Empathy  
   meets
Expertise
   in Neurology

 

A Neurologist's Journey to Direct Care

​

I was born in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a mountainous country that hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics. My parents, both physicians, instilled in me from a young age a deep appreciation for medicine and a commitment to helping others. Growing up, I was fascinated by their anatomical atlases and inspired by their unwavering empathy, which they extended not only to their patients but also to our friends and neighbors. This early exposure sparked a passion for biology and a dedication to education, often tutoring classmates.

My perspective was profoundly shaped by the war that began in 1992. I witnessed my parents risk their lives daily, navigating dangerous conditions to care for the wounded. Their selflessness in stabilizing bleeding civilians, organizing transport, and offering moral support forged my sense of purpose. After the war, my family relocated to the United States, where I enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley. There, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology and, through research on gene therapy, developed a passion for neurobiology.

Following graduation, I pursued a career in research at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). My work on genes affecting neuronal development and subsequent clinical research in neurosurgery deepened my understanding of the field and rekindled my desire for direct patient connection. This led me to the UC Davis School of Medicine, where I earned my medical degree. I completed my neurology residency at North Shore University Hospital in New York, where I was reminded of my parents’ commitment to helping all individuals, regardless of background.

After my training, I returned to California and gained valuable experience as a neurologist within the Kaiser system. To further specialize, I completed a Vascular Fellowship at the University of California, San Diego, which enhanced my expertise in stroke management and preventive brain health. For the past three years, I have served residents of Walnut Creek and Contra Costa County as a hospital, telehealth, and clinic-based neurologist, with a focus on geriatric neurology, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

 

Founding Direct Neurology

 

While working in traditional healthcare settings, I frequently observed how the insurance-based model limited our ability to provide truly comprehensive and preventive care. Patients often faced delays in treatment, restricted access to ongoing support, and the burden of unexpected costs. This often meant that early detection and prevention were delayed until a condition had progressed.

Inspired by my parents' philosophy that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," I founded Direct Neurology in 2024. My goal was to create a practice focused on early intervention and proactive health management. I adopted a direct care model, also known as 'concierge medicine,' which aligns with this philosophy by prioritizing robust patient communication and ongoing routine exams for optimized health outcomes.

My practice operates on a membership subscription model, offering personalized, unhurried, and deeply connected neurological care. This annual investment provides comprehensive services that extend beyond the limitations of traditional insurance plans. While these fees cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement, the cost is stable and transparent. To make this investment more accessible, we have structured the program to be funded through pre-tax options such as HSA, HRA, FSA, and MSA.

Experience the difference of personalized, proactive neurological care. Discover how our plans for routine care, ongoing prevention, and continuous connection can help you optimize your neurological health with confidence and peace of mind.

Contact us today to learn more about our unique direct care model.