Physician Highlight:
Dr. Elsie Cheng, Ph.D – Psychology & Neuropsychology 

A Passion for Forensics, Psychology, and Neuropsychology

Dr. Cheng is an experienced forensic neuropsychologist with two fellowships, specializing in the complex relationship between the brain, behavior, and the legal system. Her interest in neuropsychology began in high school, where volunteer work in geriatric care sparked a fascination with how neurological disorders impact mental health, neurocognitive functioning, and quality of life.

Raised in a family of attorneys, Dr. Cheng’s early exposure to legal discussions fueled her curiosity about the intersection of law and medicine. This led her to forensic neuropsychology, where she focuses on the legal implications of mental health and neurocognitive functioning.

From Military Service to Med-Legal Expertise

After completing her postdoctoral training at Stanford and Palo Alto University, Dr. Cheng joined the Army, where she served as a Captain and medical officer. During her five-year commission, she evaluated and treated soldiers with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, gaining invaluable experience in assessing the cognitive and emotional toll of combat exposure. Though she ultimately stepped away from military service to focus on private practice, Dr. Cheng continues to be involved in volunteer work supporting military personnel and their families.

A Career Built on Specialization & Innovation

Dr. Cheng’s career has been defined by her drive to specialize and innovate. Her work at a California state psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane deepened her expertise in managing complex neuropsychiatric cases. In parallel, she served as a Consulting Neuropsychologist at St. Jude’s Medical Center’s Stroke/Brain Injury Unit, focusing on the assessment of stroke survivors and patients with traumatic brain injuries.

An Advocate for Patients in the Med-Legal World

In 2017, Dr. Cheng expanded her practice into the med-legal world by becoming a Qualified Medical Examiner. She brings a rigorous and comprehensive approach to her evaluations, addressing neurological, cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric dimensions to ensure accurate impairment ratings. Her ability to distill complex neuropsychological findings into clear, jargon-free reports has made her a trusted resource for attorneys on both sides of the aisle.

Dr. Cheng is deeply passionate about her work, particularly when advocating for patients with genuine and severe impairments. She finds fulfillment in ensuring these individuals receive the resources they need for lifelong care and support. At the same time, her meticulous evaluations are invaluable in identifying inconsistencies, providing clarity and fairness in settlement determinations.

Empowered by Leadership and Support at SME

Under the leadership of Dr. Steven Brourman and with the strong support system at Sharp Medical Evaluators, Dr. Cheng is able to dedicate herself fully to providing accurate and thorough medical-legal evaluations. The administrative team ensures the smooth operation of day-to-day tasks, allowing Dr. Cheng to focus on her core work without distraction. Additionally, the efforts of the business development managers have been instrumental in building new relationships and expanding Dr. Cheng’s professional network, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth. Dr. Cheng is grateful for the collective contributions of the entire team, whose expertise and dedication have enriched the practice and upheld its high standards of care and precision.

Life Beyond the Med-Legal World

When she’s not immersed in her professional work, Dr. Cheng leads an active and health-conscious lifestyle, prioritizing fitness even while traveling the world—her greatest passion. With over 30 countries explored and all but one of the seven continents checked off, she’s on track to visit Antarctica in 2025. For Dr. Cheng, traveling is more than just visiting new places; it’s about immersing herself in diverse cultures, gaining fresh perspectives, and staying curious about the world around her.

Beyond her love of travel and fitness, Dr. Cheng is a creative at heart. With a background as a professional makeup artist, she enjoys using her artistic skills to help others feel confident and beautiful. Whether for a special occasion or simply for fun, she loves crafting unique makeup looks for friends and family, blending her creative flair with her passion for uplifting others.

A Career of Impact and Dedication

Dr. Cheng’s dedication to her field and her patients is a testament to her passion for bridging the gap between medicine and law. Her work continues to make a significant impact on the lives of those she evaluates and the legal professionals who rely on her expertise.

Thank you for reading this month’s newsletter! We’re honored to work alongside such outstanding professionals and are grateful for your support of SME. Stay tuned for next month’s edition, where we’ll share more about our team and med-legal insights to help you navigate the industry.