A medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1991 marked the beginning of a professional transition for Steven Novella, who initially contemplated a legal career before pivoting to clinical neurology. Raised in New Fairfield, Connecticut, he pursued an academic and clinical path that eventually led him to an associate professorship at Yale University School of Medicine.
Clinical Neurology and Academic Work
Novella completed his residency in neurology at Yale–New Haven Hospital in 1995 and secured board certification in 1998. His academic and clinical practice focuses on neuromuscular disorders, including myasthenia gravis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Beyond patient care, he serves as an associate editor for the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine and acts as a medical advisor to the watchdog organization Quackwatch.
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In 1996, Novella co-founded the Connecticut Skeptical Society alongside his brother Bob and Perry DeAngelis. This organization later merged with other regional entities to become the New England Skeptical Society, with Novella serving as its president since its inception. He holds the status of fellow at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and participates in the executive committee for the Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism.
Public Engagement and Media
Novella maintains a prominent media presence through The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe, a podcast he co-founded in 2005. The program examines health fraud, fringe science, and paranormal claims. His additional contributions include authoring the Neurologica blog and writing a monthly column for the New Haven Advocate. He has also appeared on television programs such as The Dr. Oz Show and Penn & Teller: Bullshit!.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Danbury, Connecticut
- Education: Georgetown University School of Medicine
- Profession: Neurologist, academic, podcaster
- Affiliation: Yale University
- Award: Robert B. Balles Prize in Critical Thinking (2010)
- Notable podcast: The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
Questions readers ask
What is Steven Novella's primary area of medical expertise?
He is a clinical neurologist specializing in neuromuscular disorders and neurophysiology.
What is the purpose of the New England Skeptical Society?
The society promotes scientific skepticism and the rigorous application of reason and empirical methods to evaluate claims.
Achievements
- Robert B. Balles Prize in Critical Thinking — 2010
- Held posts at Yale University
- Fields: neurologist, neurology and skepticism
