Integrative Neurologist | Neurocritical Care Physician | Brain Health & Functional Neurology
Professional Overview
Dr. Josh Duckworth is a fellowship-trained neurologist, neurocritical care physician, and integrative neurologist dedicated to helping patients optimize brain health and navigate complex neurologic conditions through a personalized, evidence-based approach.
He evaluates and treats a broad spectrum of neurologic conditions, including migraine and headache disorders, peripheral neuropathies and radiculopathies, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease and tremor disorders, age-related memory impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, including concussion and post-concussion syndrome, stroke, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and other disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system.
As a retired physician in the United States Navy Medical Corps, Dr. Duckworth brings decades of experience from military medicine, academic neurology, critical care, and neurologic research. His background combines traditional neurology with an integrative philosophy that considers the many factors influencing brain function, recovery, and long-term wellness.
Patients appreciate his thoughtful, collaborative style, his ability to explain complex neurologic conditions in understandable terms, and his commitment to developing individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s goals and quality of life.
Clinical Background
Throughout his career, Dr. Duckworth has cared for patients with a wide variety of neurologic conditions, ranging from common outpatient neurologic disorders to severe neurologic emergencies requiring intensive care.
While deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, he served as a neurologist and neurointensivist at the NATO Role III Hospital, providing specialized neurologic care for critically injured service members. He later served as Medical Director of the Warrior Recovery Center and the Concussion Specialty Care Center.
After returning to the United States, Dr. Duckworth served as Medical Director of the Defense Brain Injury Center at Naval Medical Center San Diego and as Medical Director of the Naval Office of Neurotrauma. During this time, he established a comprehensive stroke program, developed neurologic treatment protocols for military and deployed environments, advised military leadership on brain health and blast exposure, and contributed to national neurologic guidelines.
Today, Dr. Duckworth provides comprehensive neurologic care for patients with conditions including multiple sclerosis (MS), ALS, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, migraine and headache disorders, peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy, cognitive impairment and dementia, traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke, and other complex neurologic disorders. His integrative approach combines evidence-based neurology with functional medicine principles to help patients optimize brain health, neurologic function, and overall quality of life.
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics, California State University, Sonoma
- Doctor of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- Internship, Naval Medical Center San Diego
- Neurology Residency, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center
- Fellowship in Neurocritical Care, Johns Hopkins Hospital
Dr. Duckworth is a retired physician of the United States Navy Medical Corps.
His leadership roles have included:
- Former Medical Director, Defense Brain Injury Center, Naval Medical Center San Diego
- Former Medical Director, Naval Office of Neurotrauma
- Former Medical Director, Warrior Recovery Center
- Former Medical Director, Concussion Specialty Care Center
His academic appointments have included the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the University of California San Diego, George Washington University, and Yale University.
Dr. Duckworth also served as a co-author of the Emergency Neurological Life Support (ENLS) guidelines addressing intracranial hypertension and brain herniation and has contributed extensively to research and national initiatives advancing brain injury, neurocritical care, and neurologic recovery.
Research & leadership
Dr. Duckworth has devoted much of his career to advancing the understanding of traumatic brain injury, concussion, repetitive blast exposure, and neurologic recovery.
His research helped expand scientific understanding of how repetitive blast exposure may affect brain function, even in the absence of a diagnosed concussion. He has led laboratory research, clinical studies, and operational brain health programs that have informed Department of Defense policies designed to better identify neurologic risk and protect military personnel.
His research collaborations have included organizations such as the Department of Defense, NCAA, NFL, Big Ten Conference, and Ivy League institutions.
Dr. Duckworth has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in neurology, neurocritical care, anesthesiology, critical care medicine, and pediatrics. He also served as a co-author of the Emergency Neurological Life Support (ENLS) guidelines addressing intracranial hypertension and brain herniation.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Duckworth believes the best neurologic care begins by understanding the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
As an integrative neurologist, he combines evidence-based neurology with functional medicine principles to develop personalized treatment plans that address the many factors influencing brain health, including nutrition, sleep, movement, metabolic health, inflammation, stress, and lifestyle.
He emphasizes collaboration, patient education, and thoughtful decision-making, helping patients understand both established therapies and emerging areas of neurologic research. His goal is to empower patients to make informed decisions while preserving neurologic function, improving quality of life, and supporting long-term brain health.
Personal Note
Outside of medicine, Dr. Duckworth enjoys coaching and playing baseball, riding horses, and playing guitar.
He remains actively involved with two nonprofit organizations that reflect his lifelong commitment to brain health and service. Through Everybody Is a Star, he supports children with neurologic challenges by encouraging creativity through music and the arts. Through the Invisible Wounds Foundation, he continues to advance awareness and research focused on military brain injury, particularly among Special Operations Forces.
Family life with his wife and three children remains at the center of everything he does.
Let’s Start With a Conversation
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Judith Rubin to discuss personalized aesthetic, wellness, and health-forward treatment options at Nuvo Med.