Effective September 2025, Dr. Sengupta will lead the Department of Neurology with a vision for advancing innovation, research, and education across Tufts Medicine.
Tufts Medical Center has announced the appointment of internationally renowned physician-scientist Dr. Soma Sengupta, MD, PhD, MBA, FRCP, FANA, FAAN, as the Chair of the Department of Neurology and Neurologist-in-Chief, effective September 2025.
Dr. Sengupta has also been proposed as Chair and Professor of Neurology at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM).
Born in Kolkata, India, Dr. Sengupta brings an exceptional blend of academic brilliance, clinical excellence, and research innovation that spans continents and disciplines.
She currently holds the position of Professor and Chief of the Division of Neuro-Oncology, and Vice Chair of Neurosurgery Research, roles in which she has distinguished herself as a leader in translational brain tumor research and neuro-oncology clinical care.
Visionary Leadership and Expanding Frontiers
In her upcoming role at Tufts, Dr. Sengupta will oversee all neurological services across Tufts Medicine, driving strategic initiatives in clinical care, research, and education.
She will collaborate with healthcare leaders, faculty, and clinicians to bolster multidisciplinary care, particularly in complex fields such as epilepsy, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain tumors.
One of her core missions will be to expand access to clinical trials for patients throughout the Tufts health system, while also enhancing the training pipeline for medical students, residents, and fellows.
Dr. Sengupta’s appointment underscores Tufts’ commitment to investing in diverse talent, scientific discovery, and patient-centered innovation.
A Pioneering Physician-Scientist
Dr. Sengupta is widely recognized for her work in neuro-oncology, with a particular focus on novel therapeutic approaches to brain tumors.
As principal investigator on over 30 federal and foundation-funded research grants, she has led groundbreaking studies on targeting ion channels and developing next-generation therapeutics.
Her work has resulted in the publication of more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and books, making significant contributions to the fields of neurology and oncology.
Her translational research laboratory explores the molecular underpinnings of gliomas and medulloblastomas, with a focus on improving survival rates and quality of life for patients affected by these devastating diseases.
Through a multidisciplinary lens, she integrates neuroscience, pharmacology, and precision medicine.
A Globally Trained Leader with Multidimensional Expertise
Dr. Sengupta’s educational background is as diverse as her career achievements. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Wales, followed by a PhD and MBBChir (equivalent to an MD) from the prestigious University of Cambridge in the UK.
Her medical and scientific training has been complemented by extensive clinical experience and leadership development.
She completed her neurology residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, followed by clinical and research fellowships in neuro-oncology at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, two of the world’s leading institutions in pediatric and adult cancer care.
Always a student of innovation, Dr. Sengupta pursued further specialization in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona, gained a certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare from MIT, and earned an MBA from the University of Cincinnati to deepen her leadership and management capabilities.
Her Executive Leadership in Health Care training at Drexel University College of Medicine further highlights her preparedness for high-impact administrative roles in academic medicine.
Honoring Her Legacy and Looking Ahead
Prior to her upcoming transition to Tufts, Dr. Sengupta has served with distinction as a physician and researcher at the University of North Carolina (UNC).
Her contributions to patient care, medical education, and neuroscience research have left an indelible mark on the community.
UNC extended its heartfelt gratitude for her service, citing her unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation.
Dr. Sengupta’s appointment is being hailed as a transformative moment for Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine.
Her strategic vision, combined with her depth of clinical and academic expertise, is expected to elevate the Department of Neurology to new heights of excellence.
