Contributor biography

Dr. Gustavo Saposnik was born in Argentina (1967), where he completed his initial medical education. Then, he continued his training in Canada, USA, and Switzerland. Currently, he is a professor of neurology and a senior scientist at the University of Toronto in Canada. He is the Director of the Stroke Outcomes & Decision Neuroscience Unit at the Li Ka Shing Institute (Canada) and the CEO and scientific leader of NeuroEconSolutions.

Gustavo graduated in Medicine at the medical school at the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina). He received his Neurology training at the University of Buenos Aires and stroke training at the Universities of Buenos Aires (Argentina), Beth Israel Hospital (Boston, USA) and University of Western Ontario (London, CANADA). Gustavo also holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the Universities of Buenos Aires and Harvard (USA), and a PhD in Neuroeconomics (Decision Neuroscience) from the University of Zurich (Switzerland). Gustavo is a board-certified specialist in Neurology and critical care.

Gustavo has a global perspective with a specific interest in cardiovascular health, decision neuroscience, and stroke care. His vision is improving clinical outcomes through cost-effective, high impact, and innovative strategies by applying concepts from behavioural economics into clinical care. Following his recent PhD in Decision Neuroscience (Neuroeconomics) at the University of Zurich, Gustavo gained experience and developed an online platform to investigate how colleagues, allied health professionals and patients make decisions under uncertainty. He was involved in several guidelines (AHA, CSN) that help transformed stroke care. Gustavo is the PI of several studies in stroke care and decision neurosciences (JURASSIC, UNMASK EVT, EVREST Multicenter trial, DOMANI, PRESARIO, EDUCAR MS, SOS Stroke care, DAMASCUS), as well as a member of trial steering committees and data safety monitoring boards (e.g. CREST II).

Gustavo’s international leadership is reflected by grants (30 as PI), awards, publications, research collaborations, invitations as keynote speaker, and visiting professor. He became the new Editor-in-Chief of the World Stroke Academy and recently elected for Board of Directors of the World Stroke Organization.  Gustavo is the founder member of the Iberoamerican Society of Diseases and Honorary Member of the Argentinian Neurological Society. Gustavo is a Section Editor of New Therapies (Stroke Journal) and editorial board member of top stroke journals.

Gustavo has published more than 280 peer-reviewed articles. Gustavo’s work has a strong international impact as reflected by different metrics (Google scholar h-index 63; >54000 citations), recognition in several annual reviews (e.g. ‘Advances in Stroke, Health Policy and Outcomes’ published in STROKE Journal, LANCET, and multiple citations in high-impact journals.

Gustavo is very fortunate to be happily married to Maria; his wife and life coach; and have 3 wonderful daughters who bring more joy to his life (especially when acting as the “playful” younger brother). He is a passionate and committed individual who also enjoys travelling, soccer, tennis, watching movies and listening to music, good food, and also challenges.