Neurosurgeon Highlight: Ana Cristina Veiga Silva, MD MSc.

Born in Cabo Verde, Dr. Ana Cristina Veiga Silva was destined to become a trailblazer. She began her path by completing high school in Cabo Varde. Soon after, she spent time in Portugal studying cellular and molecular biology. She then made the trip to Brazil for medical school and completed a neurological surgery residency in Recife, Pernambuco. Dr. Veiga Silva is no stranger to traveling for school and believes “the place where you are born should not define the opportunities available to you nor the destiny you can achieve.”

Professionally, Dr. Veiga Silva focuses on neurotrauma, traumatic brain injuries, surgical outcomes, and global neurosurgery. She inspires future surgeons through leading projects and simulation-based training workshops in Recife. This is in addition to helping students interested in graduate school and clinical research. Lastly, she is involved in ongoing social projects such as the NGO Caza Cisalata in Cabo Verde, which supports vulnerable communities and digital literacy programs for women over 50.