Since 2006, outstanding UF alumni under age 40 have been recognized for their achievements and impact on their organizations and communities. This year, four college alumni and one current faculty member, Dr. Pouya Ameli, who completed his undergraduate degree at UF were recognized for going greater in their professions.
The son of hardworking parents who fled instability and conflict, Pouya Ameli, M.D., M.S., immigrated to the U.S. from Iran at age 3. Now an assistant professor in UF’s Department of Neurology, he credits both luck and determination for his success.
Ameli obtained his undergraduate degree in philosophy from UF before earning a Master of Science in Biotechnology and his medical degree at the University of Central Florida. He then completed an internship in internal medicine and a residency in neurology at Vanderbilt University, followed by a neurocritical care fellowship at Emory University.
His background in philosophy shaped his approach to neurology, a field he describes as existing in “the gray zone,” where clear answers aren’t always available, so creative and abstract thinking are often required to provide the highest level of care.
“In neurology, you need to be OK with not always knowing the answer and not get frustrated by having to say, ‘I don’t know,’” Ameli said. “I love the field because of how humbling it is.”
Since joining UF’s faculty in 2020, Ameli has focused on neurocritical care in the intensive care unit, treating patients with brain and spinal cord injuries, seizures, tumors, bleeds and strokes.
Beyond clinical work, he co-founded the Medi-Gators Virtual Shadowing Program, providing UF undergraduates insight into health care careers. He also serves as physician director of quality for the Department of Neurology, where he leads efforts to improve the processes behind patient care. He is also assistant director of the neurology clerkship, teaching the fundamentals of neurology to medical students and serving as a mentor to future neurologists.
“I’ve enjoyed working with students and helping them figure out their careers,” he said. “Seeing more students choose neurology has been satisfying because we have a massive deficit in neurologists. There’s a big focus on fixing what’s broken in health care, and I feel privileged to help in that process.”