Dr. Imad Najm received the 2026 F. Mason Sones, MD Innovation Award for his contributions to global neurological care [1].

The honor recognizes advancements in treating epilepsy and the creation of systems that deliver new medical therapies to patients more quickly. These developments aim to reduce the time between clinical discovery and bedside application for those with complex brain disorders.

Najm serves as the director of the Epilepsy Center at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio [1]. The award specifically highlights his pioneering research into focal cortical dysplasia, a condition where neurons in the brain do not migrate or organize correctly during development. This abnormality often leads to drug-resistant epilepsy, making precise identification and treatment critical for patient recovery.

Beyond specific clinical research, Najm established an integrated enterprise program designed to streamline the delivery of new treatments [1]. By creating a more efficient pipeline from research to practice, the program seeks to improve outcomes for patients who have exhausted traditional medication options.

The 2026 [1] recognition emphasizes the role of innovation in scaling specialized neurological care. The Cleveland Clinic continues to use such programs to expand the reach of its epilepsy center's expertise to a global patient base [1].

“Dr. Imad Najm received the 2026 F. Mason Sones, MD Innovation Award.”

The recognition of Dr. Najm's work reflects a broader shift in neurology toward 'integrated enterprise' models. By focusing on focal cortical dysplasia and accelerating the pipeline for new treatments, the Cleveland Clinic is attempting to standardize the transition from academic research to clinical application, potentially reducing the years-long lag typical of neurological breakthroughs.