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Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, MD

  • Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Pittsburgh
  • Consultant, UPMC Sleep Medicine Center
  • Director, Critical Care Continuous EEG Monitoring

Dr. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse is a nationally recognized expert in epilepsy and sleep medicine. Her clinical focus is on the management of complex epilepsy, including patients with medically refractory epilepsy seeking advanced treatment and surgical evaluation.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Fong-Isariyawongse is a leading voice in public health advocacy. She actively works with legislators and advocacy groups to support seizure first aid education in K–12 schools through proposed legislation. She is also a dedicated advocate for integrating sleep health into epilepsy care. In partnership with the American Epilepsy Society (AES), she has led national initiatives to raise awareness and developed clinical toolkits and guidelines to help providers screen and manage sleep issues in epilepsy patients.

As a frequent media contributor, Dr. Fong-Isariyawongse is passionate about educating the public on epilepsy, seizure safety, the use of rescue therapies, and the role of sleep in epilepsy management. Her work bridges clinical expertise, public education, and advocacy, making her a trusted resource for both patients and the broader community.  

She has been honored with UPMC's Excellence in Patient Experience Award and has been consistently recognized as a Pittsburgh Magazine Best Doctor since 2019, reflecting her dedication to patient care and leadership in the field.