What does it take to diagnose and treat complex neurological conditions in one of the world’s most respected centres for brain science? In this episode, Dr. Tabish Saifee, Consultant Neurologist at the Queen Square Institute of Neurology, reflects on his two-decade journey from junior doctor to consultant, sharing insights from his specialisation in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and essential tremor.

He explains why the art of neurology still relies on sharp clinical intuition, even as genetic testing and imaging technology advance at record pace. The conversation explores the historic Grand Round tradition at Queen Square, the evolution of genetic testing from single-gene analysis to whole genome sequencing, and how new research is paving the way for personalised neurological care.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr Saifee’s 20-year journey at Queen Square
• The importance of clinical judgement in modern neurology
• How movement disorders like Parkinson’s and tremor are diagnosed
• The Grand Round tradition and its role in neurological education
• How genetic testing has revolutionised diagnosis and treatment
• The rise of clinical trials and personalised neurology
• Increasing prevalence of tremor and Parkinson’s across the UK and Europe
• Balancing general neurology with deep subspecialty expertise

Key Moments:

00:00 – Dr Saifee’s journey to Queen Square and career path

01:44 – What a neurologist does and why general neurology still matters

03:19 – Identifying and diagnosing movement disorders

04:49 – The Grand Round tradition and its global legacy

07:05 – Advances in genetic testing and whole genome sequencing

09:51 – The role of clinical trials and electrophysiological testing

11:35 – How research is leading to personalised treatment

12:58 – Rising prevalence of tremor and Parkinson’s disease

14:26 – How neurology has evolved over the past 40 years