Jagannadha 'Jay' Avasarala, MD, PhD

4.17 out of 5

Conditions

  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Neuroimmunological disorders

About

Dr. Jay Avasarala is a neurologist with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis. Avasarala completed his neurology residency training at New York Medical College/St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Centers and his fellowship training in multiple sclerosis at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis as a recipient of the National MS Fellowship Award. Following his fellowship training, he went on to become a faculty member at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Early in his career, Avasarala completed a medical internship at the University of Kentucky. Twenty-three years later, he made his way back to UK HealthCare and joined the staff at the UK Kentucky Neuroscience Institute in November 2018. Through his work at KNI, Avasarala hopes to leverage his interests in translational research in MS to the fullest by drawing on the support systems that UK HealthCare has in place. He has a particular interest in studying MS in African Americans as well as the role of vitamin D and bone health in MS, particularly among whites. Additionally, he is working to track disease changes and develop new diagnostic criteria based on changes in the retina as seen on optical coherence tomography, an imaging technique of the retinal layers helpful in determining the progression of MS. His goals include making fundus imaging – retinal photography useful in diagnosing MS – a routine diagnostic tool in outpatient neurology.  

Personal Statement

Growing up in India, I wanted to become a physician not just to help others but also to spend time on developing new ideas to advance care for those we serve. I believe that while a doctor interacts with a patient one-on-one, meaningful research makes it possible to improve people’s lives at the global level.

Faculty Rank

  • Professor of Neurology

Training & Education

Degree

Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, India; Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, India
PhD in neuroenzymology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
Post-doctoral program in molecular cytogenetics, Department of Pathology, Wayne
Internship, UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital

Residency

Neurology, New York Medical College/St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center, New York

Fellowship

National MS Fellowship Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis

Certifications and Special Training

American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Neurology)

Insurance Information

Insurance policies can vary widely. Please check with your doctor/clinic for specific insurance information before your visit or procedure to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

See list of insurers

Ratings & Reviews

4.17 out of 5
16 Reviews

The star rating is a calculation based on feedback from our patients using our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Learn more about our survey process. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

  • Patient Review

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    I'm confused as I think back to visit. I pulled and read notes. Not what I remember being said.

    Patient Review

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    This was my first appointment with Dr Avasarala. It was a strange experience. It left me feeling less optimistic and less cared for than any of the several providers I have dealt with in this clinic over a period of 18 years.

    Patient Review

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    Perfect experience!

    Patient Review

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    Honestly he's probably the best doctor I've ever had, and I'm extremely grateful.

    Patient Review

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    He told me that I did not need to take the medication, I had been taking for the last 22 years, anymore. He said I did not need the Copaxone.
    • Patient Review

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      Horrible experience with this doctor, and I would never recommend him to anybody else. I will not be returning
    • Patient Review

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      Dr. Avasarala is wonderful! Takes his time to explain everything and listens to anything I have to say. Very personable.
    • Patient Review

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      Dr. Focused on one symptom and records from 2018 not my current symptoms. I felt dismissed and that my symptoms did not matter. I will not be back
    • Patient Review

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      I absolutely love Dr. Avasarala My only regret is that I didn't get to cross paths with him sooner in my MS journey. I feel as though he listens to me and cares about my feelings, as well as my treatment.
    • Patient Review

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      I have never had the opportunity to have this much time to spend with a doctor, especially a specialist. He actually listened and explained.
    • Patient Review

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      Very pleasant experience. I actually had things explained and even a breakdown of my MRI's. Think this new neurologist (new to me) is going to actually listen and get me the help I need
    • Patient Review

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      This doctor did not seem to want to work or consult with any of my other doctors. He seemed as though my questions were not important and that my questions even though he would look into my question he said he did not think they correlate with what is going on with my issues. He seemed to question my diagnosis with MS that Dr. Chalkley and Dr. Frazier were able to diagnose. MS seems like COVID and everything can be a symptom of just an exacerbation of my symptom of MS even if MS is not flared up.
    • Patient Review

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      The dr has a wonderful professional yet spirited personality. He is honest, caring and spent time with me, he didn't rush. He is one of a kind
    • Patient Review

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      I like how informed the doctor is on the most recent science and research.
    • Patient Review

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      Very Good
    • Patient Review

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      I felt that my concerns were disregarded and that the practitioners were not interested in my personal concerns. They spent more time asking for answers to medical history questions that discussing my feelings and needs. I also felt that the attending did not spend any time asking about my needs. I felt disregarded and dismissed, and that part of this was because of my age and disinterest in my needs and concerns.