How does your background qualify you for this office?
My career has been built around leadership, collaboration, and advancing neuropsychology across clinical, academic, and organizational settings. I currently serve as Secretary of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and have had the privilege of working closely with NAN leadership, the Board of Directors, and our committees. These experiences have provided valuable insight into the organization's governance, strategic priorities, and the needs of our diverse membership. Professionally, I serve as Director of Medical Psychology and Neuropsychology for the Southern Region of Hackensack Meridian Health and Director of the Center for Memory and Healthy Aging. Over the past several years, I have helped develop and expand neuropsychology services across multiple hospitals and outpatient settings, growing programs that support patients with cognitive, neurological, and behavioral health concerns across the lifespan. My work spans clinical care, education, research, and interdisciplinary program development. I have been actively involved in training residents, fellows, neuropsychometrists, and medical learners, while also maintaining an academic appointment and pursuing research focused on advancing patient care. These experiences have reinforced the importance of connecting science, education, and clinical practice. Perhaps most importantly, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across neurology, psychiatry, rehabilitation medicine, neurosurgery, geriatrics, and primary care. Those partnerships have strengthened my belief that neuropsychology has an essential role to play in the future of brain health and healthcare more broadly. I believe these experiences have prepared me to serve NAN thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with a focus on the long-term growth and success of our profession.
What do you see as the major challenges to neuropsychology in the next 5 years? How do you believe NAN, under your leadership, can be effective in meeting these challenges?
Neuropsychology faces many challenges over the next five years, including workforce development, reimbursement pressures, and evolving healthcare systems. However, I believe two issues will be particularly important. First, advances in artificial intelligence, digital assessment tools, biomarkers, and remote monitoring technologies are rapidly changing how cognitive data are collected and utilized. As cognitive data become easier to generate, neuropsychologists must ensure that we remain central to determining what those data mean and how they are applied in patient care. The future of neuropsychology lies in owning cognitive data, not simply producing it. Our value increasingly resides in interpretation, clinical judgment, longitudinal monitoring, and the integration of cognitive findings within a broader medical context. Second, we must continue to demonstrate the value of cognitive health within modern healthcare. As health systems increasingly focus on outcomes, efficiency, and interdisciplinary care, neuropsychologists have an opportunity to show how cognitive health influences independence, treatment adherence, safety, quality of life, and long-term medical outcomes. We must continue to articulate and demonstrate our unique contribution to patients, healthcare teams, and health systems. While the future will undoubtedly bring change, I believe these challenges also present an opportunity for neuropsychology to strengthen its role as a leader in brain health and an essential part of modern healthcare.
How would you promote professional practice?
I would promote professional practice by helping neuropsychologists adapt to a changing healthcare environment while continuing to demonstrate the value of our expertise. NAN has a strong history of supporting professional practice through education, advocacy, mentorship, and professional resources. I would build on these strengths by encouraging the sharing of successful practice models, practical solutions, and lessons learned across diverse settings, including academic medical centers, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and private practice. I believe one of NAN's greatest strengths is the collective experience of its membership. Many of our colleagues have developed innovative approaches to service delivery, interdisciplinary collaboration, program development, and patient care. Creating additional opportunities to share these experiences can help members identify strategies that work within their own organizations and communities. I would also support educational programming that helps neuropsychologists navigate emerging technologies, changing healthcare systems, and evolving patient needs. As our profession continues to evolve, it is important that members have access to practical tools and resources that support both clinical excellence and professional growth. Ultimately, promoting professional practice means helping neuropsychologists succeed, demonstrating our value to healthcare systems and patients, and ensuring that our profession remains vibrant, relevant, and forward-looking.
How do you plan to bridge science and practice?
To me, bridging science and practice is about making sure that good ideas do not stay in journals or conference presentations. The ultimate goal of research should be to improve how we care for patients. Much of my own research has been driven by clinical observations and questions that emerge from patient care. When we encounter gaps in knowledge, unanswered questions, or challenges in clinical practice, those experiences can help shape meaningful research. In turn, the findings from that research should inform how we evaluate, treat, and support patients. I believe NAN plays an important role in creating opportunities for researchers and clinicians to learn from one another. Some of the best research questions originate in the clinic, while scientific advances often lead to new approaches to patient care. Our challenge is ensuring that knowledge continues to move in both directions. I also think we should continue asking a simple question: How does this help patients? Keeping that question at the center of our work helps ensure that research remains relevant and that clinical practice remains evidence-based. Ultimately, I see science and practice as part of the same continuum. When clinical observations generate research questions, and research findings improve patient care, both are strengthened.
Dr. Hundal is a member of the following organizations:
- National Academy of Neuropsychology, Secretary
- Asian Neuropsychological Association, Advisory Board Member
- International Neuropsychological Society, Member
- American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, Member
- Society for Clinical Neuropsychology, Member