Dr. Edward J. Cupler
Dr. Edward J. Cupler, MD, FAAN is a globally recognized physician-scientist, neurologist, researcher, and executive leader whose work spans clinical care, basic science, academic medicine, and institutional leadership. With more than three decades of experience in neurology and research administration, Dr. Cupler brings a rare blend of scientific rigor and strategic vision to major healthcare delivery and innovation challenges around the world. (Milken Institute)
Dr. Cupler currently serves as Executive Director of the Research Centre and Research & Innovation at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the Middle East’s premier tertiary and referral academic medical institutions. In this role, he provides leadership and strategic direction for translational research, clinical trials, innovation programs, and cross-disciplinary scientific initiatives that aim to accelerate medical breakthroughs and improve patient outcomes. (Milken Institute)
A board-certified neurologist and specialist in neuromuscular diseases, Dr. Cupler began his medical journey at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, where he earned his MD degree. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Loyola University in Chicago, followed by a neurology residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and a neuromuscular diseases fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda. (KAUST)
Dr. Cupler’s clinical and academic career is marked by both deep expertise and broad impact. Early in his career, he was instrumental in clinical care, teaching, and neuromuscular research at KFSH&RC in Riyadh, where he helped cultivate a culture of evidence-based practice and education. He then served at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in the United States as Director of the Neuromuscular Diseases Center, Director of the MDA Clinic, and Co-Director of the ALS Center of Oregon, as well as an Associate Professor of Neurology. In these roles, he was directly involved in patient care, clinical research, and the mentorship of future neurologists. (KAUST)
In 2010, Dr. Cupler returned to KFSH&RC in Jeddah as a consultant and later Deputy Executive Director, helping to shape clinical programs and research infrastructure. His leadership competencies were further recognized in 2022 when he was appointed Executive Director of Research & Innovation, responsible for fostering research excellence, building institutional partnerships, and advancing scientific discovery across disciplines. (Milken Institute)
Throughout his career, Dr. Cupler has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, presented at major international conferences, and mentored medical trainees and young scientists in both clinical and research careers. He also founded the Saudi Arabian Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine branch of the Saudi Neurology Society (SANEM), elevating standards of practice and professional collaboration within the region. (Milken Institute)
At Building Bridges 2026, Dr. Cupler will draw on his cross-cultural leadership experiences and his work at the nexus of clinical excellence and scientific innovation.
His keynote will offer attendees a compelling narrative about advancing research-driven healthcare systems, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and translating scientific discovery into transformative care models that benefit patients worldwide.