Meet Your Stroke Team

When it’s a stroke, minutes matter. Expert medical attention is required immediately, so it is critical to be fast. Munson Healthcare’s interventional and multidisciplinary stroke team works together to provide the best care possible, from arrival to the Emergency Department through treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery.

Your Stroke Team

“My goal is to bring vascular neurosurgical care and minimally invasive stroke care to our region, where these services don’t currently exist.”

Dr. Rajah graduated from Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich. He completed a residency in neurosurgery at Wayne State University / Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Mich., and a fellowship in vascular/endovascular neurosurgery from the University of Buffalo, Gates Vascular Institute at the Canon Stroke Center, Buffalo, New York.

In addition to general neurosurgery, Dr. Rajah has special interests in cerebrovascular neurosurgery, endovascular neurosurgery including stroke thrombectomy, aneurysm coiling, and skull-base neurosurgery.

Publications with Contributions by Dr. Rajah

• Acute Stroke Endovascular Treatment: Tips and Tricks
• High Intensity Physical Rehabilitation Later Than 24 h Post Stroke Is Beneficial in Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) Study in Mild to Moderate Ischemic Stroke
• Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Tandem Occlusion: Should Endovascular Recanalization of the Extracranial or Intracranial Occlusive Lesion be Done First?
• The Current State of Stroke Therapy: Endovascular Surgery for the Treatment of Intracranial and Extracranial Vascular Disease
• Update on Flow Diverters for the Endovascular Management of Cerebral Aneurysms
• Additional publications

Books

• Decision Making in Neurovascular Disease
• Video Atlas of Neuroendovascular Procedures

David Rosenbaum-HaLevi, MD, is a board-certified specialist in neurology with subspecialty training in vascular neurology and interventional neuroradiology. He has special interests in acute stroke intervention, cerebral aneurysms, complex cerebrovascular disease / malformations, brain tumor embolization, spinal vascular disease, and minimally invasive spine treatment.

Dr. Rosenbaum-HaLevi practices at Munson Neurosurgery and is also a member of the Munson Healthcare Comprehensive Stroke Center. When asked what he likes most about his work, he said, “Recent advances in technology allow us to treat and often cure medical conditions that could be otherwise devastating. I am excited to be part of this rapidly evolving specialty and consider myself fortunate to be able to provide this care to my patients.”

In his free time Dr. Rosenbaum-HaLevi enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and endurance sports.

Neurohospitalists

The team includes two board-certified neurohospitalists who oversee care of stroke patients in the hospital and are available around the clock for consultations. Neurohospitalists provide both direct stroke care to patients and guidance to the overall program.

Kersti Bruining, MD Neurologist/Neurohospitalist

Glen Ackerman, MD Neurology Section Chief

Neurologists and Neurosurgeons

Patients with neurological disorders in northern Michigan have access to board-certified neurologists based in Traverse City and Manistee who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system impairments. 

Neurologists provide advanced care for nervous system issues ranging from chronic headaches to conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke. Neurologists and neurosurgeons work with primary care providers and other medical professionals to develop a customized treatment plan for illnesses, disorders, and injuries that involve the nervous system.

Internists and Specialists

Physicians with advanced education and clinical training in one specific medical focus can be called medical specialists. Munson Healthcare stroke specialists are highly-trained to perform minimally-invasive endovascular procedures. Medical internists may consult with other medical fields to coordinate any subspecialties of care for treating chronic illness.  

Physical Therapists

Munson Healthcare’s comprehensive physical therapy program focuses on preventing and rehabilitating orthopedic injuries, neurological deficits, musculoskeletal problems, arthritis, and chronic pain. Our goal is to help you restore function, reduce pain, and increase your range of movement.

Occupational Therapists

Munson Healthcare occupational therapists specialize in the treatment of work-related injuries, acute injuries, hand and upper extremity injuries, stroke and neurological deficits, low-vision issues, and chronic pain. Occupational therapy (OT) can help people of all ages re-develop daily living skills and regain their independence after an illness or injury.

Speech and Language Pathologists

Munson Healthcare speech-language pathologists help children and adults by evaluating and treating speech and language disorders, cognitive disorders, and swallowing issues. Speech-language therapy can benefit children with developmental delays or acquired deficits to adults affected by stroke, traumatic brain injuries, head and neck cancer, and neurological or neuromuscular disorders.

Critical Care, Stroke Unit, and Rehabilitation Nurses

Registered nurses are registered and licensed by each state to care for patients. Some nurses focus on a certain field such as stroke or rehabilitation. Operating room nurses assist during surgery and are certified in various surgical areas. Rehabilitation nurses specialize in helping people with disabilities and chronic illness attain optimal function, health, and adapt to an altered lifestyle.

Social Workers

A clinical social worker is a professional who helps to assess and alleviate problems related to personal, family, or social situations. Clinical social workers are a vital part of the rehabilitation multidisciplinary team, and help provide support for the patient and family, coordinate discharge planning and insurance benefits, and assist with financial problems and family conflicts.

Case Managers

Case managers will act as a go-between for patients, their families, and our medical team. A case manager's role is to make sure a patient's treatment plan is followed and achieves the intended result.

Dietitians

Munson Healthcare’s team of registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts. They provide guidance based on the latest research and are members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.