neurodegenerative disease, and the steady presence of inflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis. Dr. Hensel shares a standout interdisciplinary case where persistence, repeat biopsy, and tight coordination across services changed the trajectory for a patient with recurrent embolic events. We close with what he wants next for German healthcare and neurology: more effective rehabilitation, smarter use of digital markers, earlier prevention, and clearer end-of-life communication so treatment matches patient values. Subscribe for more global neurology conversations, share this with a colleague, and leave a review if it helped you think differently. What part of the German neurology system would you want to borrow or change first? Support the show Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a third-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

    46 min

  2. MAR 16

    Neurology Beyond Borders: India

    Send us Fan Mail Neurology looks very different when one specialist may serve hundreds of thousands of people and patients travel hours across states just to be seen. We sit down with two renowned Indian neurologists, Dr. Singal and Dr. Lalkaka, to map what neurology care really feels like in India and what the rest of us can learn from it. We talk through the daily reality of neurology practice in India, from outpatient clinics filled with headache, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke follow up, and psychosomatic complaints to inpatient care that still includes emergencies and complex diagnostic puzzles. They explain how the country’s disease patterns have evolved, with fewer classic infection dominated presentations than in prior decades and more non communicable neurological disease as life expectancy rises, alongside growing visibility of dementia and cognitive impairment. The conversation goes beyond medicine into culture and systems. We unpack how joint family networks can provide powerful support for stroke recovery and memory decline, while also shifting decision making away from patient autonomy. We explore stigma around epilepsy, the impact of Ayurveda and homeopathy alongside Western evidence based care, and why palliative care and quality of life discussions remain difficult in many settings. They also break down the healthcare landscape, including government hospitals, trust hospitals, and corporate centers, plus the hard truth of out of pocket costs when insurance coverage is limited. We end with a forward look at neurology training, genetics, precision medicine, and AI, anchored by a clear principle: use tests and technology as tools, not masters, and never let the clinical exam or compassion fade. If you care about global neurology, medical education, or building smarter systems of care, you’ll take something practical from this conversation. Subscribe, share the episode with a colleague, and leave a review with the biggest lesson you’re taking into your next patient encounter. Support the show Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a third-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

    48 min

  3. JAN 30

    Neurology Beyond Borders: Latin America

    Send us Fan Mail Forget the assumption that modern neurology only thrives where resources are abundant. We sit down with Dr. Daniel Ontaneda and Dr. Nelson Maldonado—two Ecuadorian neurologists driving change across Latin America—to explore how world-class care is built on clinical craft, cultural fluency, and relentless advocacy. From bedside localization when the MRI is down to expanding stroke thrombolysis from a handful of cases to hundreds, their stories reveal a system where expertise is abundant but access can lag—and how that gap is closing. We retrace Dan’s journey from Quito to leading-edge MS research, and Nelson’s decision to return home to build services few believed possible. Together they unpack what training looks like across the region, including long-format medical school, rural service, and residencies that demand deep exam skills. We compare public and private systems in Ecuador, break down why patients often want clear directives rather than options, and examine how cultural beliefs and language shape adherence. The conversation digs into MS treatment in low- and middle-resource settings, the rise of highly effective disease-modifying therapies, and the pragmatic use of cost-effective options like rituximab. The episode also exposes a hidden threat: substandard medications entering through price-first procurement, undermining both acute care and chronic neurologic disease. Yet the momentum is real—regional MS registries, imaging collaborations that move faster than heavily regulated systems, and conferences that bring neurocritical care and MS experts under one roof. Even subspecialists practice broadly, treating Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, headache, and ICU cases in the same week, sharpening an exam-first mindset that delivers results. If you care about global neurology, stroke systems of care, MS access, and the practical ethics of delivering evidence-based treatment under constraints, this conversation will challenge assumptions and spark ideas. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review telling us where neurology should invest next. Support the show Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a third-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

    56 min
  4. Fellowship and Early Attending Career: Part Two

    05/14/2025

    Fellowship and Early Attending Career: Part Two

    Send us Fan Mail The leap from neurology residency to attending brings a critical decision - fellowship training or direct practice? In this compelling episode, Harvard neurologists Dr. Galina Gheihman and Dr. Denis Balaban share their contrasting post-residency paths, offering a roadmap for trainees wrestling with their next career steps. This conversation offers honest, practical guidance for navigating the post-residency landscape. Whether you're considering fellowship, direct practice, academic medicine, or industry roles, you'll gain valuable perspective on aligning your next steps with your true professional passions. • Transitioning from resident to attending involves complex role adjustments, especially when supervising former colleagues • Establishing clinical independence requires navigating new responsibilities in outpatient care and deciding when to manage vs. when to refer • Early career physicians lose the built-in cohort of training years precisely when facing critical career decisions • Building support networks through regular check-ins with division chairs and connecting with fellow educators becomes essential • Medical education lacks structured preparation for the business aspects of medicine including salary negotiation and career advancement • Embracing uncertainty and having honest conversations with patients about complex cases is integral to neurology practice • The most fulfilling aspects of attending life include the teaching-clinical intersection and helping patients navigate fear and uncertainty Support the show Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a third-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

    32 min
  5. Fellowship and Early Attending Career: Part One

    04/21/2025

    Fellowship and Early Attending Career: Part One

    Send us Fan Mail The leap from neurology residency to attending brings a critical decision - fellowship training or direct practice? In this compelling episode, Harvard neurologists Dr. Galina Gheihman and Dr. Denis Balaban share their contrasting post-residency paths, offering a roadmap for trainees wrestling with their next career steps. Dr. Gheihman opted to bypass traditional fellowship, instead pursuing a "primary care neurology" role while simultaneously earning a master's in medical education. Her candid perspective on readiness resonates deeply: "You aren't confident, but you are competent - and there's a difference." For those intimidated by independent practice, she provides practical strategies for managing the transition and emphasizes that general neurology remains a fulfilling, academically rich career path. Meanwhile, Dr. Balaban shares his journey through multiple fellowships, including a rare industry-sponsored position that offered unprecedented insights into pharmaceutical medicine. His behind-the-scenes look at clinical trials, drug development timelines, and the physician's role in industry pulls back the curtain on career possibilities rarely discussed during training. Both neurologists tackle the challenging question of whether three years of residency adequately prepares physicians for the growing complexity of neurological care. They explore innovative educational models, from specialty tracks to competency-based approaches, while emphasizing the critical importance of strong mentorship in visualizing diverse career paths. This conversation offers honest, practical guidance for navigating the post-residency landscape. Whether you're considering fellowship, direct practice, academic medicine, or industry roles, you'll gain valuable perspective on aligning your next steps with your true professional passions. Don't miss part two of this illuminating discussion, coming soon to the Neurophilia podcast. Subscribe now to continue exploring the transition to attending life with our experienced guests. Support the show Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a third-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

    43 min
  6. Neurology Residency: PGY4 year

    01/20/2025

    Neurology Residency: PGY4 year

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Neurophilia Podcast! Today's episode is a continuation of our "Neurology in Residency" series. We cover the final year of neurology residency, commonly known as PGY4 year.  Make sure you listen to the full episode! Guests: Dr. Weige (Charlie) Zhao is a fourth-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Dr. Marinos Sotiropolous is a fourth-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Dr. Stephanie Reyes is a fourth-year neurology resident at Duke Neurology in Durham, NC. Dr. Aakaash Patel is a fourth-year neurology resident at UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr, Price Tipping is a fourth-year neurology resident at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH.    Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod Support the show Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a third-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

    57 min

  7. 12/10/2024

    Neurology Residency: PGY3 Year

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Neurophilia Podcast! Today's episode is a continuation of our "Neurology in Residency" series. We cover the third year of neurology residency, commonly known as PGY-3 year. We discussed the PGY-3 structure and expectations of this clinical year across various residency programs. Our guests shared incredible stories from this year of training, highlighting areas of growth and inner turmoil. Make sure you listen to the full episode! Guests: Dr. Weige (Charlie) Zhao is a fourth-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Dr. Marinos Sotiropolous is a fourth-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Dr. Stephanie Reyes is a fourth-year neurology resident at Duke Neurology in Durham, NC. Dr. Aakash Patel is a fourth-year neurology resident at UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr, Price Tipping is a fourth-year neurology resident at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH.    Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod Support the show Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a third-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

    51 min
  8. Neurology Residency: PGY2 Year

    09/25/2024

    Neurology Residency: PGY2 Year

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Neurophilia Podcast! We are joined by four neurology residents to discuss the first two years of residency training. Stay tuned to listen to our conversation regarding PGY-2 year! Guests: Adnan Husein, MD is a PGY3 resident at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. Follow him on Twitter: @AdnanHuseinMD. Katherine Bruch, MD is a PGY2 resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Ashley Audi, MD is a PGY2 resident at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow her on Twitter: @ashleyaudi22 Sakhi Bhansali, MD is a PGY3 resident at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow her on Twitter: @DrSakhii Our Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a second-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr.  Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod Support the show Hosts: Dr. Nupur Goel is a third-year neurology resident at Mass General Brigham in Boston, MA. Follow Dr. Nupur Goel on Twitter @mdgoels Dr. Blake Buletko is a vascular neurologist and program director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Follow Dr.  Blake Buletko on Twitter @blakebuletko Follow the Neurophilia Podcast on Twitter and Instagram @NeurophiliaPod

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Neurophobia is "the fear of neural sciences and clinical neurology" that is often experienced by medical students and young healthcare professionals. The Neurophilia Podcast is our attempt to help dispel the growing issue of neurophobia in the medical community. We engage in meaningful, interdisciplinary conversations with leading physicians to better connect neurology with other fields of medicine. Our hope is that with each episode, our listeners learn to appreciate, and perhaps even develop a love, for clinical neurology. Hosted by Dr. Nupur Goel, Neurology Resident at Mass General Brigham, and Dr. Blake Buletko, Program Director of Cleveland Clinic's Adult Neurology Program.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Nupur Goel, MD and Dr. Blake Buletko, MD
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Neurophilia Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Neurophilia Podcast