Maureen Hughes, MD, a distinguished physician and neurologist, has dedicated more than two decades to the field of health care. Since 2017, she has served as a leader in the department of neurology at Concord Hospital, where she is recognized for her expertise in headaches, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. In this role, she oversees the hospital’s dementia program, working to expand care by partnering with community organizations to support both caregivers and patients. Additionally, she leads group headache clinics, educating patients on non-medical treatment options. Her commitment to patient education and innovative care models has been acknowledged by the American Academy of Neurology, which invited her to join its prestigious physician leadership program.
Since 2008, Dr. Hughes has also served as a neurohospitalist at Elliott Hospital, continuing to provide specialized neurological care. From 2008 to 2017, she was a neurologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where she further honed her expertise. In addition to her clinical work, she contributes to medical education as faculty at NHMI and as an assistant professor of neurology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Her early career includes work as an emergency medical technician, an experience that laid the foundation for her passion for patient care.
Dr. Hughes laid a strong educational foundation, earning a bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1999, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2004. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Georgetown University Hospital in 2005 and further refined her expertise with a residency in neurology at Brown University, culminating in a chief residency in 2008. She continued her education in the field earning a certification in neurology from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and her licensure to practice medicine in New Hampshire.
In light of her impressive undertakings, Dr. Hughes has received numerous awards, including QI Innovations/Awards for her work on behavioral change in group headache clinic models and dementia access optimization. A fellow of CHMG since 2019, she has also made significant contributions to scientific literature, including her publication “Myelin Protein Zero (P0) Exists as Dimers and Tetramers in Native Membranes of Xenopus laevis Peripheral Nerve” in the Journal of Neuroscience Research.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Hughes is deeply committed to civic engagement and education. She actively contributes to pandemic education through patient-centered medical communication blogs and mentors high school and college students pursuing medical careers. Her outreach efforts extend to science day lectures at Lurgio Middle School and volunteer work with local community groups, reinforcing her dedication to fostering education and community well-being.
Dr. Hughes attributes her success to staying true to her values. Her personal mantra is to be grateful for what she has, be generous with what she can give, and deliver compassionate care. She is committed to staying at the forefront of medical knowledge, believing that every patient deserves the best care she can provide. Her approach is rooted in a balance of expertise and empathy, ensuring that her patients receive both knowledgeable and compassionate health care.
Looking ahead, Dr. Hughes aims to strengthen dementia prevention strategies within her community and expand her involvement with the American Academy of Neurology. She is eager to share her experiences in developing headache clinics and health care initiatives while continuing to contribute to the field of neurology through conference presentations and expanded dementia programs. Outside of her professional life, she cherishes time with her family, including her two daughters and son. She also enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, and beach outings with her loved ones.