I spent two years at Georgetown University in Washington, DC prior to trekking to Texas to attend Texas A&M University. For medical school, I trained at UT Health San Antonio. Given that I attended both A&M (thumb up sign) and UT (hook ‘em horns sign), I have comfortably joined them, and now use the hang loose sign! One could also easily argue that I also have the right to use the “I love you sign”!
What role does the Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine department play at Scottish Rite for Children?
Many of the children with orthopedic problems have underlying neurological causes or complications. Our team is involved in diagnosing and treating these neurological and neuromuscular conditions.
What are your specialties?
I serve as the director of neurophysiology, director of the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Clinic and medical director of neurology and rehabilitation medicine. Some of my specialties include child neurology with subspecialty certification in clinical neurophysiology and in neurodevelopmental disabilities. I have a special interest in epilepsy, neurogenetic disorders (for example, tuberous sclerosis complex) and in clinical neurophysiology (EEG, nerve conduction studies with electromyography, and intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring).
As a youth, I was intrigued by the brain and human behavior, and this interest persisted in college where I managed to study a lot of philosophy before becoming interested in neuroscience. Prior to medical school, I also took an interest in developmental biology (think metamorphosis of insects), which ultimately led me to pediatric neurology—merging development, the brain and kids.
I first came to Scottish Rite as a child neurology resident during my training at Children’s Health (then known as Children’s Medical Center) and UT Southwestern. I have been employed here 26 year(s), 8 month(s), 0 day(s) —but who is counting when you’re having so much fun!
Is there a special referral process for patients to be seen by our experts in the Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine department?
The vast majority of our patients are referred from the numerous orthopedists, and a few are referred from our colleagues in Pediatric Developmental Disabilities and Rheumatology. There are a couple of diagnoses where children come in by direct referral (for example, tuberous sclerosis complex, holoprosencephaly and hereditary spastic paraparesis).
How do you help your patients feel comfortable and confident?
Smiles, humor, being NICE to them and setting the parents/caregivers at ease.
The culture of kid and family-centered care, and the “can do/will do” attitude of everyone from the medical teams, to all the support teams, to Mr. Bob Walker and his super team!
What was your first job?
Slinging ice cream at Friendly’s in Webster, NY (Where Life is Worth Living!).
In the Dallas area, my favorite restaurant is Chamberlain’s Fish Market Grill along with sister restaurant, Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House—both in Addison. Wonderful food and service (for example, Copper River Salmon—when in season)! My family often celebrates major life events there.
