Cen Zhang, MD

I moved to the United States at a young age and spent my life immersed in different cultures and languages. This experience made me curious about people’s similarities, in spite of differing cultural beliefs and practices, and ignited my desire to connect with and help others.

In high school, I stumbled on neurobiology while teaching elementary school children a second language. I became fascinated by the theories of how the brain processes native and acquired language learning. Becoming a neurologist was a natural combination of my interests in neuroscience and working with people.

As a vascular neurologist at NYU Langone, I specialize in detecting and treating strokes in people of all ages and backgrounds.

My approach to care begins with understanding why patients have experienced a stroke, how future strokes can be prevented, and how a stroke has changed their life. Most important, I consider how they can return to their life afterward. My background across different cultures helps me serve people beyond their medical diagnosis.

I am dedicated to understanding patients through the lens of their own experience and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. In addition, I strongly value education for connecting with and empowering patients and their families.

As an associate professor and director of the Vascular Neurology Fellowship at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, I seek ways to create engaging learning experiences and collaborate with other educators to create high-quality programs to promote lifelong learning.

I have been fortunate to receive several teaching and innovation in education awards and education grants from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Health Association.