7 Renowned US Sleep Doctors
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being, yet millions of people struggle with sleep disorders that can significantly impact their quality of life. When sleep issues persist, seeking help from a qualified sleep specialist can be a game-changer.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to seven of the best sleep doctors in the United States, each bringing unique expertise and innovative approaches to the field of sleep medicine. From pioneering research to cutting-edge treatments, these specialists are at the forefront of helping patients achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep.
1. Sleep Telemedicine With Dr. John Williams
Dr. John Williams is a pioneering figure in the field of sleep telemedicine, offering comprehensive and accessible care through his platform, Online Sleep Doctor. With a robust background in sleep and pulmonary care, Dr. Williams has dedicated his career to helping individuals achieve better sleep from the comfort of their own homes. He graduated from the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine in 1993 and completed his residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Further honing his expertise, he pursued a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.
Dr. Williams’ approach to sleep medicine is both innovative and patient-centric. His online sleep consultations are designed to diagnose and treat a variety of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, without the need for a physician referral. This direct access to specialized care is a significant advantage for patients who might otherwise face long wait times or logistical challenges in seeking help. The process begins with a video consultation, where Dr. Williams listens to the patient’s concerns and symptoms, followed by an at-home sleep test that is both simple and effective. This test allows patients to gather diagnostic data in their own environment, ensuring comfort and convenience.
The personalized treatment plans crafted by Dr. Williams are a testament to his commitment to individualized patient care. Whether it’s managing CPAP therapy for sleep apnea or exploring other treatment options, Dr. Williams works closely with his patients to find the best solutions for their specific needs. His telemedicine services also include follow-up visits to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, ensuring ongoing support and optimal outcomes.
2. Dr. Beth Malow, MD, MS
Dr. Beth Malow is a distinguished sleep medicine specialist and neurologist based in Nashville, Tennessee. She serves as the Director of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Sleep Division, where she leads a team dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep disorders. Dr. Malow holds the prestigious Burry Chair in Cognitive Childhood Development and is a Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University. Her academic journey began at Northwestern University, where she earned both her BS in Medical Science and her MD from the Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dr. Malow’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of sleep disorders and neurological conditions, with a particular emphasis on autism. She has been instrumental in conducting NIH and foundation-funded patient-oriented research and has played a significant role in facilitating clinical translational research as the Director of Clinical Translational Research for the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Developmental Disabilities.
Beyond her medical and research contributions, Dr. Malow is actively involved in public health advocacy, including efforts to mitigate vaccine hesitancy and enhance climate change communication. She is also a national moderator for Braver Angels, an organization dedicated to bridging the political divide, and an active member of Toastmasters International, where she hones her skills in public speaking and leadership.
3. Dr. James M. Parish, MD
Dr. James M. Parish is a highly respected pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist based in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic, where he has made significant contributions as the Chair of the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine and as the Medical Director of the Center for Sleep Medicine. Dr. Parish’s extensive medical education began at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, followed by specialized training in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Critical Care at the Mayo Graduate School.
With over four decades of experience, Dr. Parish is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine. His clinical expertise encompasses a wide range of pulmonary and sleep disorders, with a particular focus on sleep apnea. Dr. Parish has been involved in numerous research projects and has received research grant support from notable organizations, including ResMed Corp. His dedication to patient care is reflected in his high patient satisfaction ratings, with previous patients praising his thoroughness, compassionate demeanor, and effective treatment outcomes.
Dr. Parish’s commitment to advancing the field of sleep medicine is evident through his active participation in clinical research and his role in educating future healthcare professionals. He continues to offer telehealth services, ensuring that his expertise is accessible to a broader patient population. His affiliation with the Mayo Clinic, a top-ranked hospital, further underscores his standing as a leading expert in his field.
4. Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD
Dr. Krishna M. Sundar is a highly esteemed physician serving as the Medical Director of the Sleep-Wake Center at the University of Utah. He is American Board-Certified in Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Internal Medicine. Dr. Sundar’s medical journey began in India, followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, New York. He further honed his expertise through a fellowship in Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Utah.
Dr. Sundar’s professional career is marked by significant contributions to both clinical practice and medical research. Prior to his full-time role at the University of Utah in 2012, he spent nearly a decade with the Utah Valley Pulmonary group in Provo, Utah, where he developed an interstitial lung disease program and directed pulmonary and critical care research for the IHC Urban South Region. At the University of Utah, he has been instrumental in expanding the sleep medicine program and fellowship, establishing a multi-disciplinary sleep apnea clinic, and creating a follow-up program for patients stable on CPAP therapy. Additionally, he developed a multidisciplinary cough clinic that incorporates speech behavioral therapy.
Dr. Sundar is recognized for his extensive experience and expertise in pulmonary and sleep medicine, frequently presenting at national and international forums. His dedication to patient education and improving health outcomes through optimal sleep practices is a cornerstone of his practice. He has been consistently named among Castle Connolly’s Region’s Top Doctors in Pulmonary Disease from 2013-2017 and was featured in the Top 10% of America’s most honored professionals in the 2016 American Registry. Patients commend him for his compassionate care, thoroughness, and ability to provide tailored treatment plans.
5. Dr. Talene M. Churukian, DO
Dr. Talene M. Churukian is a distinguished internist and sleep medicine specialist based in Palm Desert, California. She is affiliated with Eisenhower Medical Center, a renowned institution recognized as one of the best hospitals in the U.S. Dr. Churukian is American Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine and has over 21 years of practice experience.
Dr. Churukian completed her medical training at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. She then pursued her residency in Internal Medicine at UCLA-VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, where she also completed an internship. Her clinical practice is characterized by a patient-centered approach, emphasizing thorough examinations, clear communication, and empathetic listening. She is highly rated by her patients, who appreciate her dedication to spending ample time during consultations and providing comprehensive follow-up care.
Dr. Churukian has received multiple accolades, including the Patient Choice Award, reflecting her high patient satisfaction rates. Her patients consistently rate her as outstanding in various aspects, such as responsiveness to questions, clarity of instructions, and overall treatment outcomes. Her commitment to patient care and her ability to build trust and rapport with her patients make her a preferred choice for those seeking expert care in internal and sleep medicine.
6. Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr, MD
Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr, MD is a highly respected sleep medicine specialist based in Alabama. As the Medical Director of the Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama, Dr. Doekel has played a pivotal role in advancing sleep medicine in the state. He, along with Dr. G. Vernon Pegram, founded the first accredited sleep center in Alabama, which was among the first dozen clinical sleep centers in the entire United States.
Dr. Doekel’s expertise is extensive and multifaceted. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Sleep Medicine, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between various bodily systems and sleep disorders. His educational background is equally impressive, having received his M.D. from the University of Louisville and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Doekel further honed his skills through a Pulmonary fellowship at UAB and the University of Colorado Cardiopulmonary Research Laboratory.
With over 56 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Doekel has become a cornerstone of sleep medicine in Alabama. He has been instrumental in maintaining the center’s accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and has participated in the accreditation of other sleep centers throughout Alabama and the United States. His dedication to the field is evident in his long-standing certification as a Diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, which he obtained in 1978.
7. Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD
Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD is a distinguished otolaryngologist based in California, specializing in a unique combination of Otolaryngology, Sleep Medicine, and Facial Plastic Surgery. As the founder and director of the Southern California Sinus Institute, Dr. Cohen has established himself as a leading expert in nasal and sinus disorders, with a particular focus on minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Dr. Cohen’s expertise extends beyond traditional ENT practice. He is recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a Fellow of the American Rhinologic Society (FARS), underscoring his advanced skills and peer recognition in his field. His specialization in sleep medicine complements his ENT practice, allowing him to provide comprehensive care for patients with sleep-related breathing disorders.
Dr. Cohen’s educational background is equally impressive. He graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, followed by a prestigious Head and Neck Surgical Residency at UCLA Medical Center. His commitment to advancing medical knowledge is evident in his role as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Cohen has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including recognition as a Castle-Connelly Nationwide Top Doctor and a Los Angeles Magazine Super Doctor, reflecting his exceptional patient care and surgical expertise.
