Cumara B. O'Carroll, M.D., M.P.H.

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SUMMARY

Cumara B. O'Carroll, M.D., M.P.H., has research interests that include telestroke, global neurology, stroke and neurological emergencies in sub-Saharan Africa, and health equity.

Focus areas

• Blood pressure variability and early clinical outcomes among stroke patients in Uganda.
• Higher stroke mortality in Ugandan women and evaluation of postpartum cardiomyopathy and malnutrition as independent risk factors.
• Comparison of the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores in predicting mortality among patients with altered level of consciousness in Uganda.
• Analysis of stroke risk factors by HIV serostatus in Uganda.
• Telestroke program participation and acute stroke care improvement by reducing the time to receive treatment, referred to as door-to-needle time.

Significance to patient care

Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally, with the highest stroke mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa and other low to middle income countries. Dr. O'Carroll and her team previously studied the 30-day mortality outcomes in people with acute and subacute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke at a large referral hospital in Uganda. Her team discovered the 30-day mortality was 38%. Furthermore, 40% of the people had hemorrhagic stroke although those in this group were significantly younger than the patients with ischemic stroke who had higher rates of pre-existing hypertension. Women were twice as likely to die at 30 days compared with men, despite having similar deficits at admission. The exact reason for this disparity in mortality outcomes by sex is unclear, as data on this subject is lacking for sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. O'Carroll's ongoing research will elucidate and expand on the unique risk factors for higher stroke mortality in Ugandan women. Once unique risk factors are better understood, then appropriate interventions can be implemented.

Professional highlights

• American Academy of Neurology.
  • Member, Diversity Officer Subcommittee, 2021-present.
  • Member, International Subcommittee, 2019-present.
  • Recipient, Diversity Leadership Program, 2017.
• Humanitarian Award, Mayo Clinic Alumni Association, 2023.
• Teacher of the Year, Inpatient Service, Neurology Residency, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Arizona campus, 2020-2021.
• Diversity and Inclusion Award, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 2019.
• Educator of the Year, Medical and Laboratory Specialties, Mayo Clinic Residents' and Fellows' Association, Arizona campus, 2015-2016.
• Teacher of the Year, Neurology Residency, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Arizona campus, 2015-2016.
• Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellowship Award, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic, 2014.