Dr. Arun Garg

Dr. Arun Garg stands at the forefront of neurological care in India, bringing over 34 years of dedicated medical experience to his role as Head of Stroke Neurology at Medanta – The Medicity in Gurugram. Throughout his distinguished career, including nearly two decades as a specialist neurologist, Dr. Garg has transformed countless lives through his exceptional clinical acumen, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

Driven by the belief that Indians deserve access to the same quality of stroke treatment available in the world’s most advanced medical systems, Dr. Garg conceptualized and developed the groundbreaking “Brain Rescue” program—the first of its kind in India. This comprehensive stroke management system represents a paradigm shift in how stroke care is delivered across North India. At its core is an innovative three-tier network that seamlessly connects primary and secondary brain rescue centers throughout the region to Medanta’s central hub, utilizing cutting-edge telemedicine technology and a meticulously coordinated ambulance service. This integrated approach ensures that even patients in remote areas can access life-saving interventions within the critical “golden hour” following a stroke.

When Dr. Garg first introduced thrombolysis for acute stroke management in North India, many considered it too risky or impractical for widespread implementation in the Indian healthcare landscape. Undeterred, he worked tirelessly to develop protocols, train medical teams, and create systems that made this time-sensitive treatment not just possible but increasingly common. His pioneering efforts have dramatically improved outcomes for thousands of stroke patients who might otherwise have faced severe disability or death.

Understanding that excellence in stroke care requires global perspective and collaboration, Dr. Garg established a significant partnership with the University of Massachusetts (UMass) in the United States. This collaboration goes far beyond academic exchange—it has created lasting channels for sharing clinical expertise, research findings, and innovative approaches to stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The impact of this international alliance continues to ripple through Indian neurology, elevating standards and introducing new possibilities for patient care.

Dr. Garg’s holistic vision for stroke management extends well beyond the critical emergency phase. Recognizing that a stroke patient’s journey doesn’t end with acute treatment, he developed a comprehensive post-stroke neuro-rehabilitation program at Medanta that’s now considered a model for integrated care. This program brings together neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, and nutritionists who work in concert to create personalized recovery plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and circumstances. Under Dr. Garg’s guidance, this multidisciplinary team addresses not just the physical impacts of stroke but also the cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions of recovery.

As passionate about education as he is about clinical care, Dr. Garg founded “Essentials of Acute Stroke Treatment (EAST)“—an intensive, hands-on training program that has become instrumental in disseminating stroke management expertise throughout India. This program empowers physicians and healthcare providers at primary and secondary hospitals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver time-critical interventions when minutes matter most. Through EAST, Dr. Garg has effectively multiplied his impact, creating a growing network of well-trained professionals who can implement gold-standard stroke protocols even in resource-limited settings.

Throughout his career, Dr. Garg has maintained an active presence in academic neurology, contributing substantially to both national and international medical literature. His research publications span various aspects of stroke care, from innovative treatment approaches to systems-level improvements in stroke management. He regularly presents at prestigious conferences and serves as a reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals, helping to shape the evolving field of stroke neurology both in India and globally.

Before establishing himself at Medanta, Dr. Garg played a pivotal role in developing the neurology department at Max Hospital in Delhi. There, he laid strong foundations for comprehensive neurological care, establishing protocols and assembling talented teams that continue to serve patients effectively. His leadership during this formative period demonstrated his ability to build lasting medical institutions that deliver consistent, high-quality care.

What truly distinguishes Dr. Garg, beyond his impressive credentials and achievements, is his deeply humane approach to medicine. Colleagues and patients alike note his remarkable ability to explain complex neurological concepts in accessible terms, his willingness to spend time addressing concerns, and his genuine empathy for patients and their families during what is often the most frightening experience of their lives. Despite his busy schedule, he maintains a calm, reassuring presence that puts patients at ease and instills confidence in their treatment journey.

Looking toward the future, Dr. Arun Garg continues to advocate for greater stroke awareness and prevention in India. He regularly conducts public education campaigns about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and the critical importance of seeking immediate medical attention when symptoms appear. Through these efforts, he works to reduce the devastating impact of stroke on Indian society while building capacity for ever more effective treatment throughout the healthcare system.

With a rare combination of clinical excellence, innovative thinking, and compassionate care, Dr. Arun Garg continues to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in Indian neurology—leaving an indelible mark on his field and bringing hope to countless patients on their journey to recovery after stroke.