Inna Hughes

Inna Hughes, M.D., Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor of Child Neurology and Epilepsy at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, holding primary appointments in the Department of Neurology and a joint appointment in Pediatrics. Board-certified in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology and Epilepsy, she practices at UR Medicine's Epilepsy Center and Golisano Children's Hospital, where she provides comprehensive care for pediatric neurological conditions.

Her educational trajectory includes undergraduate studies at Williams College (Magna cum Laude in Biology, 1999), followed by a combined MD/PhD program at Washington University School of Medicine (2007). Clinical training encompassed Pediatrics internship (2007-2009), Child Neurology residency (2009-2012), and Pediatric Epilepsy fellowship (2014-2015), all completed at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Dr. Hughes' research program centers on pediatric epilepsy, with specific emphasis on genetic mechanisms of childhood-onset epilepsy syndromes, dietary interventions for seizure management, and transitional care models for adolescents moving to adult epilepsy services. Her work extends to community education initiatives aimed at improving epilepsy awareness and patient self-management strategies, reflecting a commitment to both clinical innovation and public health impact.

Analysis of her publication record reveals two distinct research phases: contemporary work (2018-2025) focuses on clinical epilepsy care quality improvement and genetic epilepsy mechanisms, while earlier publications (2004-2011) stem from her doctoral training in inner ear development and otopetrin gene function, demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise spanning molecular biology and clinical neurology.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Alpha Omega Alpha Society membership (2011)
• Spencer T and Ann W. Olin Medical Scientist Fellowship (2007)
• Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2004-2007)
• Multiple travel awards and departmental honors during graduate training

Supported by significant research funding including NIH Kirschstein Fellowships and Medical Scientist Training Program grants, Dr. Hughes contributes to national quality improvement initiatives through the American Epilepsy Society. Her clinical practice at the Epilepsy Center involves multidisciplinary collaboration with neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, and specialized nursing staff to deliver integrated care for complex pediatric seizure disorders.