Yama Akbari

Yama Akbari, MD, is an Associate Professor in Neurology, Neurological Surgery, Anatomy & Neurobiology, and the Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He holds joint appointments in multiple departments within the UCI School of Medicine. His clinical expertise lies in neurocritical care, focusing on neuro-intensive care unit (Neuro-ICU) management of patients with conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and cardiac arrest. His research integrates basic science and translational studies, with a focus on consciousness, coma, and resuscitation science.

Dr. Akbari earned an MD and PhD in Neurobiology & Behavior from UCI, followed by neurology residency at UCLA and a neurocritical care fellowship at Johns Hopkins. He leads the Akbari Lab, which investigates cerebral hemodynamics, metabolism, and connectivity during cardiac arrest and resuscitation. The lab employs advanced optical imaging techniques and collaborative interdisciplinary approaches. He has pioneered translational research in cardiac arrest and resuscitation, including developing a rodent model to study post-arrest recovery mechanisms.

His research interests span optical imaging of cerebral blood flow, optimizing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and clinical trials for neurological interventions. Awards include the NIH NIBIB Trailblazer Award, Chancellor’s Excellence in Research Mentorship, and multiple recognitions as a Southern California Super Doctor.

Dr. Akbari actively participates in professional societies such as the Neurocritical Care Society and the American Academy of Neurology. His work bridges clinical practice and innovation, with grants focusing on multimodal imaging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroprotection strategies. He also mentors students and residents, emphasizing education in neurocritical care and translational research.