91³ÉÈ˵¼º½

Locations and Appointments

Insurances Accepted

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Personal Statement

I am a neurologist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of a wide range of neurological disorders, with a particular focus on headache medicine. My philosophy of care emphasizes collaboration with each patient to create an individualized plan that not only addresses symptoms but also enhances overall well-being.

In addition to my clinical practice, I am deeply engaged in advancing systems of medical education. As Senior Associate Dean for Education at 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½, I work to strengthen the structures that support learners and faculty, with an emphasis on innovation, professional identity development, and preparing the next generation of physicians and physician assistants. My dual commitment to patient care and educational leadership reflects my belief that excellence in medicine requires both healing individuals and shaping the future of the profession.

Biographical Info

Dr. Joseph Safdieh is Senior Associate Dean for Education, Richard P. Cohen MD Professor of Medical Education, Vice Chair for Education and Professor of Neurology at 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ as well attending neurologist at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital. He earned his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, summa cum laude, from New York University and his medical degree from the NYU School of Medicine, where he graduated first in his class and was awarded membership in Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed his neurology residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell, serving as Chief Resident.

An accomplished clinician-educator, Dr. Safdieh has previously held key leadership roles at 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell including Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum, Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs, Director of the Neurology Clerkship, Medical Director of the Neurology Clinic at NewYork-Presbyterian, and Director of Outpatient Training for the Neurology Residency Program. In his current role as Senior Associate Dean, he oversees the MD and PA education mission, championing curricular innovation, professional identity development, and systems that support both learners and teaching faculty.

 Nationally, Dr. Safdieh has chaired the Consortium of Neurology Clerkship Directors and served in multiple leadership roles with the American Academy of Neurology, where he is currently Vice Chair of the Publications Committee. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of Neurology Today, the official news source of the AAN. Widely recognized for his contributions to medical education, he has developed numerous curricula used by students and physicians and has received honors for his teaching and educational leadership locally, nationally, and internationally

Honors and Awards

2025 American Neurological Association Distinguished Neurology Educator Award

2024 Visiting Faculty Excellence in Teaching- Clinical Curriculum Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Qatar

2024 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College in Qatar

2023 Visiting Faculty Excellence in Teaching- Clinical Curriculum Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Qatar

2022 Visiting Faculty Excellence in Teaching- Clinical Curriculum Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Qatar

2022 Charles L. Bardes, MD Teaching Prize, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College  

2021 Visiting Faculty Excellence in Teaching- Clinical Curriculum Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Qatar

2021 Honorary Fellowship Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Alumni Association 

2020 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2020 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College in Qatar

2020 NY Magazine "Best Doctors" List

2019 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2019 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College in Qatar

2019 NY Magazine "Best Doctors" List

2018 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2018 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College in Qatar

2018 NY Magazine "Best Doctors" List

2017 Siegel Family Faculty Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2017 Second Year Teaching Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2017 Herrmann Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Third Year, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2017 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2017 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College in Qatar

2016 Second Year Teaching Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2016 Herrmann Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Third Year, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2016 2010 Elliot Hochstein Teaching Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2016 Burton A. Sandok Visiting Professorship in Neurologic Education, Mayo Clinic

2016 Clerkship Director Teaching Award, American Academy of Neurology

2015 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2015 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College in Qatar

2015 Faculty Teaching Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Neurology Department

2014 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2013 NYPH Patient Centered Care Physician Champion Award, New York Presbyterian Hospital

2013 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College in Qatar

2013 US News and World Report "Top Doctors" List

2013 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2013 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College in Qatar

2012 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2011 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2010 Elliot Hochstein Teaching Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2010 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

2010 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College in Qatar

Excellence in Teaching Award for the Brain and Mind Course, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College, 2009

Excellence in Teaching Award for the Basic Science Curriculum, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College, 2009

2009 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

Innovation in Medical Education Award, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College, 2008

The Chares L. Bardes Teaching Prize, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College, 2008

2008 Senior List, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College

Physician Community Service Award, Sephardic Bikur Holim Community Action Network 2008

Excellence in Teaching Award for the Neurology Clerkship, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College, 2007

Teacher Recognition Certificate, American Academy of Neurology, 2007.

The Dr. Fred Plum Resident Teaching Award for Outstanding Instruction of Residents, Interns and Medical Students. Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Medical College of Cornell University, 2006.

American Neurological Association Academic Neurology Teaching Award, University of Rochester Program, 2005.

Alpha Omega Alpha Award for the Student who attained the Highest Scholastic Rating for the four years of Medical School. New York University School of Medicine, 2002.

Andrew Alan Friedman Memorial Fund for Excellence by a Male Student in Internal Medicine. New York University School of Medicine, 2002.

New York University Hossein Jafari Award for excellence in premedical studies, 1998.

New York University Founders Day Award for excellence in academic performance, 1998.

Board Certifications
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Neurology)
United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (Headache Medicine)
Clinical Expertise
Headache
Botox
General Neurology
Languages
English
Research
Education 
  • M.D.
    New York University School of Medicine
    2002
Appointments 
  • Attending Neurologist
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
  • Professor of Neurology
    91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College, Cornell University
  • Richard P. Cohen, M.D., Professor of Medical Education
    91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Cornell Medical College, Cornell University

Relationships and collaborations with for-profit and not-for profit organizations are of vital importance to our faculty because these exchanges of scientific information foster innovation. As experts in their fields, WCM physicians and scientists are sought after by many organizations to consult and educate. WCM and its faculty make this information available to the public, thus creating a transparent environment.

Consultant: 
American Academy of Neurology
Other Interest: 
Elsevier, BV
IGI Global