Alexander Norbash, M.D., ’86, winner of the 2012 UMKC School of Medicine Alumni Achievement Award winner, spoke at the School of Medicine on Thursday, April 26, on his life and work as an internationally known neuroradiologist. He received the Alumni Achievement Awards during the University’s Alumni Awards Luncheon earlier in the day at the Westin Crown Center.
His lecture on “Strengthening Our Patient-Center Perspective; The Role of the Caregiver in Diversity Efforts” was presented by the School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity and Community Partnership.
Norbash is chairman and professor of radiology at Boston University. Norbash grew up in Platte City, Mo., where he father was a town doctor and surgeon. He said that growing up the son of Iranian emigrants in the United States also laid the groundwork for his current role of assistant dean for diversity and multicultural affairs at Boston University.
An interventional neuroradiologist, Norbash’s clinical work includes the endovascular treatment of aneurysms, strokes, and other chronic issues. His research has led to the development of new tools now in use for neurologic therapies and he has been cofounder of four startup companies for endovascular tool development. He founded the Endovascular Neurosurgical and Interventional Neuroradiology practices at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he was director of diagnostic and interventional radiology prior to joining Boston University.
Norbash said as a mentor and advisor, he often gives his students and residents the same advice. “Be true to yourself. Understand that which you love and pursue it avidly,” Norbash said. “Do not talk yourself into liking something or disliking something. Understand what you love, allow that to resonate, and pursue it as fast as you can because that’s where you will excel.”
