Shane Shahrestani, MD, PhD (StrokeDx): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Shane Shahrestani, MD, PhD, is a distinguished neurosurgery resident and co-founder of StrokeDx, a groundbreaking company focusing on rapid stroke diagnosis. With a solid educational background from premier institutions like UCLA, Caltech, and the University of Southern California, Shahrestani has made significant contributions to the field of cerebrovascular medicine. In 2025, Shahrestani's innovative work was recognized when he was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Science. This article delves into ten fascinating facets of his career and achievements, highlighting the impact he has made in the medical community and the technology industry.

1. Educational Journey

Shane Shahrestani's academic path is characterized by prestigious milestones. After earning his Bachelor’s in Neuroscience from UCLA, he pursued a dual MD/PhD program at the USC-Caltech partnership. His PhD in Medical Engineering centered on developing next-generation diagnostic tools for stroke, laying the foundation for his subsequent innovations.

2. Founding StrokeDx

In 2021, Shahrestani co-founded StrokeDx with Alexander Ballatori, driven by a desire to transform stroke diagnosis. The company aims to revolutionize how strokes are diagnosed with portable, rapid diagnostic devices, enhancing patient outcomes by speeding up treatment initiation.

3. Contribution to Portable Imaging

StrokeDx specializes in developing portable imaging devices capable of diagnosing the type of stroke within minutes, a process that traditionally takes hours. This advancement is crucial in saving brain tissue by enabling faster, more accurate decision-making in acute stroke management.

4. Forbes Recognition

Shahrestani's efforts were spotlighted when he was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science list for 2025. This accolade is a testament to his innovative contributions to medical technology and the potential his work holds for improving stroke care globally.

5. Research and Publications

Shahrestani has a prolific presence in medical research, with over 300 publications. His work often explores the intersection of neurosurgery and biomedical engineering, focusing on improving diagnostic methodologies and patient outcomes in neurosurgical conditions.

6. The Role at Cedars-Sinai

As a neurosurgery resident at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Shahrestani continues to refine his skills in cutting-edge surgical practices while contributing to clinical research. His role there complements his work with StrokeDx, allowing him to apply practical insights to technological development.

7. Medical Device Innovation

Through StrokeDx, Shahrestani has been integral in pioneering a new class of biosensors that leverage machine learning for heightened diagnostic accuracy. These innovations hold promise for broad applications beyond stroke, potentially influencing other areas of emergency medicine.

8. Addressing Global Health Challenges

StrokeDx's portable devices aim to increase healthcare accessibility and equity, particularly in rural and underserved areas where advanced imaging facilities are rare. This technology could significantly impact global health by improving acute stroke management in diverse settings.

9. Seed Funding and Growth

In 2025, StrokeDx successfully raised $5 million in seed funding to advance its technology. This funding round, led by DigiTx Partners, signifies strong investor confidence in Shahrestani's vision and the company's potential to alter the landscape of stroke diagnostics.

10. Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Shahrestani envisions expanding StrokeDx’s capabilities with AI integration to enhance predictive analytics and diagnostic precision. His work continues to push boundaries in medical technology, with ongoing projects aimed at honing the efficacy and usability of StrokeDx’s devices.

Conclusion

Shane Shahrestani is a pioneering figure in the convergence of medical practice and technology. His work with StrokeDx is a beacon of innovation, promising to reshape how strokes are diagnosed and treated. As Shahrestani continues to break new ground in neurosurgery and medical engineering, he exemplifies the transformative potential of integrating cutting-edge technology with healthcare. His journey invites curiosity and optimism about the future of medical diagnostics and the continual evolution of healthcare solutions.