Saeed Abbaszadeh
Physician Assistant
Salt Lake City,UT
Summary
Experienced and compassionate Physician Assistant with 24 years of broad clinical expertise in adult and pediatric neurology, internal medicine (inpatient and outpatient), chronic pain management, and infection-associated chronic conditions (IACCs) such as Long COVID. Proficient in complex diagnostics, interdisciplinary care coordination, and translational research, with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications. Recognized for leadership in medical education and a sustained commitment to advancing health equity for underserved populations—particularly those affected by lesser-understood, multisystem chronic illnesses including POTS, headache disorders, fibromyalgia, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Long COVID, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
19
19
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Volunteer Clinician- General Neurology
Maliheh Free Clinic
Salt Lake City, Utah
02.2019 - Current
- Manage neurology referrals from the multi-disciplinary team at the Maliheh free clinic. Provide timely, well-informed care to individuals with various neurological disorders
- Improve health-care access to the uninsured population in Utah
Internal Medicine - Complex Chronic Conditions
Bateman Horne Center
Salt Lake City, Utah
02.2021 - 03.2025
- Evaluated and managed patients with post-infectious chronic conditions including ME/CFS, POTS, long COVID, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, neuropathies, headaches, and cognitive impairment
- Participated in conducting translational research and co-authored peer-reviewed publications
- Sub-Investigator for clinical trials (NIH and industry-sponsored)
- Implemented NASA Lean Test (NLT) as a tool to diagnose and manage Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), for example, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
- Contributed to a weekly national telehealth education forum with other healthcare providers to share insights and best practices in Long COVID care
- Volunteered to draft in-depth medical-legal documentation to support disability claims of patients severely affected by Long COVID.
Interventional Radiology PA
University of Utah Hospital
Salt Lake City, Utah
10.2019 - 09.2020
- Managed hospital admissions and discharge planning, including dictation of comprehensive medical summaries.
- Performed image-guided myelography, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic lumbar punctures, and administered intrathecal chemotherapy.
- Skilled in conducting paracentesis and thoracentesis for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-acuity setting.
Clinical Research – Sub-Investigator (PRN)
Jean Brown Research
Salt Lake City, Utah
02.2019 - 08.2019
- Sub Investigator for multiple Phases II–IV trials evaluating pharmacologic interventions in management of post-op pain
- Conducted detailed physical exams and oversaw ECG and safety diagnostic evaluations
General Neurology Practice PA
Joseph R. Watkins, MD
Provo, Utah
03.2017 - 01.2019
- Diagnosed and treated individuals with a variety of neurological disorders including MS, intractable migraines, neuropathies, dementia, movement disorders, tremors, epilepsy, etc
- Performed occipital nerve blocks, Botox, and trigger point injections
- Managed monthly monoclonal antibody infusions for patients with multiple sclerosis
- Successfully transitioned many patients with Opioid Use Disorder to Suboxone
No Clinical Work
Travel Overseas
09.2016 - 02.2017
- Took time away from clinical practice to travel overseas to take care of a close family member.
Child Neurology PA
University of Utah & Primary Children's Hospital
09.2012 - 09.2016
- Extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of syncope, epilepsy, variety of headaches, and neuro-developmental conditions
- Adjusted vagal nerve stimulators (VNS) and managed children with multiple sclerosis (EDSS certified)
- Led surveillance neuro, derm, and renal diagnostics for children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)
PA in Oncology, Hematology, and BMT
Huntsman Cancer Hospital
Salt Lake City, Utah
05.2009 - 09.2012
- Managed hospitalized patients undergoing chemotherapy and related medical complications
- Gained hands-on experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of hematologic and solid tumor malignancies under the supervision of oncology and hematology faculty
- Performed timely admissions, daily rounds, and discharges to ensure efficient, high-quality care and continuity
- Conducted comprehensive and nuanced medical histories to guide clinical decision-making
- Precepted Physician Assistant students from the University of Utah and Touro University in Nevada during their core inpatient internal medicine clerkship
Chronic Pain Management PA
Summit Pain Clinic - Steve Lordon, MD
Salt Lake City, Utah
05.2008 - 05.2009
- Diagnosed and managed patients with chronic pain syndromes using evidence-based pharmacologic therapies and multidisciplinary supportive care.
- Performed routine therapeutic injections and programmed implantable pain management devices, including intrathecal pumps and spinal cord stimulators.
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of interventional pain procedures to recommend and guide optimal therapeutic modalities to the patients
- Helped patients to maintain independence and quality of life
General Neurology PA
Joseph R. Watkins, MD
Provo, Utah
08.2004 - 05.2008
- Diagnosed and managed a wide range of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, various headache syndromes, peripheral neuropathies, dementia, movement disorders, tremors, myasthenia gravis, syncope, epilepsy, etc.
• Trained under Dr. Watkins in the interpretation of routine EEGs and gained proficiency in preparing documentation for billing
•Performed up to 40 bed-side therapeutic and diagnostic lumbar punctures - Volunteered personal time to conduct Alzheimer’s disease screenings for elderly individuals as part of community outreach and early detection
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Education
Masters of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) -
University of Utah School of Medicine
Salt Lake City, UT 01.2002 - 08.2004
Bachelor of Science - Neurobiology
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 01.1995 - 12.2000
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 01.1995 - 01.2000
Associate of Science - Biochemistry
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 01.1995 - 12.2000
Skills
- Advanced clinical proficiency in adult and pediatric neurology with emphasis on epilepsy, headaches, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, syncope, neuropathies, dementia, and autonomic dysfunction
- Skilled in performing thorough patient evaluations, including comprehensive histories, focused physical exams, and interpretation of advanced diagnostic studies
- Specialized training and clinical experience in managing Long COVID, ME/CFS, and fibromyalgia, particularly with neuroimmune and autonomic comorbidities
- Deep understanding of clinical research methodology, IRB regulations, and evidence-based medicine
- Co-author of multiple peer-reviewed articles in neurology journals
- Working knowledge of EEG interpretation and integration into clinical decision-making
Academic Appointments
- Lecturer & Preceptor, UT Physician Assistant Program, 2018–2021
- Adjunct Professor, Internal Medicine, Touro University Nevada, 2011–2013
- Instructor, Advanced Human Anatomy, University of Utah, 2000–2001
Peer Reviewed Publications And Co Authorship
- Post-exertional malaise among people with long COVID compared to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), Vernon SD, Hartle M, Sullivan K, Bell J, Abbaszadeh S, Unutmaz D, Bateman L, Work, 2023, 74, 4, 1179-1186, 10.3233/WOR-220581, 36911963
- RESTORE ME: a RCT of oxaloacetate for improving fatigue in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, Cash A, Vernon SD, Rond C, Bateman L, Abbaszadeh S, Bell J, Yellman B, Kaufman DL, Front Neurol, 2024-11-27, 10.3389/fneur.2024.1483876, 39664752
- Orthostatic Challenge Causes Distinctive Symptomatic, Hemodynamic and Cognitive Responses in Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Vernon SD, Funk S, Bateman L, Stoddard GJ, Hammer S, Sullivan K, Bell J, Abbaszadeh S, Lipkin WI, Komaroff AL, Front in Medicine, 2022-06-23, 10.3389/fmed.2022.917019, 35847821
- Cognitive impairment in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and short duration myalgic encephalomyelitis patients is mediated by orthostatic hemodynamic changes, Day H, Yellman B, Hammer S, Rond C, Bell J, Abbaszadeh S, Stoddard G, Unutmaz D, Bateman L, Vernon SD, Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2023-06-26, 10.3389/fnins.2023.1203514, 37434760
Presentations
- 07/25, Exploring the Long-Term Neurological Consequences of Long COVID, 49th Annual Utah PA & NP Conference
- 2016, Novel Anti-Epileptics in Pediatrics, Intermountain Grand Rounds
- 2015, Electrophysiological Role of TTX-Resistant Channels, BioScience Graduate Symposium
Clinical Research Experience
- Bateman Horne Center, Sub-Investigator, 2022–2025, NIH National Institute of Health RECOVER initiative. Post-COVID POTS: IVIG or ivabradine, CSL Behring HIZENTRA, auto-immune POTS Trial, ENDOPAT UPTIME, assessment of endothelial function in individuals with Long COVID, Low Dose Rapamycin in ME/CFS and Long COVID, IMC-2 & Valacyclovir/Celecoxib pilot trials. To treat suspected EBV re-activation in FM and Long COVID, RESTORE ME & REGAIN. RCT of oxaloacetate for improving fatigue in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and Long COVID. Coauthored publication in Frontiers Neurology, TONIX RALLY & VIRIOS Fibromyalgia Studies, EXAGEN Biomarker Analysis Study
- Jean Brown Research, Sub-Investigator, 2020–2023, Pregabalin for post-surgical pain, Anthrax vaccine immunogenicity
Medical Licensure And Certifications
- DEA License with Suboxone Waiver, XA1209964 / MA1209964, Current
- State of Utah PA & Controlled Substance License, Active
- NCCPA Certification, Active
- Surgical PA National Board Certification, Current
Timeline
Internal Medicine - Complex Chronic Conditions
Bateman Horne Center
02.2021 - 03.2025
Interventional Radiology PA
University of Utah Hospital
10.2019 - 09.2020
Clinical Research – Sub-Investigator (PRN)
Jean Brown Research
02.2019 - 08.2019
Volunteer Clinician- General Neurology
Maliheh Free Clinic
02.2019 - Current
General Neurology Practice PA
Joseph R. Watkins, MD
03.2017 - 01.2019
No Clinical Work
Travel Overseas
09.2016 - 02.2017
Child Neurology PA
University of Utah & Primary Children's Hospital
09.2012 - 09.2016
PA in Oncology, Hematology, and BMT
Huntsman Cancer Hospital
05.2009 - 09.2012
Chronic Pain Management PA
Summit Pain Clinic - Steve Lordon, MD
05.2008 - 05.2009
General Neurology PA
Joseph R. Watkins, MD
08.2004 - 05.2008
Masters of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) -
University of Utah School of Medicine
01.2002 - 08.2004
Bachelor of Science - Neurobiology
University of Utah
01.1995 - 12.2000
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Utah
01.1995 - 01.2000
Associate of Science - Biochemistry
University of Utah
01.1995 - 12.2000
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