Melinda S. Burnett

Melinda S. Burnett, MD is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, serving as Clerkship Director for the Neurology M3 Clerkship and Neurology Clerkship Site Director. A board-certified movement disorders specialist, she treats Parkinson's disease, tremor, gait disorders, ataxia, and dystonia while leading medical education initiatives in neurology.

Her educational journey includes:

• Medical Degree: University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
• Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship
• Neurology Residency: Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) with Chief Resident role
• Movement Disorders Fellowship: Mayo Clinic
• Movement Disorders Research Fellowship: Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Australia

Dr. Burnett's research centers on movement disorder pathophysiology and clinical management, with emphasis on Parkinson's disease mechanisms, gait/ataxia diagnostics, and botulinum toxin therapeutics. Her work bridges translational research and medical education, developing innovative teaching methodologies for neurological conditions. She actively investigates exercise-induced movement disorders in athletes and rare ataxia presentations.

Her publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on movement disorder complexities, particularly in genetic ataxias and therapeutic interventions. Key themes include neurological mimics, deep brain stimulation optimization, and clinical manifestations of movement disorders across diverse patient populations. The work consistently targets practical clinical applications for neurologists.

Her accolades reflect dual excellence in research and teaching:

• First Melvin Yahr International Young Scientist Award for Brain and Movement Disorders Research
• Mayo Clinic Golden Apple Teaching Award (2018-2019)
• Creighton Medical School Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching (2019)

As Clerkship Director, Dr. Burnett shapes neurology education for medical students through curriculum development and clinical supervision. She mentors residents in the Neurology Residency Program and presents regularly at grand rounds and national conferences. Her educational impact extends through the Movement Neurophysiology Lab where she integrates clinical practice with teaching.

She directs the Movement Neurophysiology Lab and collaborates within Creighton's Neurology Residency Program. Her clinical work at Immanuel Neurological Institute informs both patient care and educational frameworks, maintaining strong ties with the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society and American Neurological Association.