Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Abdul Jaber Tayem

Los Angeles

Summary

Medical school graduate with a strong interest in clinical and translational neurology. Completed one year of experience in the U.S. as a Clinical Research Associate at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, coordinating projects, performing visual assessments, analyzing data, and contributing to manuscripts. Gained exposure to the U.S. healthcare system through both research and outpatient and inpatient neurology rotations, which further strengthened my clinical skills and understanding of patient care in diverse settings.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Clinical Research Associate

Cedar Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles
09.2024 - Current
  • Led manuscript development and primary analysis using a novel biomarker to quantify lesion-driven trans-synaptic degeneration in MS visual pathways. Integrated multiparametric MRI, longitudinal OCT, and clinical assessments to link structural damage with outcomes, culminating in a first-author manuscript submitted to Annals of Neurology.
  • Performed visual acuity testing, perimetry, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fundus imaging on patients with multiple sclerosis, strengthening patient communication and clinical skills while deepening understanding of visual pathway involvement in the disease. Later trained new research associates in exam techniques and taught medical students retinal anatomy, visual exams, and OCT imaging, contributing to team development and reinforcing my own expertise.
  • Completed two months of training in outpatient neuroimmunology and inpatient general neurology rotations. Outpatient work strengthened my history-taking and neurological examination skills, while inpatient service refined my lesion localization, clinical reasoning, and decision-making. I regularly presented cases and participated in team discussions, improving my clinical communication. These rotations deepened my understanding of the U.S. healthcare system and prepared me for neurology residency.
  • Ensured efficient research workflow and high data quality by managing data entry, scheduling, and coordinating visits. Monitored accuracy with routine checks and descriptive statistics, while regularly discussing issues with my mentor to improve consistency and prevent delays. This role enhanced longitudinal dataset integrity and strengthened my organizational and communication skills.
  • Presented research on lesion-driven trans-synaptic degeneration in the visual pathway at AAN and ACTRIMS. Prepared materials, summarized study design and key findings, and discussed results with faculty and trainees. These experiences strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, expanded my academic network, and broadened my perspective on multiple sclerosis and neurology in general.
  • Contributed to the initiation of an Alzheimer’s disease study that integrated retinal OCT, visual examinations, and a novel retinal amyloid autofluorescence imaging device. My responsibilities included performing imaging and visual assessments for enrolled patients, troubleshooting technical issues with the device, and coordinating with incoming research associates. I also identified acquisition errors and raised concerns about confounding ophthalmologic conditions, which improved workflow and data quality. This experience gave me early exposure to the challenges of launching research projects and emphasized the importance of communication and problem-solving in collaborative settings.

Medical Student

University of Jordan
Amman
09.2018 - 06.2024
  • During medical school, I completed an elective in interventional and vascular neurology in Houston, Texas, which was my first exposure to the U.S. healthcare system. I observed acute stroke management, including decision-making around mechanical thrombectomy, and engaged in discussions on clinical trials guiding stroke therapy. I also witnessed how difficult news was communicated to families. This experience deepened my understanding of evidence-based decision-making, strengthened my ability to analyze high-stakes clinical choices, and reinforced the importance of compassionate communication in patient care.
  • Volunteered with "Neuropedia", an organization dedicated to making neurological knowledge accessible to the public. Contributed by writing a review article on multiple sclerosis for the group’s online platform supporting efforts to collect and organize educational resources. Also attended a local neurology conference in Jordan, where I connected with professionals and gained perspective on community-focused neurological education. This role strengthened my ability to communicate complex topics clearly and reinforced my commitment to public education and advocacy in neurology.
  • Led analysis and manuscript development for a study on how LDL cholesterol interacts with APOE4 status and sex to influence cortical thinning and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. I initiated the project during medical school and continued it at Cedars-Sinai, where I expanded my expertise in imaging and longitudinal statistical methods. Overcame challenges outside my prior specialization by applying neuroimaging and data analysis skills while motivating my team, culminating in a first-author manuscript submitted to the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and reinforcing my independence in connecting clinical questions with neuroimaging and statistics.
  • Throughout medical school, I supported colleagues by clarifying topics during rotations and helping peers prepare for OSCEs through practice histories, examinations, and case discussions. I also collaborated on research projects outside neurology, including a meta-analysis on empagliflozin in heart failure, a narrative review on diabetic macular edema with international students, and the international Radsafe MENA study, which established diagnostic reference levels for pediatric CT across 34 sites in 17 countries. These experiences broadened my perspective and strengthened my teamwork skills.

Education

M.D. -

University of Jordan
Amman, Jordan
06-2024

Skills

  • Manuscript development
  • Data analysis
  • Research coordination
  • Problem solving and critical thinking
  • Patient communication
  • Project management
  • Quality assurance
  • Team collaboration and leadership

Affiliations

  • I enjoy activities that challenge both mind and body, including playing chess, going to the gym, and rock climbing. Occasionally, I play pickleball with colleagues. During summer time I take part in water sports such as wakeboarding, surfing, and diving.

Accomplishments

  • Academic Excellence - Honored in an excellence ceremony for achieving GPA>=3.65 in medical school, recognizing top students.

Languages

English
Professional
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual

Certification

  • Step 1: PASS (Pass/Fail exam)
  • Step 2CK: 264
  • OET exam: PASS (Pass/Fail exam)

Timeline

Clinical Research Associate

Cedar Sinai Medical Center
09.2024 - Current

Medical Student

University of Jordan
09.2018 - 06.2024

M.D. -

University of Jordan

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