Send comments and feedback

Dr. Alina Ivaniuk interviews Dr. Meriem Bensalem-Owen about growing up in Algeria, attending medical school during a civil war, moving to the United States for training, and starting Kentucky's first epilepsy fellowship program. Dr. Bensalem-Owen directs the epilepsy program at the University of Kentucky and is a past board member of the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. She is passionate about Brazilian jiu jitsu and Argentine tango, and doesn't get enough sleep.

Read more about Dr. Bensalem-Owen and find her on Twitter.


This episode was reported by Dr. Alina Ivaniuk, and edited and produced by Nancy Volkers.

Sharp Waves content is meant for informational purposes only and not as medical or clinical advice. The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Contact us with comments or episode ideas at [email protected]

ILAE's International Epilepsy Congress will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 30 August to 3 September 2025. We welcome you to join us!

Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.

Let us know how we're doing: [email protected].

The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.