Dr. Cramer's Pathway:
Where were you born and raised? What is your favorite part of your hometown?
I was born in Philadelphia, PA. The birthplace of liberty. One of my favorite things about the city is that this is where disparate voices were able to come together to create the US Constitution. I also love the Franklin Institute, a science museum that spurred my interest in neurology as a child. And the Pennsylvania woods—Philadelphia has a large park system, and the forest was across the street from my suburbia house.
What motivates you in your work in the neurology department?
The human brain is the most complex entity in the known universe. When disease affects its function, and thus the person’s life, it makes for a compelling case to help, and that is why I am a neurologist.
What is your current research focus in stroke rehabilitation?
In my lab we ask the question “When stroke affects the brain and produces weakness, how can we return strength?” What’s the biology behind this weakness, how can we measure stroke effects on brain function, and especially what treatment can we examine to improve a person’s function in life?
What advice would you give to someone interested in stroke rehabilitation care or research?
Study hard. Find your passion and then work at it with all your might. Think outside the box because the box hasn’t really done a robust job of curing to date.
What are some influential moments in your career journey? How did these help you get to where you are today?
Having a professor who was inspiring. In particular, as a resident, we rounded with C. Miller Fisher each week. What a creative force! He was respectful to patients, well informed of current practice, and observed things and saw patterns that others had not seen previously.
What is your favorite part of working at UCLA?
The passion that fellow clinicians and researchers show for excellence in patient care and in research pursuits.
What is a professional goal that you are working towards now?
I’d like it if the work we do in my lab continues to lead to novel therapeutics for patients recovering from stroke. I enjoy mentoring, and hope to see the stream of trainees who go on to successful careers continue.
How do you spend your time outside of work? What is your favorite hobby?
I enjoy time with my family. Eating at good restaurants. Hiking. Fishing. Poetry. I play french horn in Orchestra Nova LA.