Faculty

Deepa Arun, M.D.

Associate professor, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology
Program director, child neurology residency program
Headaches, neonatal neurology

Medical school: Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (Chennai, India)
Pediatric residency: Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, UMDNJ, Camden, New Jersey
Residency: Saint Louis Children's Hospital/Washington University in Saint Louis
Headache fellowship: United Council for Neurologic Specialties (UCNS)

"I believe that this program has three main strengths, the varied patient population (you will see both 'horses and zebras'), the size (two residents a year is small enough but also large enough to have a good-sized peer group), and the faculty (small department with faculty with varied neurological subspecialty interests but small enough to get to know and work with everyone). We see ourselves, our trainees, and staff as one big family at work. I have lived in Saint Louis longer than any other place and (and I have lived in several other places, even overseas) I can now truly call it my home and I love it!

"When I first visited Saint Louis in 2001, I was told that Saint had limited attractions compared to other larger American cities, but it’s a great place to live and I have found it to be true. Having started and raised my family here, my daughters have had the opportunity to receive an excellent education in a public school system, in a diverse and inclusive setting, and engage in various community, Indian and other cultural activities. Be it education, healthcare, entertainment, food, or seasons; we have it all!"

Kathryn Elkins, M.D.

Assistant professor, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology
Pediatric epilepsy

Medical school: Emory University School of Medicine
Residency: Emory University School of Medicine
Fellowship: Emory University School of Medicine

Glen Fenton, M.D.

Professor, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology
Pediatric epilepsy, electroencephalography

Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Residency: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Fellowship: Clinical neurophysiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

"Our residency program has an enormous breadth of exposure. We have bright medical students who will keep you on your toes. You will learn electroencephalography here, and that's not universal. Many of our graduates have accepted positions in prestigious fellowships across the country, while others are successful private practitioners. We are especially proud that our group of physicians, residents, nurses, technologists, and others are close, congenial, and highly effective."

Sean Goretzke, M.D.

Associate professor, Department of Neurology
Director, Division of Child Neurology
Pediatric concussion, cerebral palsy

Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Pediatric residency: Naval Medical Center (Portsmouth, VA)
Child neurology residency: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

"As a graduate of this training program, I can say without a doubt that our program will prepare you to excel in the next phase of your career as a child neurologist. We will teach you the efficiency needed for possible private/hospital-based practice, the clinical excellence and decision-making confidence needed to be the primary manager of even complex pediatric neurologic conditions immediately on completion of your training and the academic research and teaching foundations to be a competitive applicant for even the most prestigious fellowships in the country. Although we practice in a large pediatric hospital, we are a very tight knit team, all housed on the same wing of the building and our faculty members' doors (and cell phones) are always open to talk about work, life and how to achieve the right balance between the two.

"What I like about living in Saint Louis: From my time spent as active duty in the US Navy, I have traveled to many parts of the country. I think Saint Louis excels in having all of the big city activities and cultural interests, yet still a "small town" feel that is very neighborhood oriented. It is an excellent place to raise a family with Midwestern "values" and many terrific public school districts."

Ali Jamal, M.D.

Instructor, child neurology
Pediatric epilepsy, neurofibromatosis

Medical school: Saint Christopher’s School of Medicine
Residency: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Fellowship: Clinical neurophysiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

"Apart from being a quality residency program, it’s a place where you will form lifelong associations alongside honing in on your neurological skills which will prepare individuals for general practice or fellowships. Faculty here have an open door policy and have always been extremely approachable.

"St. Louis’ traffic is nearly non-existent. I love the St. Louis Cardinals, Ted Drews, Imo’s Pizza, St. Louis Zoo, City Museum and there are tons of outdoor activities"

Himanshu Kaulas, M.D.

Assistant professor, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology
Surgical epilepsy, genetic epilepsy, refractory epilepsy

Medical school: Rural Medical College University of Pune
Residency: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Fellowship: Clinical neurophysiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical school

"Our child neurology residency program provides good exposure to bread and butter child neurology cases as well as tough clinical cases. By the end of residency, you should be able to read and report routine EEGs and read continuous EEGs. The program also trains you with a strong child neurology base to pursue fellowship. The one thing that I like the most about this program is the gradual switch from close supervision during your third year of residency to near complete independence in decision making by fifth year. Maintaining a work life balance should not be a problem.

"I like Saint Louis because of the small city, big town feeling. Saint Louis can offer almost everything that a city has to offer without motor vehicle traffic or without any worry whether I will find parking. The standard of living matches any big city with great schools and colleges and many attractions (my favorite being St. Louis Zoo and the Aquarium) without being expensive."

Cynthia Morris, M.D.

Assistant professor, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology
Pediatric headache, functional neurological disorders

Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Residency: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Fellowship: Pediatric headache, University of California San Francisco

"Our team is one of the most friendly and supportive groups you could possibly work with. At all levels, from student up to faculty, our nurse practitioners, our nurses, and our support staff; everyone is eager to collaborate on patient issues, discuss general questions that come up, and provide support whenever anyone is struggling, both at and outside of work. 

"From a clinical standpoint, our program provides a broad exposure to an extensive variety of neurological disorders, both the common and the rare. Residents get fantastic training in reading EEGs and generally feel comfortable reading independently by the end of their residency (very uncommon, especially at larger centers).

"I am originally from California and knew nothing about the Midwest before coming here for med school. But in my time here I have absolutely fallen in love with this city I call home. I am amazed by the huge variety of authentic international cuisines available, the booming arts and music culture, and the generally open and friendly demeanor of everyone you run into. We have tons of free things to do, including our zoo (one of the best in the U.S.), our art and natural history museums, and our science center. Saint Louis also fosters a thriving geek culture, with several comic bookstores, a board game cafe, regular tabletop gaming opportunities and multiple different annual conventions."

Maxwell Wallace, M.D

Assistant professor, Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology

Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Residency: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

"Our residents and faculty form a close-knit community throughout the residency, which creates a supportive learning environment. We get exposure to all types of neurologic conditions. Residents get practice leading the inpatient team, following their own patients in continuity clinic, and triaging consults from local emergency rooms.  Residents get excellent training in EEG as well.

"St. Louis is a big enough city that it has big city attractions (variety of restaurants, popular bands/performers visiting, sporting events etc.), but small enough that it doesn’t feel too crowded.  St Louis has a low cost of living compared to other major cities."