We continue to highlight our chief residents and exiting fellows as they embark on the next phases of their careers with our first fellow feature, Andrea Linares-Lopez, DO.
Dr. Linares-Lopez continued with Duke Neurology after completing her residency in 2025 as a Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology fellow. We look forward to keeping her at Duke as she anticipates joining the MS & Neuroimmunology Division as a faculty in July 2026.
What are your plans once you complete your fellowship?
I will be staying on as faculty in the Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology Division.
How have you changed or grown since joining Duke Neurology?
Since joining Duke Neurology for both residency and fellowship, I can confidently say that I have grown both professionally and personally. The culture at Duke encourages trainees to develop their own approach to practicing neurology while also helping them discover their passions, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. The supervision strikes an ideal balance which encourages gradual autonomy while maintaining a strong and supportive system to rely on.
What is a favorite memory from your time with Duke Neurology?
My favorite memory at Duke was caring for a critically ill patient on the inpatient general neurology service whose symptoms had previously been dismissed by others. Being able to arrive at a diagnosis, initiate treatment, and then see her again in clinic weeks later and witnessing her remarkable recovery and return to her daily life was so meaningful.
What advice would you give to those following in your footsteps?
I would encourage everyone to ask questions, no matter how small they may seem. Work with a variety of providers to appreciate the unique aspects of practicing neurology, and over time, develop your own individual approach to patient care.
What most excites you for the next chapter as a faculty member here at Duke?
Continuing to grow as an academic educator and leader.
Are there any personal highlights you'd like to note from your time with Duke Neurology?
During my time with Duke Neurology I got married and am currently expecting my first baby!
Any shout-outs you'd like to give for friends, family, mentors, educators, etc.?
I am grateful to the many attendings who made my training years so rewarding, and I would like to extend special recognition to my mentors: Dr. Christopher Eckstein, Dr. Suma Shah, and Dr. Scott Le.