Akanksha Sharma, M.D.

ElevateMeD Advisory Board

Dr. Akanksha Sharma is triple board-certified in neurology, neuro-oncology, and hospice and palliative medicine. Her passion for the neurosciences was shaped early by her mother—a brilliant researcher, writer, and artist—who, despite being deaf and facing profound discrimination as a woman and person with a disability, thrived and inspired. At age 12, Dr. Sharma immigrated with her family to Galveston, Texas, where she encountered the challenges of immigration and racism firsthand. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and later studied Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Hong Kong through a prestigious Rotary scholarship.

She completed medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern, followed by a neurology residency at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Sharma then pursued a two-year fellowship in neuro-oncology at Mayo Clinic Arizona under the mentorship of Dr. Maciej Mrugala and Dr. Alyx Porter. Dr. Porter’s guidance had a transformative impact—not only clinically but personally—helping Dr. Sharma see how steadfastness in the face of discrimination can spark real change in the world.

She completed her training with a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine at the University of Washington and now focuses on integrating palliative care within neuro-oncology, including research and clinical trials. Her work is rooted in advancing equity in medicine, particularly for women and underrepresented minorities. In addition to her academic contributions, she brings expertise in navigating community hospital systems and has launched her own private practice, SAHA Journey, with a mission of providing compassionate, values-driven care.