Dr. Pikula is a globally recognized expert in vascular neurology, brain health, and lifestyle medicine, with a particular focus on women’s brain health. Dr. Pikula serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine (Neurology) at the University of Toronto, and currently holds a position as a Stroke Neurologist and Clinician Investigator at the University Health Network (UHN) – Toronto Western Hospital, where she also holds key leadership roles, including Director of the Combined CNS Vasculitis and Stroke in Young Adults Clinic, Director of UHN Stroke Neurology Research, and Co-Director of the Women’s Neurology Fellowship at the University of Toronto.
As the inaugural Jay & Sari Sonshine Chair in Stroke Prevention and Cerebrovascular Brain Health at the University of Toronto and the Krembil Brain Institute, Dr. Pikula leads the JS Sonshine Centre in developing innovative stroke prevention and brain care models, with a focus on midlife and menopause transition in women. As a quadruple board-certified on Internal Medicine, Neurology, Vascular Neurology and Lifestyle Medicine, she completed advanced training at Boston University, Harvard University, and the Framingham Heart Study, supported by NIH and AHA awards and fundings.
Her clinical and research efforts emphasize sex-disparities in stroke prevention and outcomes, exploring factors that influence brain health and recovery. Internationally, she serves as Chair of the World Stroke Organization’s GENESIS (Gender Equity and Diversity in Stroke Care) Committee , Canadian Lead for the Global Brain Care Coalition, and a professional member of numerous organizations. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Pikula has published >80 high impact scientific papers and attracted > 17 million dollars in funding from philanthropy, national, and international grant agencies such as the NIH, CIHR, HSFC, and CSC.
Dr. Pikula is also the Innovation Lead for H.E.R. Brain & Midlife – Health, Education & Research, a global network dedicated to advancing women’s brain health during midlife. Through H.E.R., she champions education, capacity-building, and research programs that address the unique challenges women face during hormonal and life transitions, such as menopause, but also professional burn-out. Her leadership fosters international collaborations aimed at improving patient-centered care and translating scientific findings into practical, accessible strategies. By empowering women with knowledge and evidence-based tools, H.E.R. contributes to better health outcomes and quality of life for women with our without neurological conditions worldwide.
Dr. Pikula’s person-centered programs, such as EMBRACE and MenoBrainMD, and her integration of Blue Zone principles, highlight her commitment to holistic health globally. She is currently leading the Brain Health Program within the Pawing the Path to Wellness Curriculum in Boston, USA, and Lifestyle & Wellness Program in Costa Rica.