Dr. Ella Akkerman
WHY I BECAME A NEUROLOGIST
Growing up in a family of neurologists, I was immersed in the field from an early age. I have fond memories of accompanying my father and grandfather on hospital rounds. Their passion for neurology inspired me to follow in their footsteps, and I have since dedicated my career to advancing patient care for those impacted by neurological conditions.“
Board-certified neurologist Dr. Ella Akkerman has treated a variety of neurological disorders for over 15 years. Dr. Akkerman possesses a unique patient-centered and caring approach, in which she recognizes that neurological symptoms can have a life-altering impact, and prioritizes delivering prompt care when it’s most required.
What sets Dr. Akkerman apart is her ability to listen and natural ability to communicate;
breaking down complex information into clear concepts results in patients being well-informed and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She takes the extra time necessary to piece together the full picture—symptoms, lifestyle, and medical background—before crafting a personalized care plan. She establishes a relationship with each patient, creating a calm and supportive environment where they feel heard and understood. Her role goes beyond diagnosis to collaborate with patients and caretakers to ensure they actively participate in their care plan.
Dr. Akkerman is well-versed in all aspects of general neurology and works closely with VSI’s in-house specialists to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach. When needed, she incorporates therapy, osteopathic medicine, physiatry, pain management, and surgical expertise. She is passionate about advancing women’s neurological health and tailoring care to the unique needs of female patients in this evolving subspecialty.
Dr. Akkerman completed her neurology residency at Penn State Hershey Medical Center and fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology at Drexel University. For the past 15 years, she has practiced as a neurologist at Kaiser Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, served as a Neurology Peer Review Committee Chair, and mentored medical students and residents. She has published thought leadership and patient education and led live discussions on stroke, dementia, and migraine management. Her transition to an independent model showcases her passion for collaborating with other specialties to enhance the patient experience.
Her mastery in diagnostic testing includes comprehensive neurological evaluations, EMG and nerve conduction studies, EEG interpretations, PET, CT and MRI scans, and lumbar punctures.
Dr. Akkerman is fluent in English and Russian and competent in Spanish.
College
- University of Virginia
Medical School
- University of Virginia School of Medicine
Residency
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Internal Medicine
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Neurology
Fellowship
- Hahnemann University Hospital, Drexel University Department of Neurology
Board Certified
- Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Conditions Treated by Dr. Akkerman
Dr. Akkerman is a board-certified neurologist who treats a diverse range of conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Balance Issues
- Chronic Headaches & Migraines
- General Neurological Disorders
- Neuropathy
- Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Tremors
Unique Specialties of Dr. Akkerman
What sets Dr. Akkerman apart is her ability to listen and natural ability to communicate. After the initial consultation and a thorough evaluation, Dr. Akkerman collaborates with her patients to create a shared treatment plan.
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