Child Neurology
"Pediatric neurologists are very patient, caring individuals, who spend most of their time with children who suffer from diseases of the nervous system. These problems can range from benign headaches, seizures, that disappear in late childhood, and attention-deficit-disorder to severe and progressively fatal diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, progressive seizure disorders such as infantile spasms and tuberous sclerosis, and various congenital brain malformations such as Dandy-Walker syndrome and pachygyria. Their careful examination skills help to find focal deficits, leading to quicker diagnosis and appropriate treatment."
— Freeman, B. (2013). The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Medical Specialty. 3rd Ed. Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill: New York, p. 386.
M1 and M2 Students
What advice would you offer first- and second-year students who are interested in pursuing your specialty?
Make contact with a child neurology attending and discuss career and matching system. Do an elective in child neurology as early as possible.
How important is a research experience in your specialty? If important, does it need to be in the specialty itself?
It’s not important for trainees to have prior experience in research although, as always, it’s a plus.
M3 and M4 Students
What M4 electives would you recommend to a student who is interested in pursuing your specialty?
Make contact with a child neurology attending and discuss career and matching system. Do an elective in child neurology as early as possible.
Does your specialty recommend doing away rotations?
No.
Which month do you recommend taking off to interview?
Late October, November or December.
Does your specialty recommend that all letters of recommendation be written by members of your specialty?
At least one letter of recommendation should come from child neurology.
If letters can come from other disciplines, do you have a recommendation as to which disciplines are more highly valued?
Pediatrics or adult neurology.
Does the academic rank of the letter writer matter?
No.
Does your specialty require a letter from the chairman?
Some programs do, but others don’t.
Request a Child Neurology Advisor
Specialty Career Advisor:
Rebecca M Garcia Sosa, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Neurology and Epilepsy)
View Faculty Profile