Dr. Nan Cheng is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of California, Irvine, where she specializes in headache medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree at Duke University and her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She completed residency in neurology at UCLA, where she served as chief resident, as well as headache fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.
Her work centers on improving equitable access to care and advancing representation in clinical research, particularly among Asian American and other historically understudied communities. Her work has been recognized with the Frontiers in Research Award.
A dedicated advocate, Dr. Cheng serves on the Advocacy Committee of the American Headache Society and the Policy Committee of the AHDA. She has participated in numerous Headache on the Hill and Neurology on the Hill events, where she has met directly with legislators to improve access to care and coverage for people living with headache disorders. A graduate of the AAN Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum, she developed an advocacy project focused on improving access to headache care and continues to apply those skills to advance equitable policy change.
She is also an Associate Editor for Headache and Associate Program Director of HALO (Headache Assistant Editor & Leadership Opportunity), mentoring early-career clinicians in peer review and leadership. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that every patient with headache has access to compassionate, effective, and equitable care.
