Child Neurologist

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

What is a Child Neurologist?

Child neurologists are physicians who have completed residency training in pediatrics (2-3 years) and neurology (3 more years). The total time in medical training, including medical school, is 9-10 years. After the residencies, child neurologists must take medical board examinations. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certifies the successful candidate in ‘Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology.’ The neurologist also may be certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Medical boards require periodic recertification. Like other physicians, child neurologists, also must attend medical conferences on a regular basis, as part of continuing medical education.

After training, child neurologists take jobs in many areas of the health care industry. Those at SIU School of Medicine have academic titles and roles based on their experience, expertise, and interests. In addition to their clinics, they take call in rotation with other members of our division so that continuous care can be provided for child with neurological problems.

The variety of neurological disorders that afflict children is large and many of the disorders are complex. For that reason, it is not uncommon for a child neurologist to specialize in one or more areas of child neurology. Major areas of specialization include headaches, epilepsy, movement disorders, and developmental disorders. Some child neurologists also have extra training in research, such as in conducting clinical drug trials or basic research on the causes and mechanisms of disease. This special expertise makes the newest therapies available to children who need them.