Dr. Hiral Shah Honored with Medical Equity Advocate Award at Saint Luke AME Church Centennial Gala

The Department of Neurology is proud to share that Dr. Hiral Shah was honored with the Medical Equity Advocate Award at the Saint Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church Centennial Gala Celebration. The event, held at Marina Del Rey in the Bronx, was part of Saint Luke AME’s 100-year milestone celebration and recognized leaders who are making a lasting impact in the fight for equity and justice in health care.

In announcing Dr. Shah’s award, Saint Luke AME Church wrote, “Her dedication to advancing health equity and ensuring care for underserved communities makes a lasting impact. We are honored to uplift her voice and leadership during our 100-year milestone.”

Dr. Shah, a movement disorders specialist and assistant professor of neurology in the Division of Movement Disorders, has long championed equitable care for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, particularly in minority communities. Inspired by her patients, she believes storytelling is a powerful tool to educate, destigmatize, and empower those living with chronic neurological conditions.

Dr. Shah’s career reflects deep commitment to both local and global public health. After earning her undergraduate degree at MIT and her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, she completed her neurology residency at Columbia, serving as chief resident. She later worked at the World Health Organization in Geneva, where she helped shape global strategies around dementia and mental health. She has continued this mission as a Global Mental Health Scholar and Global Health and Aging Policy Fellow.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Shah on this meaningful and well-deserved recognition.