Biography

Dr. Noor Malik is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Howard University Hospital and the Howard University College of Medicine, where she specializes in neurosurgical oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and epilepsy surgery. Her clinical practice integrates advanced surgical techniques with evidence-based care, supported by fellowship training in neurosurgical oncology at the Mayo Clinic and pediatric neurosurgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Dr. Malik plays a leading role in surgical education and curriculum development at Howard, teaching across all levels of medical training and co-leading the Mayo-Howard Neurosurgery Journal Club. Her clinical expertise includes awake craniotomy with functional mapping, MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT), epilepsy surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and minimally invasive approaches to brain and spinal tumors.

A major focus of Dr. Malik’s academic work lies in translational neuro-oncology research. She is actively investigating the use of cerebrospinal fluid-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for longitudinal monitoring of gliomas, offering a promising non-invasive tool for precision diagnostics. Her research also explores brain network reorganization following tumor resection using MRgLITT and functional imaging, as well as disparities in access to neuro-oncological care. Dr. Malik serves as Principal Investigator on several ongoing projects and mentors students through the Howard Neurosurgery Research Group and Medical Student Summer Research Program. Her work has been featured in Journal of Clinical Oncology, Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, and NeuroImage: Clinical, and presented at leading neurosurgical conferences including AANS and CNS.

Dr. Malik complements her clinical and research work with a strong commitment to education and mentorship. She holds a diploma in higher education instruction from the University of Toronto and regularly teaches medical students, residents, and advanced practice providers in both classroom and surgical settings. Her teaching spans core neuroscience education, operative techniques, and critical care neurosurgical management. She is an active member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and International Society for Extracellular Vesicles. Through her integrated approach to patient care, oncology research, and academic mentorship, Dr. Malik continues to advance the field of neurosurgery with a focus on innovation, precision, and equity.