Anthony J. Schulien, MD, joined the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery residency program in July 2021 after earning an MD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Here, he completed the five-year Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP), and was awarded The Theodore Kurze, MD, award for Excellence in Neurological Surgery and Clinical Neurosciences. Prior to medical school, he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in neuroscience as well as a minor in chemistry.
During his training, Dr. Schulien has conducted longitudinal research on ischemic neuroprotective strategies at the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND). His translational research has resulted in the development of a novel, blood brain barrier-permeable neuroprotective peptide that mitigates Kv2.1 potassium channel-mediated apoptotic neuronal death and improves neurologic functional outcomes following cerebral ischemia in a murine model. His work has resulted in publications in Science Advances, Brain, and the Journal of Neuroscience, among others. Dr. Schulien has presented this work broadly in both national and international forums. He has also performed clinical research in outcomes following skull base surgery with the department.
Before matriculation to medical school, Dr. Schulien found his passion for medicine as a volunteer EMT with the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad. Dr. Schulien was born and raised in Potomac Falls, Va. His hobbies include back country backpacking, snowboarding, and spending time with his family, friends, and dog.
Specialized Areas of Interest
Professional Organization Membership
Professional Activities
Education & Training
- BS, Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 2015
- MD, Physician Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh, 2021
Honors & Awards
- Top Presentation Award, Stuart Niles Rowe Research Day, University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery, 2023
- The Theodore Kurze, MD, Senior Prize for Excellence in Neurological Surgery, UPMC Neurosurgery, 2021
- Certificate of Merit for Excellence in the Longitudinal Research Project, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 2021
- Top Research Poster Award, Brain Day, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, 2018
- Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) Trainee Scholarship, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 2016
- Neuroscience Research Excellence Award, University of Pittsburgh Department of Neuroscience, 2015
- Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) in Molecular Pharmacology Fellowship, Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh (CNUP), 2014
- The Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh Honors College, 2014
- President’s Volunteer Service Award, Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad, 2013-2014