CURRENTS: Charlie's Story of Hope

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Charlie Gagliardo, a physician assistant and former medical student, about his journey through autoimmune encephalitis, refractory status epilepticus and long-term recovery — and how those experiences continue to shape his clinical practice.

Charlie shares the story of his sudden decline from a thriving pre-clinical medical student to weeks of uncontrollable seizures and medically induced coma. He reflects on the intensive immunotherapy and critical care course that followed, as well as the months of rehabilitation that ultimately paved the way for his return to medicine. The conversation also explores the challenges of resuming medical training after prolonged illness, his decision to transition from residency to clinical practice as a physician assistant and how living with chronic illness has shaped his approach to patient care and empathy. The episode highlights the emotional and professional resilience required to rebuild life after severe neurocritical illness, and the support systems — both clinical and personal — that make healing possible.

To read the full article that inspired this conversation, visit Story of Hope: Charlie on NCS Currents.

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.