Wendy Elberth
Senior Vice President of Operations
Ayer Neuroscience Institute
Wendy Elberth, Vice President of the Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute is responsible for the strategic oversight and operational performance of the Ayer Neuroscience Institute across the system.
Wendy has over 20 years of leadership experience in the development of patient centered specialty programs. Under her leadership, she worked closely with physician leaders, to develop neurological specialty programs including the Headache Center, Chase Family Movement Disorders Center, Epilepsy Center, and the Stroke Center, which earned The Joint Commission’s designation as a Comprehensive Center, the first in New England. Additionally, she oversaw the implementation of teleneurology services in emergency departments throughout Hartford HealthCare.
As the director of Hartford Hospital’s post-graduate administrative fellowship program, she mentors future healthcare leaders in developing leadership competencies. In 2013, she was recognized by George Washington University Health Services Management and Leadership Program as Preceptor of the Year.
Wendy earned her bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy from Syracuse University and a master’s of business administration degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American Occupational Therapy Association and has served on numerous community boards.
Dr. Mark Alberts, MD
Chief, Neurology, Hartford Hospital
Physician-in-Chief, Ayer Neuroscience Institute
Dr. Alberts brings his experience from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, where he served as vice chair of clinical affairs and hospital neurology for the Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics and medical director of neurology services for UT Southwestern University Hospitals. He is a professor of Neurology at UT Southwestern and is board-certified in neurology and vascular neurology.
After receiving his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Duke University, Dr. Alberts earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston with medical honor society honors. He has held leadership positions at Duke University Medical Center, Northwestern University Medical School, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He is a member of The Joint Commission’s Technical Advisory Panel on Comprehensive Stroke Centers, a fellow of the American Heart Association, and co-chair of the Brain Attack Coalition.
Dr. Khalid M. Abbed, MD
Chief of Neurosurgery, St, Vincent's Medical Center
Co-Physician-in-Chief, Ayer Neuroscience Institute
Dr. Abbed, one of New England's leading neurosurgeons, is Co-Physician-in-Chief of the Ayer Neuroscience Institute. In addition to performing spine surgery at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Dr. Abbed serves as Chair of Neurosurgery. Dr. Abbed, a nationally recognized spine care specialist, is known for his expertise in minimally-invasive treatment of spine ailments, with a focus on patient care and developing less invasive, more intelligent medical technologies. He forges strong connections with patients undergoing complex new treatments.
Dr. Abbed leads the world-class Spine Wellness Center in Westport. The Spine Wellness Center treats neck and back ailments in a comprehensive, holistic way that combines traditional care options - neurological care, pain management, and physical therapy - with nutritional counseling, mental health care, yoga, acupuncture, meditation, and massage.