Florence Shum DO, FAAN
Dr. Florence Shum is a highly esteemed neurologist with over a decade of experience providing exceptional care to the local community. Specializing in Neurology, Dr. Shum has managed a diverse range of neurological conditions for patients in Staten Island, Queens, and Brooklyn, New York. Her extensive training, deep expertise, and bilingual capabilities position her as a critical asset to the medical field.
Dr. Shum is a triple-board certified neurologist, holding certifications in Neurology and Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), Clinical Neurophysiology by the ABPN, and Electrodiagnostic Medicine by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM). Her advanced qualifications underscore her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice. She has been awarded the FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology) designation in recognition of her significant contributions to the field of neurology.
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From 2015 to 2016, Dr. Shum served as President of the Richmond County Medical Society, an organization with a 200-year history of serving the Staten Island community. As the 209th president, she represented physicians from major hospitals, medical centers, medical groups, and private practices. Dr. Shum remains actively involved in the American Academy of Neurology, the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and the Chinese American Medical Society.
In her practice, Dr. Shum is dedicated to patient-centered care, with special interests in treating headaches, neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease, managing epilepsy, and addressing neuromuscular conditions. She is highly skilled in utilizing Botox for facial spasms, chronic migraines, dystonia and spasticity. She is known for her personalized approach, ensuring each patient receives individualized and compassionate care.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Shum often enjoy mentoring aspiring medical students, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. A proud mother of three young daughters, she resides in New York City with her family. In her personal time, Dr. Shum enjoys traveling, watching movies, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Medical Education
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
Medical Training
Internship - Staten Island University Hospital
Neurology Residency - SUNY Downstate Medical Center served as chief resident
Fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology - SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Hospital Affiliations
Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health
Maimonides Medical Center
New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Honors
President of Richmond County Medical Society 2015-2016
Fellow of America Academy of Neurology 2019
Awards and Recognitions
United Chinese Association of Brooklyn Female Doctor of the Year 2018
Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019 through 2025
Castle Connolly Top Doctors New York Metro Area 2019 through 2025
Castle Connolly Exceptional Women In Medicine 2020 through 2025
Castle Connolly Top AAPI Doctors 2024 & 2025
Michelle is a distinguished Board Certified Physician Assistant, duly licensed in the states of New York and New Jersey. She brings a wealth of expertise in Neurology, Primary Care, and Urgent Care to her practice. Michelle's academic journey commenced with her graduation with honors from the prestigious Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education Harlem Physician Assistant Program in 2013. She further advanced her qualifications by obtaining a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Touro College in 2018.
In addition to her clinical practice, Michelle has made significant contributions to medical education. She has served as a clinical coordinator at the CUNY School of Medicine and continues to impart her knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor at the institution.
With nearly a decade of diverse experience in Neurology and close collaboration with Dr. Shum, Michelle is steadfast in her commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare. She approaches each patient as an individual, ensuring the personalized and compassionate care that one would expect for themselves and their family members. Michelle's dedication to the community is reflected in her holistic approach to patient care, underpinned by her extensive clinical and academic experience.
Michelle Twito, PA
Athena Cai, PA
With over a decade of experience in patient care, Athena brings both clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion to her work as a Physician Assistant. Her journey into medicine became deeply personal when her father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a moment that inspired her to pursue a career focused on helping others navigate their own health challenges with empathy and understanding.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the prestigious Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, graduating as class Valedictorian in 2013. She is currently advancing her academic credentials through the PA-to-Master’s Completion Program at Touro University. Over the past 12 years, she has built a diverse and robust career starting in primary care, then transitioning to inpatient services at Mount Sinai Astoria and NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. Her previous work in outpatient pulmonary medicine enriched her clinical insight and patient communication skills, which she now channels fully into the nuanced world of neurology.
Athena’s patient care philosophy centers on empathy, active listening, and patient education. She believes in open communication and empowering patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Outside the clinic, she has a creative and curious spirit. Her newest passion is astrophotography, capturing stunning images of distant galaxies and nebulae with her smart telescope. She also enjoys solving puzzles and brainteasers, listening to music, and spending quality time with her children. A fluent speaker of both Mandarin and Cantonese, she takes pride in bridging language and cultural gaps in patient care. She is also a strong advocate for organizations that serve underserved communities through volunteer efforts and outreach.