Two neurologists join staff at Houston Methodist St. John

September 1st, 2015

Akhila Vijayakumar, M.D. and Leanne Burnett, M.D.

Akhila Vijayakumar, M.D. and Leanne Burnett, M.D.

Neurologists Leanne Burnett, M.D. and Akhila Vijayakumar, M.D. have joined Houston Methodist Neurology Associates – St. John and Houston Methodist St. John Hospital.

Many Bay Area residents are familiar with Dr. Burnett; she is returning after previously practicing neurology here for 20 years. “I am thrilled to be back,” Dr. Burnett said. “I love my patients in the Bay Area. They have a wonderful positive outlook and work very hard to improve their health and quality of life.” Dr. Burnett will serve as medical director for neurological services at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital.

Dr. Burnett is board-certified in neurology and psychiatry. Her clinical interests include the evaluation of patients with any neurological disorders including movement disorders, tremors, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke, epilepsy, migraine and headaches, neuropathy and other neuromuscular disorders.
She completed a fellowship in neurological evaluation of movement disorders in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Her additional training included the development of clinical expertise in performing Botox injections in patients suffering from migraine headaches. “I also experience migraines, which gives me empathy and a special interest in treating others who suffer from migraines,” she said.

Dr. Burnett graduated with a bachelor degree in bio-medical electrical engineering from Rice University, then earned a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. She completed an internship in internal medicine and residency at Baylor College of Medicine and received dual fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine Division of Restorative Neurology and Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders.

Dr. Vijayakumar brings extensive training and experience to patients suffering from nerve-related disorders such as neuropathy, carpal tunnel, myasthenia gravis, nerve impingement and nerve injuries, epilepsy, migraine and other types of headaches. She also emphasizes prevention of stroke, headaches and other neurological disorders. “There are so many patients in this community in need of neurological care, advanced diagnostics and treatment options,” Dr. Vijayakumar said. “I am committed to providing them with comprehensive treatment and helping to make patients’ lives better.”

Dr. Vijayakumar obtained a medical degree from the Academy of Medical Sciences, Kannur University and completed an internal medicine residency at Atlanta Medical Center in Atlanta, Ga.,  and a neurology residency at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn. She received fellowship training in clinical neurophysiology at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston.

“Dr. Burnett and Dr. Vijayakumar each bring a unique set of skills and experiences to St. John, and we are excited to have them join Houston Methodist Neurology Associates – St. John,” said Dan Newman, CEO. “Their collaboration with patients and with each another will ensure that we provide high quality personalized care for patients in need of neurology services. Dr. Burnett and Dr. Vijayakumar bring much needed neurological expertise to Bay Area communities and will strengthen our team and enhance services to our patients.”

Both doctors see patients at Physicians Medical Center II, located on the Houston Methodist St. John Hospital campus at 2060 Space Park Drive, Suite 112 in Nassau Bay.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leanne Burnett or Dr. Akhila Vijayakumar at Houston Methodist Neurology Associates – St. John, call 832.783.1999. Learn more at houstonmethodist.org/stjohn.

For more information on Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, call 281.523.2000 or visit www.houstonmethodist.org/stjohn  To find a Houston Methodist St. John Hospital physician, call 281.333.8899.

Bay Area Houston Magazine