Dr Ivy Anne Sebastian, a neurologist at the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC) in Ludhiana, has been re-elected to the board of directors of the World Stroke Organization (WSO) for the 2026-2030 term. She will represent the Asia-Oceania region, marking her second term on the board.
Academic and Professional Background
Dr Sebastian serves as an associate professor in the Department of Neurology at CMC. The WSO is recognized globally as the leading authority in reducing stroke incidence worldwide. Election to its board of directors is considered one of the highest honors in the international stroke community, as the organization is responsible for shaping global stroke policy, research priorities, and standards of care.
Previous Contributions
Dr Sebastian was the first alumna of the WSO Future Leaders Programme to be elected to the board. During her first tenure, she made significant contributions to global education, policy, and implementation science. She played a key role in developing international frameworks for pre-hospital care and co-authored the WSO position statement on pre-hospital stroke care. Additionally, she helped strengthen stroke systems across six Southeast Asian countries.
Ongoing Initiatives
Dr Sebastian co-leads THRIVE, a flagship WSO initiative aimed at reducing post-stroke disability. She has also contributed to India's National Stroke Action Plan, furthering stroke prevention and care efforts in the country.
