Becoming a Neurologist: Why I Chose Neurology
As a neurology resident, I am often asked, "Why neurology?" It usually comes with the tone of “Why in the world would you ever choose Neurology?!” and a hint of neurophobia. But it's a question I love answering because it gives me the opportunity to share my passion for this fascinating field.
But before I dive into the reasons why I chose neurology, let's start with a brief introduction to what neurology is all about.
What is Neurology?
Neurology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. This includes everything from stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease to migraine headaches, neuropathic pain, and even sleep disorders.
The brain and nervous system are incredibly complex, and understanding them requires a deep knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. But what I love most about neurology is the opportunity it provides to connect with patients on a deeper level, to help them understand and cope with their conditions, and to make a real difference in their lives.
As a grandchild of two women affected by neurological disorders, my journey to medicine and passion for health equity have been deeply personal. My paternal grandmother passed away from a stroke when I was only 6 months old, and my maternal grandmother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and is now in a memory care facility. These experiences have driven my decision to pursue neurology as a specialty.
A Non-Traditional Path to Neurology
My path to medicine was not traditional. After graduating with a degree in education, I worked as a high school science teacher for several years. While I enjoyed teaching, I wanted to do more to address the health disparities I saw in my community. As someone with many marginalized identities, I knew that healthcare access and outcomes were unequal, and I wanted to help bridge the gap.
Deciding to pursue medicine was not an easy decision, and the challenges I faced were significant. However, my desire to make a difference and fight for healthcare equity and my own experiences as a grandchild of stroke and Alzheimer's disease patients fueled my determination to succeed.
The Personal Connection to Neurology
As I progressed through medical school, I became increasingly drawn to the field of neurology. The personal connection to my grandmothers' conditions made me passionate about the complexity and impact of neurological disorders on patients and their families. I wanted to do more to help those affected by these debilitating conditions, and I knew that pursuing neurology would allow me to do just that.
Neurological Disorders and Health Disparities
Neurological disorders affect millions of people in the United States and worldwide. The World Health Organization notes that neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death globally. Despite their prevalence and severity, neurological health is often overlooked, and resources to address neurological disorders are lacking.
Communities of color and other marginalized populations are disproportionately affected by neurological disorders. Black individuals, for example, are more likely to develop and have worse outcomes from stroke than White individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the stroke death rate for Black Americans is almost twice as high as it is for White Americans. Moreover, Black individuals are less likely to receive appropriate stroke treatment. A study published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases found that Black patients with acute ischemic stroke were less likely to receive tissue plasminogen activator, a drug used to treat stroke, than White patients. These disparities in neurological health are a driving force for me to address health equity in neurology.
Alzheimer's disease also disproportionately affects communities of color. According to the Alzheimer's Association, older Black Americans are two times more likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias than older White Americans. Hispanic/Latino Americans are one and a half times more likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias than older White Americans.
The Future of Neurology and Health Equity
I believe that my dedication to justice in medicine and perspective can contribute to the growing movement within neurology and other medical specialties to address health equity and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a person with multiple marginalized identities and a granddaughter of stroke and Alzheimer's disease patients, I am committed to promoting health equity and addressing disparities in neurological health. I am honored to be part of this movement and to make a difference in the field of neurology.
