Brenda Porter, MD

I got into neurology because I was fascinated by how complicated and elegant the nervous system is. After my first pediatric rotation, I knew I wanted to take care of children; they are straightforward and fun to work with.

When seizures are under control, children do better at school and their quality of life is improved. In caring for my patients, I aim for no seizures and no side effects. When a child is seizure-free after having seizures every day for years it is really touching. Teenagers will often bring me their drivers' licenses; one even sent me a picture of him graduating from the police academy. This would not be possible without absolute seizure control.

I think of epilepsy care as a long-term relationship where patient, parents, schools and the medical community all work together. There are no shortcuts for this. A good working relationship is key to having the best outcome possible.