Stephen J. Powell, M.D.

Dr. Powell is no stranger to the University of Rochester. He earned his B.S. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and B.A. in Biology, summa cum laude, at the University of Rochester, followed by his medical degree, with Distinction in Community Health, from the University of Rochester School of Medicine...

Dr. Powell is no stranger to the University of Rochester. He earned his B.S. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and B.A. in Biology, summa cum laude, at the University of Rochester, followed by his medical degree, with Distinction in Community Health, from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He completed his neurology residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center from 2021 to 2025, where he served as Co-Chief Resident of Education, before pursuing subspecialty training as a Clinical Fellow in the Headache Medicine Program at Mass General Brigham in Boston. Dr. Powell's clinical practice focuses on headache medicine and facial pain. He brings to the division not only outstanding clinical skill — recognized during his training with thirteen ICARE Star/UR Stars awards and the ICARE Bronze Star — but also a deep commitment to health equity and community-engaged care. His research and advocacy center on medical education and deaf health, including work examining migraine prevalence and disparities in emergency care among Deaf American Sign Language users. He has presented his work internationally, including in Poland, Peru, and Zambia, as well as at national meetings of the American Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology. A dedicated educator, Dr. Powell has taught medical students and residents at both the University of Rochester and Harvard Medical School, and his contributions to medical education were recognized with the Arnold P. Gold Foundation's Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award. As he joins the faculty, he looks forward to continuing this work as a clinician educator — teaching and mentoring learners at every level, advancing research on deaf neurological health, and expanding access to headache care for underserved communities.