
Blog
Being an Empowered Acoustic Neuroma Patient
by Courtney Voelker
Receiving a diagnosis of acoustic neuroma (AN) can be overwhelming and frightening. However, taking an active role in your healthcare journey is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome.
From a Rare Brain Tumor Diagnosis to Law School: A Young Woman’s Courageous Battle
by Brianna Rauchman
Janna was 21 when her college journey took an unexpected detour. After experiencing hearing loss, An MRI scan revealed a rare brain tumor.
Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Physicians Receive Distinguished 2024 Healthcare Awards
by Brianna Rauchman
Pacific Neuroscience Institute® (PNI®) celebrates significant healthcare milestones in 2024! Numerous esteemed PNI physicians were honored with Castle Connolly Top Doctor and Super Doctors awards, showcasing their dedication to clinical excellence and professional achievement.
Dr. Akanksha Sharma’s Heartfelt Message for the Brain Tumor Community & Beyond
by Akanksha Sharma
During the ABTA Brain Tumor 5K Walk & Run event, Akanksha Sharma, MD, neuro-oncologist, neurologist, and palliative care specialist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute® (PNI ®), delivered a heartfelt message. In her speech, she shed light on the profound impact of brain tumors, the challenges that patients face, and shared inspiring advancements in research.
Charting the Brain, in Great Detail | Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian & Josh Emerson
by Anthony Effinger
When not practicing world-class neurosurgery, Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian instructs aspiring surgeons at the Neuroanatomical Skills / Microdissection Anatomy Lab. His work there advances minimally invasive surgical techniques and provides training opportunities for neurosurgeons. Josh Emerson, an artist turned medical illustrator, creates intricate anatomical illustrations at PNI, where he collaborates with Dr. Barkhoudarian. Together, they meticulously map the human body's most crucial structures, combining traditional and digital techniques.
Pacific Neuroscience Institute Leading Neuroscience Activities Across the Nation
by Garni Barkhoudarian
Faculty members from Pacific Neuroscience Institute® Medical Group and PNI Foundation had a strong showing at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual meeting in Washington D.C. September 9-13, 2023.
Innovations in Brain Tumor Surgery
by Zara Jethani
Daniel F. Kelly, MD, Co-Founder of Pacific Neuroscience Institute, discusses innovations in endoscopic surgery at PNI.
Care Partner Series: 7 Ways to Prevent Falls in Your Home
by Guest Author
At the Pacific Brain Health Center, our experts work with our patients to address key factors associated with balance disorders and fall risk. Discover techniques to prevent falls and safely assist loved ones with limited mobility. This is a segment of our "How To" series designed for our families, with a special emphasis on care partners.
Symptoms & Treatment of Brain Tumors
by Brianna Rauchman
Neuro-oncologist, Akanksha Sharma, MD, explains common symptoms of brain tumors and highlights the wide range of medical specialties that provide accessible brain tumor treatments. Plus, discover how Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) supports the brain tumor community.










Brain Tumor Awareness Day at PNI
by Amelia Garrison
PNI specialists joined the brain tumor community for a special day of festivities and a walk around Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica on May 31st, 2023.
Last updated: June 11th, 2025