Melissa L. Rayhill MD, FAHS, FAAN
Melissa L. Rayhill
MD, FAHS, FAAN
Clinical Associate Professor; Adult Neurology Residency Program Director
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Headache; Neurology
Contact Information
Patient Care
Patient Care
This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.
View this physician on UBMDProfessional Summary:
I am a neurologist specializing in treating patients who experience headache, migraine, cluster headache and post-traumatic headache. I also care for patients who experience headache during pregnancy and lactation. I use a mixture of lifestyle modification and medications to address my patients’ conditions. I am also experienced in botulinum toxin injections and nerve block injections.
After completing my residency, I obtained further specialty training in headache medicine at Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Practicing in Boston’s original City Hospital has equipped me with a wealth of experience and expertise in caring for individuals from diverse cultures and economic backgrounds. I currently see patients at both Buffalo General Medical Center (BGMC) outpatient neurology clinics as well as the UBMD Neurology Main Street clinic in Williamsville, where I continue to care for patients who come from diverse backgrounds. I feel privileged to practice with the UBMD practice plan; the opportunity affords me the clinical time to understand my patients’ individual needs and provide them with the best treatment solutions. I also care for adult inpatients with a wide variety of neurological diseases at BGMC and work as part of a team to provide consultation and inpatient management.
My research interests largely mirror my clinical interests, but also include evaluating research integrity in the medical literature.
I am the Adult Neurology Residency Program Director. It‘s the honor of my career to work with such dedicated and talented young physicians-- and I get to watch them grow. I love working with our medical students in the classroom, as well as inpatient and outpatient clinical settings. Mentoring the next generation of physicians, neurologists, and headache specialists is one of my major career aims.
My family and I feel fortunate to once again call Western New York home. My goal is to decrease the suffering of individuals in my community who suffer from disabling headaches.
Education and Training:
- Fellowship, Headache Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women‘s Hospital (2015)
- Residency, Neurology, Boston University Medical Center (2014)
- Internship, Internal Medicine, Boston University Medical Center (2011)
- MD, University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cum Laude (2010)
- BA, Psychology, Biology Minor, Boston University, Magna Cum Laude (2005)
Employment:
- Director of Telehealth, Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine (2020-present)
- Program Director, Adult Neurology Residency Program, Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine (2020-present)
- Division Chief, Headache Medicine, Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine (2015-present)
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2015-present)
- Associate Program Director, Adult Neurology Residency Program, Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine (2019–2020)
- Associate Neurology Clerkship Director, Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine (2018–2019)
Awards and Honors:
- Seigel Teaching Award, Nomination (2024)
- “Top Doctor”, voted by peers, Buffalo Spree Magazine (2023)
- Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (2022)
- “Top Doctor”, voted by peers, Buffalo Spree Magazine (2022)
- SUNY Clinical Leadership Academy (2021)
- Director Mentorship Leadership Program, American Academy of Neurology (2021)
- “Top Doctor”, voted by peers, Buffalo Spree Magazine (2021)
- Elected Secretary, New York State Neurological Society (2020)
- Jacobs Faculty Educator Leadership program (2018)
- Fellow of the American Headache Society (2016)
- International Headache Academy at the National Institute of Health (2015)
- Women in Leadership Forum, American Academy of Neurology (2015)
- “Frontiers in Headache Research” Scholarship Award, American Headache Society (2014)
- American Academy of Neurology: Medical Student Prize for Excellence (2010)
- Inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Society (2009)
- Inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, peer nomination and faculty selection (2009)
- Dean’s Letter of Commendation (2008)
- John B. Sheffer Award: Excellence in Pathology (2008)
- Dean’s Letter of Commendation (2007)
- Graduate of Boston University’s Honors Program, Dean’s List (2005)
Research Expertise:
- Headache Medicine: Headache Medicine
Research Centers:
- Jacobs Neurological Institute
Journal Articles:
- Burch R, Rayhill M. (2021) Acute Treatment for Migraine: Contemporary Treatments and Future Directions. JAMA (Jun), 325(23): 2346-2347.
- Rayhill ML, Rosen N, Robbins MS. (2022) Headache Education Adaptation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Undergraduate and Graduate Medical Education. Current pain and headache reports (Nov), 26(11): 827-833. doi:10.1007/s11916-022-01084-0
- Rayhill M. (2022) Headache in Pregnancy and Lactation. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.) (Feb), 28(1): 72-92.
- Alex A, Vaughn C, Rayhill M. (2020) Safety and Tolerability of 3 CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies in Practice: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Headache (Nov), 60(10): 2454-2462.
- Robblee J, Buse DC, Halker Singh RB, Schusse CM, Riggins N, Rayhill ML, Loder EW, Donnelly M, Borrero-Mejias C. (2020) Ten Eleven Things Not to Say to Healthcare Professionals During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. Headache (Sep), 60(8): 1837-1845.
- Minen MT, Wells RE, Gautreaux JR, Szperka CL, Rayhill M, Orlova Y, Metzler A, Halpern A, Monteith T, Rayhill ML. (2020) Responding to the Needs of Early Career Physicians and Fellows in Headache Medicine: Career Planning, Getting Involved, and Considerations in Building a Headache Center. Headache (Jun).
- Borrero-Mejias C, Starling AJ, Burch R, Loder E, Rayhill ML. (2019) Eleven Things Not to Say to Your Female Colleagues. Headache (Nov), 59(10): 1846-1854.
- Perloff MD, Parikh SK, Fiorito-Torres F, McAdams MT, Rayhill ML. (2019) Cerebrospinal Fluid Removal for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Less Cerebrospinal Fluid Is Best. J Neuroophthalmol (Jan), 39(3): 330-332.
- Sader E, Rayhill M. (2018) Headache in Pregnancy, the Puerperium, and menopause. Seminars in neurology (Dec), 38(6): 627-633.
- Loder EW, Rayhill M, Burch RC. (2018) Safety Problems With a Transdermal Patch for Migraine: Lessons From the Development, Approval, and Marketing Process. Headache (Nov), 58(10): 1639-1657.
- Rayhill M, Burch R, Rayhill ML. (2017) PFO and Migraine: Is There a Role for Closure?. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep (Mar), 17(3): 20-20.
- Sharon R, Rayhill M, Charleston L, Mathew PG, Rayhill ML. (2016) An Analysis of UCNS Certified Headache Center Patient Intake Forms. Headache (Mar), 56(3): 519-527.
- Rayhill ML, Sharon R, Burch R, Loder E. (2015) Registration status and outcome reporting of trials published in core headache medicine journals. Neurology (Nov), 85(20): 1789-1794.
- Sharon R, Rayhill ML, Kurth T, Loder E. (2015) Headache Rounds: Sudden, Transient Neurologic Symptoms in a Woman With Migraine. Headache (Oct), 55(9): 1274-1282.
- Zuzuárregui JRP, Rayhill ML, Pochay VE, Treanor PR, Babikian VL. (2013) Silent Cerebral Microembolism during Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery. J Neurol Transl Neurosci (Jan), 1(3): 1019-1019.
- Rayhill ML, Perloff MD. (2012) Gabapentin use in the prevention of succinylcholine-induced fasciculation and myalgia. J Postgrad Med (Jan), 58(1): 1-2.
Books and Book Chapters:
- Rayhill ML, Mathews P. (2016) Principles and Practice of Pain Medicine. Third Edition. In: Pharmacologic Treatment of Headache (Chapter 33). Principles and Practice of Pain Medicine. Third Edition. McGraw Hill
- Rayhill M. (2016) Tension-type Headache: Acute and Preventive Therapies. In: Scientific American neurology [online]. Samuels M, editor. Hamilton (ON): Decker Intellectual Properties.
Abstracts:
- Loder E, Rayhill M, Burch R. (2018) Safety problems with a transdermal patch for migraine: lessons for the future (PF117LB). Headache, (Jun)
- Parikh S, Fiorito-Torres F, Rayhill M, McAdams M, Perloff M. (2018) Updated Results on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Volume Removal for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH): Removing Less CSF May Be Best. Neurology, (Apr)
- Rayhill ML, McGeeney B, Goadsby P, Loder EW. (2017) Acceptability of Placebo in Cluster Headache Clinical Trials: A Patient Survey. (Apr)
- Rayhill ML, Sharon R, Loder E. (2015) Compliance with ICMJE Trial Registration Requirements in the Headache Medicine Literature. American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting; Washington, DC. (Apr)
- Rayhill ML, Fiorito-Torres F, Perloff MD. (2014) Idiopathic Intracerebral Hypertension (IIH)/pseudotumor: Removing less CSF is best. American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting; Philadelphia, PA. (Apr)
- Daniello, Rayhill M, Busza A, Otis J. (2014) Implementing a Checklist into Cerebrovascular Service Discharges: A Resident-Driven Quality Improvement Project. American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting; Philadelphia, PA. (Apr)
- Catanese L, Shoamanesh A, Rayhill, Romero JR, Babikian V, Kase CS, Pikula A. (2013) Prevalence and Determinants of White Matter Hyperintensities in Young Stroke Patients. (Apr)
- Shoamanesh A, Catanese L, Rayhill ML, Romero JR, Babikian V, Kase CS, Pikula A. (2013) Cerebral Microbleeds in Young Stroke Patients. (Apr)
- Rayhill ML, Shoamanesh A, Catanese L, Romero JR, Babikian V, Kase CS, Pikula A. (2013) The Vascular Topography of Ischemic Stroke in Young Patients. American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting; San Diego, CA. (Apr)
Professional Memberships:
- Medical Alumni Association; President (2023-2025); Board of Directors (2019–present)
- Great Lakes Regional Headache Society; Board of Directors (2019–present)
- New York State Neurological Society; Secretary (2022-2023) Treasurer (2023-2024); Board of Directors (2019–present)
- UBDoctHERS (2016–present)
- American Headache Society (2012–present)
- American Academy of Neurology (2012–present)
Presentations:
- "Migraine Prevention Update" University of Florida Department of Neurology Grand Rounds (2024)
- "On Finding Mentoring" 3rd year Medical Student Intersession; University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine (2024)
- "Patient-Centered Care" University at Buffalo New Resident Orientation (2024)
- "Update on Migraine Prevention" Department of Family Medicine Grand Rounds, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine (2024)
- "Comprehensive Migraine Update: Advances in Acute, Preventive, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies" American Academy of Neurology 2024 Annual Meeting (2024)
- "Migraine in Pregnancy and Lactation" Headache Cooperative of New England Boston Symposium, Colonnade Hotel (2023)
- "Headache in Women" American Headache Society Resident Education Program, UCLA (2023)
- "Getting to the right diagnosis (or diagnoses)" Clusterbusters 2023 Annual Conference (2023)
- "Headache in Pregnancy" University of Arkansas Resident Didactics (virtual) (2023)
- "Comprehensive Migraine Update: Advances in Acute, Preventive, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies" American Academy of Neurology 2023 Annual Meeting (2023)
- "Continuum Test Your Knowledge: A Multiple-choice Question Review 1, The Neurology of Pregnancy" American Academy of Neurology 2023 Annual Meeting (2023)
- "Women’s Neurology: Primary Headaches During Lifespan, Headache in Pregnancy and Peripartum" American Academy of Neurology 2023 Annual Meeting (2023)
- "Migraine Prevention Update" Department of Neurology Grand Rounds, University of Rochester Medical Center (2023)
- "Migraine Prevention Update" Department of Internal Medicine Grand Rounds, Sisters of Mercy Hospital; University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine (2023)
- "Headache in Pregnancy" Department of Neurology Grand Rounds (virtual), University of Massachusetts (2022)
- "Migraine Prevention" Headache Cooperative of New England Boston Symposium, Colonnade Hotel (2022)
- "Women in Neurology Career Panel, Moderator" New York State Neurological Society Annual Meeting (2022)
- "Continuum Test Your Knowledge: A Multiple-choice Question Review" American Academy of Neurology 2022 Fall Conference (2022)
- "Headache In Women" American Headache Society Resident Education Program, UCLA (2022)
- "Is Chronification the Natural History of Migraine?" Great Lakes Regional Headache Medicine Symposium, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2022)
- "Headache and Women's Health" Neurology Department Grand Rounds, Lahey Clinic. (2021)
- "Headache and Women’s Health" OBGYN Departmental Grand Rounds. University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. (2021)
- "On Finding Mentoring" MS3 Intersession. University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. (2021)
- "Acute Therapies for Migraine" Headache Cooperative of New England Virtual Semi-annual Meeting. (2020)
- "Headache and Women’s Health" New York State Neurological Society Virtual Annual Meeting (2020)
- "Teaching Trainees in the Headache Medicine Clinic during the COVID-19 Pandemic." Facebook Live Event, hosted by the American Headache Society; American Headache Society (2020)
- "On Finding Mentorship." University at Buffalo Alumni Association Webinar Wednesday.; University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine; Medical Alumni Association (2020)
- "Telehealth for Neurology in the age of COVID-19." Department of Neurology Faculty Meeting; University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine; Department of Neurology (2020)
- "Telehealth for Neurology in the age of COVID-19: Resident Continuity Clinics." Resident Didactic Sessions; University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine; Department of Neurology (2020)
- "Headache and Women’s Health." Great Lakes Regional Headache Society Annual Symposium; Great Lakes Regional Headache Society (2019)
- "On Finding Mentoring." Keynote Speaker, Speed Networking for Medical Students; University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine; Medial Alumni Association (2019)
- "Diagnosis and Treatment of Migraine: An Update." Grand Rounds, Department of Internal Medicine; University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine; Sisters of Mercy Hospital (2019)
- "Headache and Women's Health" Department of Neurology Grand Rounds; Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (2018)
- "Diagnosis and Treatment of Migraine: An Update" Catholic Health System Saturday CME Series; Catholic Health System; South Buffalo Mercy Hospital (2018)
- "Neurology and Women's Health" OBGYN Department Grand Rounds; Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Department of OBGYN (2018)
- "Acceptability of Placebo in Cluster Headache Clinical Trials: A Patient Survey" American Neurological Association Baltimore Meeting 2016; American Neurological Association (2016)
- "Publication Bias in the Headache Medicine Literature" Southern Headache Society Meeting (2016)
- "Publication Bias in the Headache Medicine Literature" Neurology Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology (2016)
- "Evaluation and Management of Headaches for the PCP" Primary Care Update Conference; UBMD; Department of Medicine (2016)
- "Back to School Headaches" On camera interview by Jenn Schanz; Channel 4 News (2015)
- "Top Scientific Paper of 2014-2015 (Burstein et al.)" International Headache Academy 2015; National Institute of Health (2015)
- "Baby on the brain: How parenthood changes the way you think" Clinical Neurosciences Grand Rounds; Boston University Medical Center (2014)
- "Going Haywire—A Case of Peripheral Neuropathy" Clinical Neurosciences Grand Rounds; Boston University Medical Center (2012)
- "Post Stroke Depression: A Retrospective MRI Study" Summer Training on Aging Research Topics Mental Health; University of California San Diego (2007)
- "Finding Mentorship in Neurology Residency" Resident Didactics
- "The Other Headache Syndromes" Resident Didactics; University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology
- "Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias" Resident Didactics; University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Department of Neurology
Service Activities:
- ; Chair Search Committee, Department of Neurology (2024–present)
- ; Co-Director, American Headache Society Resident Education Program (2023–present)
- ; President, Medical Alumni Association, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2023–present)
- ; Medical Student Task Force, invited committee member, American Headache Society (2023–present)
- ; Chair, Program Director Advisory Council, Graduate Medical Education Committee (2022–present)
- ; Program Committee, American Headache Society Resident Education Program (2022–2023)
- ; Organizer/Presenter; Inaugural Annual Residency Reunion (2021–present)
- ; Faculty Member, Pain Fellowship Program, Dept. of Anesthesia (2021–present)
- ; Clinical Faculty Council Representative to the Jacobs School Executive Committee (2019–2023)
- ; Associate Editor, Headache (2019–2021)
- ; Editorial Board member, Pain (2019–present)
- Physician Leader participating in development and advancement initiatives for the Jacobs School; Physician Philanthropy Council (2019–present)
- UB School of Medicine Class of 2010; Reunion Class Chair (2019–present)
- ; Junior Faculty Panel during LCME site visit (2019)
- ; Alternate, Faculty Practice Management Plan Governing Board (2018–2020)
- Faculty Council (2017–present)
- Faculty Senate; Member (2016–2018)
- Student Affairs & Academic Standing; Member (2015–present)
- ; Ad hoc reviewer, BMJ (2014–present)
- ; Ad hoc reviewer, Cephalalgia (2014–present)
- ; Ad hoc reviewer, Headache (2014–present)
- Curriculum Committee; School Representative (2008–2010)
- Habitat for Humanity Buffalo, NY and Lockport, NY; School Representative (2006–2010)