Andrew Spector

Andrew Spector, MD is Professor of Neurology at Duke University School of Medicine, where he serves as Vice Chair for Inclusion, Diversity, and Empowerment in the Department of Neurology. His dual expertise spans clinical neurology and sleep medicine, with particular focus on epilepsy and sleep disorders. His academic leadership extends to directing diversity initiatives within the neurology department and contributing to national conversations about equity in medical education and practice.

• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (M.D., 2006)

Dr. Spector's research centers on the intersection of sleep disorders and neurocognitive function, with special emphasis on obstructive sleep apnea's impact on postoperative outcomes in older adults. His work also addresses critical gaps in understanding sleep health disparities across racial and ethnic groups, particularly among Asian American populations. Additional research interests include non-REM parasomnias, restless legs syndrome, and the physiological mechanisms linking sleep disorders to neurocognitive decline. His recent publications demonstrate a growing commitment to examining structural racism in healthcare and developing frameworks for meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within academic neurology departments.

Analysis of Dr. Spector's recent publications reveals a clear trajectory focusing on the clinical implications of sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea and its relationship to neurocognitive outcomes. His work bridges basic science (examining blood-brain barrier breakdown) with clinical applications (improving sleep apnea screening in preoperative settings). Notably, his research increasingly incorporates health equity perspectives, examining disparities in sleep medicine access and outcomes across diverse populations. The publications also demonstrate engagement with public policy issues, particularly regarding daylight saving time and its health impacts.

Dr. Spector has received significant research funding supporting his work in sleep medicine and neurology:

• A MultiCenter, double-blind, randomized study to evaluate the effects of tasimelteon vs placebo in participants with Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) (Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2021-2024)
• The Association of Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown with Sleep Apnea and Postoperative Delirium (National Institutes of Health, 2021-2024)
• Duke Racial Disparities in Neurology Scorecard Research (Harmony Biosciences, 2021-2023)
• Sleep Medicine Fellow Institutional Training Program (American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, 2022-2023)

Dr. Spector's academic leadership extends to curriculum development, teaching the interdisciplinary course "Sleep in Society: History, Culture, and Medicine" across multiple departments including Linguistics, Neuroscience, and Psychology. His external relationships include the American Academy of Neurology and industry connections with Apnimed and Noctrix, Inc., reflecting his engagement with both academic and translational aspects of sleep medicine. His work on the SANDMAN Study (Sleep Apnea, Neuroinflammation, and Cognitive Dysfunction Manifesting After Non-cardiac surgery) represents a significant multidisciplinary research initiative examining the neurological consequences of untreated sleep apnea in surgical populations.