Neurology
Robert Cowan, MD
Clinical Professor, Adult Neurology; Clinical Professor (By courtesy), Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine
Dr. Robert P. Cowan, MD, FAAN, FAHS, is a Clinical Professor of Neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine, with a courtesy appointment in anesthesiology, perioperative, and pain medicine. He directs headache research at Stanford as the Betty Higgins Family Foundation Director, leading the Stanford Headache Clinic and Facial Pain Program, where he treats migraine, chronic daily headache, new daily persistent headache, and facial pain in adult patients, including refractory and chronifie
40+
Years in Practice
Credentials
Board Certifications
- Neurology (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology)
- Headache Medicine (Unified Council of Neurologic Subspecialties)
- Pain Medicine (American Academy of Pain Medicine)
Education & Training
- Clark University BA, Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude (1972)
- UCSD No Degree, Brain Science (1974-1976)
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine (1986)
- LAC+USC Medical Center Internal Medicine Internship (1987)
- University of Southern California Los Angeles Medical Center Neurology Residency (1990)
Peer Recognition
- Castle Connolly — Top Doctor
2022-2026 (5 years)
2021-2022, 2024-2025 (4 years)
2023
Recognition & Leadership
Leadership Roles
- Director of Headache Research, Stanford University School of Medicine
- Betty Higgins Family Foundation Director in Headache Research
- Past President, Headache Cooperative of the Pacific
- Past Chair, Chronic Daily Headache Section, American Headache Society
- Past Chair, In-office Patient Education Section, American Headache Society
Clinical Focus
Subspecialties
Conditions & Treatments
Practice Details
Hospital Affiliations
- Stanford Health Care
- Pelvic Health Center, Stanford University School of Medicine
Languages
English, French, Spanish
Experience
40+ years in practice