Draft:Firdos

• Comment: No WP:RS, WP:IS provided. QEnigma (talk) 05:05, 7 June 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Sheikhf (talk) 04:39, 7 June 2025 (UTC)

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Dr. Firdos Sheikh

Dr. Firdos Sheikh is an Indian American neurologist, researcher, community activist, and educator known for her extensive contributions to neurology, autism care, interfaith work, and medical aesthetics. She is also a public speaker and TEDx presenter who overcame high-profile legal battles to reclaim her reputation and continue her public service and medical practice.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Sheikh was born and raised in Bangalore, India. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree with top honors in Botany, Chemistry, and Zoology from N.M.K.R.V. College, where she served as College President and Literary Champion. She received her M.B.B.S. degree from Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, earning distinctions in multiple subjects including Anatomy, Physiology, Surgery, and Forensic Medicine. She was crowned "Freshie Queen" and named a "Versatile Genius," a prestigious title celebrated in the local community.

After completing her internship at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, and further neurology training at Achar Neuroscience Center in Bangalore, she moved to the United States. She completed her residency and fellowship at the University of California, Davis (UCDMC), where she served as Chief Resident in Neurology and later as a Fellow in Clinical Electrophysiology.

Medical Career

Dr. Sheikh is board-certified by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry and holds a license in California. Her specialties include electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, autism spectrum disorders, and chronic pain management.

She has taught medical students and residents since 1995, with academic appointments at UCDMC and California Northstate University (2017–2021), where she was Assistant Clinical Professor in Neurology and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

She served as the Principal Investigator in multiple clinical trials, including NIH-sponsored studies on Alzheimer’s Disease (AMARANTH study, AZD3293) and the IDEAS Study. She has also worked on cognitive damage assessments in NFL players.

Dr. Sheikh is the founder and CEO of South Sacramento Neurology Medical Associates and Neuro-Nurture.com, a center focused on integrative approaches to autism care. She is MAPS Fellowship-trained and certified in biomedical and sensory therapies for autism, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and vision therapy.

Community and Interfaith Work

Since 1988, Dr. Sheikh has been a leading voice in community service and interfaith dialogue. She served as Director of Communications for American Muslim Voice and co-led public events such as the Peace Convention and Hands Around the Mosque, both attended by hundreds of participants and local dignitaries.

She has contributed to free clinics like Shifa Clinic in Sacramento, volunteered with Loaves & Fishes, ASHA Foundation, and continues to donate monthly to Shriners Hospital, Sankara Eye Foundation, and other charitable causes.

Public Advocacy and Legal Exoneration

Dr. Sheikh faced federal and state legal charges that spanned several years. After a prolonged legal battle:

• The federal case was dismissed in 2020 under the Speedy Trial Act.
• The California State Department of Justice case was dismissed in March 2022 after a judge found no probable cause.

Her exoneration followed a seven-year struggle in federal court and a five-year ordeal in state court. She is now pursuing civil litigation for malicious prosecution and has reestablished her professional and public reputation.

TEDx Talk

Dr. Sheikh delivered a TEDx talk titled "The Power of Resilience : Reclaiming Identity as a Minority ", where she shared her personal journey through wrongful legal accusations, public shame, and redemption. The talk emphasizes the power of truth, resilience, and the role of honesty in public life.

• Watch:* TEDx Talk - The Power of Resilience . Reclaiming Identity as a Minority (2020)

Awards and Honors

• Indian Academy Award for Professional Excellence (2017) 
• Selected as one of the TOP 10 Indian American women Achievers, audited by Ernst & Young
• Indira Gandhi Gold Medal Award for National Development (2017)
• Bharat Ratna Dr. Radhakrishnan Gold Medal Award (2020)
• Salam Distinguished Award for Community Service (2022)
• California Assembly Award for Senior Citizen COVID-19 Services (2021)

Selected Publications

• Sheikh, F., & Maselli, R. (1995). Unsuspected V Nerve lesion resulting from perineural cancer spread detected by blink reflex. AAEM 18th Annual Meeting, Montreal, p.133.
• Maselli, R., Sheikh, F., Niazi, W., Cappazzoli, N., et al. (1995). Electrophysiology of botulism of suspected wound origin. AAEM 18th Annual Meeting, Montreal, p.75.

Media and Articles

• Siliconeer: Women Empowerment - Dr. Sheikh honored
• The Opioid Saga: Harnessing Pain Management
• A Doctor’s Battles: The Keystroke vs. The Scalpel
• Dissecting the Indian Brain Bank

Affiliations and Contributions

• Board of Directors, UCDMC Alumni Association (2011–2015)
• Medical Director, Interim Healthcare (2014–2016)
• Member, Autism Research Institute
• Fellow-in-training, MAPS (Medical Academy of Pediatrics for Special Needs)
• Member, American Academy of Neurology
• Member, American Academy of Electrophysiology

External Links

• TEDx Talk - The Power of Resilience : Reclaiming Identity as a Minority
• American Muslim Voice – Hands Around the Mosque
• Siliconeer Author Page

Category:American neurologists Category:Indian emigrants to the United States Category:University of California, Davis faculty Category:Living people Category:Year of birth missing (living people)