Alcy R. Torres, MD, FAAP
Associate Professor
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Pediatrics
Child Neurology

MD, Universidad Central del Ecuador
BS, Colegio Intisana

Pronouns: he/him/his



Alcy R. Torres, MD, FAAP, received his MD degree at Universidad Central del Ecuador in 1990, pediatric residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Neurology residency at the Longwood Neurology Training Program, Harvard Medical School (Mass General Brigham Hospitals, Beth Israel Hospital, Deaconess Medical Center, Veterans Hospital, Coumadin Clinic at Brockton Hospital and the Spinal Cord Unit and Outpatient Clinic at the West Roxbury Hospital), followed by a Pediatric Neurology Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School where he remained on staff for 13 years before becoming the Director of the Pediatric Brain Injury Program at Boston Medical Center.

He is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. As an educator he has received many Awards including the Joseph Martina Dean’s Award at Harvard Medical School only two years after graduation. Since 2006, Boston Magazine has listed him as Top Child Neurologist. He is the author of over seventy peer-reviewed publications in PubMed and an additional eighty about the diagnosis and treatments of pediatric and neurological conditions in particular pediatric traumatic brain injury. Dr. Torres is a very well-established physician scientist. Throughout his career he has conducted research, received many grants and serves as Director of the Global Health Program and the Spanish Bilingual Programs.

Dr. Torres' extensive publications demonstrate his leadership in pediatric neurology, specifically concerning traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion. His work spans a comprehensive range of TBI-related topics, from the definition, classification, epidemiology, and prognosis of concussions to the management, prevention, and assessment of them in children. Dr. Torres has explored factors affecting patient follow-up, return-to-school protocols, and sports-related concussion management, particularly within soccer and professional events. Furthermore, his research addresses disparities in testing and the implementation of concussion regulations in schools, alongside the long-term effects of early exposure to contact sports. This breadth and depth of research solidify Dr. Torres' standing as a world leader in pediatric TBI.

He is very involved in national and international organizations including the Child Neurology Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Brain Injury Association, the International Child Neurology Association (ICNA) and the Iberoamerican Academy of Pediatric Neurology (AINP).

He has founded and volunteered for the Ecuadorian Association of New England since 2004. He Has served on a variety of local, national, and international committees. He is a Board Member of the Wellesley United Soccer Club, member of the Wellesley Club, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Section of Global Health, Neurology Section, ICATCH program, and the Child Neurology Society, International Affairs Committee. Dr. Torres is a member of the Editorial Board of the most prestigious journals of his specialty: The Journal of Pediatric Neurology, Child Neurology and many more and is the Editor of the Newsletter of the section of Global Health (SOGH/AAP).

He has been invited to lecture uncountable times locally, nationally, and internationally in courses, conferences, congresses, grand rounds and in many occassions Key Note speeches consolidating his position as a leader in Pediatric Brain Injury, Global Heath, and Humanism in medical practice.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE
Torres A, Newton SA, Crompton B, et al. CSF 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Serial Monitoring to Guide Treatment of Congenital Folate Malabsorption Due to Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter (PCFT) Deficiency. JIMD Rep. 2015; 24:91-96. doi:10.1007/8904_2015_445

Torres, A, Whitney, J, Gonzalez-Heydrich, J. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in pediatric patients with epilepsy: Review of pharmacological treatment. Epilepsy Behav 2008; 12(2):217-33. PMID: 18065271.

Torres, A, Shaikh, Z, Chavez, W, Maldonado, J, Brain MRI in Children with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Symptoms in both Sports and non-Sports related Concussion, Cureus, 11(1): e3937. doi:10.7759/cureus.3937

Alosco, ML, Kasimis, AB, Stamm, JM, Chua, AS, Baugh, CM, Daneshvar, DH, Robbins, CA, Mariani,M, Hayden J, Conneely, S, Au, R, Torres, A, McClean, MD, McKee, AC, Cantu, RC, Mez, J, Nowinski ,CJ, Martin, BM, Chaisson, CE, Tripodis, Y, Stern, RA, Age of first exposure to American football and long-term neuropsychiatric and cognitive outcomes. Transl Psychiatry. 2017 Sep 19; 7(9): e1236. doi: 10.1038/tp.2017.197

Torres, A., Brownstein, C, Tembulkar, S, Graber, K, Genetti, C, Kleiman, R, Sweadner, K, Liu, K, Mavrosd, C, Smedemark-Margulies, N, Agrwal, P, Shi, J, Beggs, A, D’Angelo, E, Hope, S, Carroll, D, Berry, G, Gonzalez-Heindrich, ATP1A3 de novo and compound heterozygous NLRP3 mutations in a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, fatigue/sleep-wake cycle/behavioral disorder, Muckle-Wells syndrome and psychotic-like symptoms responsive to antipsychotic treatment, Molecular Genetics and Metabolism Reports, 2017, YMGMR-00278;No. of pages:6;4C

Torres A, Andrade EO, Christoph CL, Weinberger M. Congenital absence of the superior mesenteric artery. J Pediatr Surg. 1999;34(12):1858-1860. doi:10.1016/s0022-3468(99)90332-9

Current projects with IRB approval at Boston University
Lumbar puncture in patients with Chiari malformation type I
Attitudes And Practice Styles of Humanism Amongst Pediatric Neurologists
To determine the prevalence of objective versus subjective clearance post-concussion in pediatric patients
Concussion Referrals in Pediatrics and Adolescents in the Urban Safety-Net Hospital

Additional Projects
Traumatic Brain Injury: Referrals in a Pediatric Concussion Program in a safety net Hospital
The influence of premorbid conditions in the validity of the SCAT6
Telemedicine to monitor improvement in patients with Pediatric Concussion

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

The future of Medicine and Society depends on many factors, but perhaps, none more critical than the practice of Diversity and Inclusion in our institution. Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center share the mission of providing exceptional care, overcoming healthcare barriers, and empowering patients and families to become their healthiest self. By working together, we are much more likely to meet the needs of our shared patient population. Though this relationship is strong, I envision tightening communication channels, improving the referral process, sharing resources, and co-implementing best healthcare system practices. BMC has an unquestionable opportunity to make Boston and the surrounding community the healthiest urban population; my goal as the CHC liaison is to leverage the strengths of the CHC and BMC to close gaps in care related to healthcare disparities.

Over the last 25 years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with a diverse group of providers throughout MA, NH and beyond. I have been important to the successful implementation of satellites in pediatric neurology, improving access to care for patients needing specialty care in the community. Eight years ago, I brought pediatric neurological specialty care to East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, and I have seen the positive impact of caring for children in their neighborhood, in their language, and sensitized to their culture. I have also had the opportunity to witness the challenges of CHCs and see healthcare through their lens.

Like our patients, the CHCs are also diverse. Each CHC has a special population, different strengths, and different needs. Over the past two decades, our patients have migrated further from BMC necessitating CHCs further from the medical center. The patients we serve have more difficulty accessing resources and traveling to BMC. In addition, there are now less opportunities from BMC and CHCs to meet, to discuss shared concerns, and to learn from each other. I would explore the use of technology to address some of the challenges of distance, time, and collaboration.

Central to this role is a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, I had since I was growing up and solidified in medical school where I was able to fight with all my heart for social justice. I have developed strong roots with several national associations for underrepresented minorities. The pediatric neurology bilingual program which I developed has been recognized in several media outlets of the Hispanic community and was the theme of a manuscript which is about to be published in The Journal of Child Neurology. I have served as Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at the medical school and lead the Division of Pediatric Neurology Inclusion and Diversity committee.

For me, I am excited by the challenge this represents to our community. I would embrace the opportunity to work closer with the Department of Pediatrics, BMC leadership, and the teams at each Community Health Center to produce some change.

Associate Professor
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Neurology


Assistant Dean
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Diversity & Inclusion


Publications listed below are automatically derived from MEDLINE/PubMed and other sources, which might result in incorrect or missing publications. Faculty can login to make corrections and additions.

iCite Analysis       Copy PMIDs To Clipboard

  1. Beslow LA, Gano D, DiMario FJ, Józwiak S, Sivaswamy L, Kothare SV, Ghosh PS, Torres AR, Wu Y, Santoro JD. Pediatric Neurology Trainee Award. Pediatr Neurol. 2025 May 06. PMID: 40410076
     
  2. Aguirre AS, Rojas K, Torres AR. Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injuries in Natural Disasters, a Call for Better Preparedness: A Systematic Literature Review. J Child Neurol. 2025 Jul; 40(6):486-494. PMID: 40129119
     
  3. Sánchez Fernández I, Torres A, Khan TF, Jonas R, Douglass LM. Intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring utilization in the USA during the period 2006-2022. J Neurol Sci. 2025 Mar 15; 470:123416.View Related Profiles. PMID: 39922143; DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2025.123416;
     
  4. Sánchez Fernández I, Amengual-Gual M, Barcia Aguilar C, Khan TF, Gaínza-Lein M, Torres A, Rinat J, Douglass L. Evolution in the prescription and cost of non-intravenous rescue benzodiazepines for the treatment of seizure emergencies. Epilepsia. 2025 Mar; 66(3):648-661.View Related Profiles. PMID: 39891603
     
  5. Núñez-Peña E, Kelly RP, Campos S, Diaz MC, Castillo PA, Kataria S, Perez AM, Beletanga MD, Torres AR. Factors Associated with Loss to Follow-Up in Pediatric Concussion Patients after Initial Visit: A Retrospective Study at a Concussion Clinic. J Pediatr Clin Pract. 2024 Dec; 14:200131. PMID: 39650262; PMCID: PMC11625348; DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedcp.2024.200131;
     
  6. Sánchez Fernández I, Torres A, Khan TF, Sheikh T, Romeu A, Jonas R, Douglass L. Transition from rectal to intranasal route among mostly pediatric patients with repeated prescriptions of rescue benzodiazepines for seizure emergencies. Epilepsy Behav. 2024 Dec; 161:110038.View Related Profiles. PMID: 39305804
     
  7. Perez AM, Garcia-Guaqueta DP, Setty BN, Neri C, Torres AR. Children and Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease and Skull Infarction: A Systematic Review. J Child Neurol. 2024 Oct; 39(11-12):433-439.View Related Profiles. PMID: 39228213
     
  8. Khan TF, Romeu AM, Franco-Liñán M, Torres AR. [Guide to neurological follow-up in premature newborns]. Medicina (B Aires). 2024 Sep; 84 Suppl 3:26-31. PMID: 39331772
     
  9. Sánchez Fernández I, Khan TF, Romeu A, Sheikh T, Torres A, Jonas R, Douglass L. Prescription patterns of home rescue benzodiazepines for febrile seizures. Seizure. 2024 Oct; 121:197-203.View Related Profiles. PMID: 39216297
     
  10. Nunez M, Ruprecht MT, Aguirre AS, Torres A. A Complex Presentation of Vestibular Paroxysmia in an Adolescent With Wolff- Parkinson-White Syndrome. Pediatr Neurol. 2024 Dec; 161:26-27. PMID: 39243687; DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.08.010;
     
Showing 10 of 80 results. Show More

This graph shows the total number of publications by year, by first, middle/unknown, or last author.

Bar chart showing 79 publications over 19 distinct years, with a maximum of 11 publications in 2019

YearPublications
19991
20031
20072
20081
20104
20121
20134
20143
20153
20163
20173
20186
201911
20207
20215
20226
20234
202410
20254


2024 Sociedad Peruana de Pediatria: Excellence in Science
2023 Federacion Ecuatoriana de Medicina: Physician of the Year
2023 Boston Magazine: Top Latino provider
2020 Castle and Connolly, Boston Magazine: Top Child Neurology/Boston Magazine
2019 Castle and Connolly, Boston Magazine: Top Child Neurology/Boston Magazine
2018 Castle and Connolly, Boston Magazine: Top Doctors in Child Neurology
2017 Castle and Connolly, Boston Magazine: Top Doctors in Child Neurology
2016 Castle and Connolly, Boston Magazine : Top Doctors in Child Neurology
2016 Periodico el Planeta”, Boston, MA: Latino Award, Most influential people in New England
2015 Child Neurology Society: Talent, Character and Wisdom Awards Committee
2015 Best Doctors: Best Child Neurologist
2015 Castle and Connolly, Boston Magazine : Top Doctors in Child Neurology
2014 Periodico el Planeta”, Boston, MA : Latino Award, Most influential people in New England
2014 Top pediatricians: America's Top Pediatricians
2012 Best Doctors: Best Pediatric Neurologist
2011 Best Doctors : Best Pediatric Neurologist
2011 Super Doctors: Super Doctors
2011 Periodico el Planeta”, Boston, MA: Power-meter 100 Most influential members of the Latino Community Award
2010 Best Doctors: Best Pediatric Neurologist
2009 Best Doctors: Best Pediatric Neurologist
2008 Best Doctors: Best Pediatric Neurologist
2007 Boston Magazine: Best Pediatric Neurologist
2007 Best Doctors: Best Pediatric Neurologist
2006 Boston Magazine : Best Pediatric Neurologist
2006 Best Doctors: Best Pediatric Neurologist
2006-2024 Boston Magazine Castle Connolly: Top Child Neurologist
2005 Best Doctors: Best Pediatric Neurologist
2001 Harvard Medical School: “Outstanding performance” as a Laboratory Instructor in the Human Nervous System
1999 Harvard Medical School: Meyer Award, Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
1998 Harvard Medical School: Von Meyer Award, Children’s Hospital
In addition to these self-described keywords below, a list of MeSH based concepts is available here.

Traumatic Brain Injury Pediatric Concussion Program Pediatric Neurology Global Health

I am the Director of the Pediatric Brain Injury Program at Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Director of the International Program and Bilingual Programs at Boston Medical Center.

I am the PI/CI of several Pediatric Research Studies which main focus is Traumatic Brain Injury and Global Health and I am the Assistant Den of Diversity and Inclusion. I facilitate promote all students including underrepresented-minorities. I have also served as a facilitator for Global Health opportunities for the American Academy of Pediatrics in campus and around the world.

My research expertise is in the Treatment of children with Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.

I have successfully mentored more than 30 trainees national and international on research projects and clinical careers.

I have received several clinical and teaching Awards including the 2003 Harvard Medical School Medical School Dean's letter to the best instructor of the Laboratory of Behavior and Neurology course.

I have a fundamental commitment to faculty development and mentoring majority and underrepresented minorities, early and mid-career investigators in academic medicine. In mentoring I view my role as facilitating individuals’ personal and professional growth/advancement in a manner that is aligned with their values and goals of BMC and Boston University School of Medicine.

Available to Mentor as: (Review Mentor Role Definitions):
  • Advisor
  • Career Mentor
  • Diversity Mentor
  • Education Mentor
  • Project Mentor
  • Research / Scholarly Mentor
Contact for Mentoring:
  • Email (see 'Contact Info')

771 Albany St
Boston MA 02118
Google Map


Torres's Networks
Click the "See All" links for more information and interactive visualizations
Concepts
_
Media Mentions
_
Co-Authors
_
Similar People
_
Same Department