Dr. Maxim Mokin, a neurologist and neurosurgeon at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, brings an artist’s eye and a scientist’s precision to the challenge of improving stroke care. He draws on his visual intuition, literally painting scenes from the angiography suite, to navigate complex vascular systems in the brain. Mokin and his team at USF Health and Tampa General Hospital are deeply involved in clinical trials that test the latest neuro-interventional tools and techniques. Their work aims to identify which devices and approaches make treatment safer and more effective, especially when every minute counts in restoring blood flow during a stroke.

Central to their efforts are cutting-edge catheter technologies that allow physicians to reach and clear blocked vessels more quickly, reducing brain damage and improving recovery prospects. The centre has become one of the busiest acute stroke trial sites in the country and was among the first to evaluate flexible, highly navigable devices that can better access difficult anatomy in the brain. This blend of research and real-world care has had life-changing impact for patients, including well-known local figures, and highlights the value of integrating innovation into everyday clinical practice.