Lisa Cook, MD

Highlights 

• Comprehensive Neurology 
• Timely Consultations & Treatments
• Botox for Chronic Migraine
• Clinical Research Trials 

A Chicago native, Lisa Cook, MD, moved to Los Angeles to join a multispecialty practice after earning her medical degree at the University of Illinois and completing a neurology residency and a clinical neurophysiology fellowship at the University of Michigan. In 2010 she opened her own practice to provide personalized neurological care. Since that time, she has expanded the practice to include three locations, multiple providers and research trials alongside the clinical practice. She is on staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and Torrance Memorial Medical Center. 

How did you choose to work in this field? 

I took a year off before my final year of medical school to do research at the University of California, San Francisco, on Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. This opened my eyes to the unique ways brain disorders can manifest. During that year I also traveled to Peru to learn Spanish and work in a medical clinic. These experiences helped me realize that my passion lies in understanding neurological conditions while working directly with patients. 

Tell us about your work in the medical field.

I practice all areas of general neurology, with particular interests in headache, epilepsy, stroke and dementia. Our offices see a high volume of patients with headache disorders, and we offer comprehensive treatment, including Botox for chronic migraine, supported by the infrastructure to accommodate this need. I am part of the Cedars-Sinai stroke team, providing individualized care and aggressively pursuing stroke interventions for appropriate patients. In addition, I am actively involved in teaching neurology residents, fellows and advanced practitioners. 

To what do you attribute the growth of your practice? 

Providing attentive and personal care to all of my patients. By focusing on my patients and respecting their needs and time, my practice has grown through both patient and physician referrals.

What’s most rewarding about your work? 

Improving people’s quality of life and helping them regain control and well-being.

Describe the atmosphere of your offices. 

Our offices and operations are designed to provide a relaxed atmosphere where patients can feel seen and heard. We carefully balance our providers’ and support staff’s schedules to ensure that both new and follow-up patients can be seen within weeks, in stark contrast to the months-long wait times often seen at larger institutions. Our goal is to address patients’ needs, testing and concerns as promptly as possible, recognizing how difficult it can be to wait for care and answers.

Tell us about your team.

Our staff plays an essential role in enhancing the patient experience. They do their best to ensure that patients feel welcomed, informed and supported at every step of their care. From answering questions promptly to helping patients navigate testing and treatment plans, their dedication allows me to focus fully on listening and providing the best neurological care possible. 

Who influenced you most along the way? 

My mother was a driving influence in starting my own practice. She was a biochemist who opened her own DNA sequencing lab at a time when it seemed like a risky endeavor. She took a chance, worked hard, and the company thrived—and still stands today, even though she has since passed. Growing up, I saw her persistence and strength, which inspired me to take a similar path when the opportunity came to open my practice. Her example taught me that with hard work and a commitment to helping others, it is possible to build something lasting and meaningful.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

Tennis is my new favorite sport, and I try to play as often as I can to stay active and balanced. We also have two young children who keep us on the move and add a lot of joy and laughter to our lives. 

What do you love about living in the South Bay? 

I love the South Bay’s strong sense of community, which reminds me of the Midwest, with wonderful families that support each other. It’s an environment that aligns with how I approach my practice—building lasting relationships and caring for patients like family.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro