Child Neurology Residency Training Program

Jaime Lee Palaganas Heath, MD

Training: Undergraduate: Johns Hopkins University BA in Psychology with a Minor in Cello and Voice Performance

Medical School: Univeristy at Buffalo School of Medicine MD

Pediatric Training: University at Buffalo School of Medicine Pediatric Residency

Interests: Since early on in college, my interest has always been in neuroscience and there was never any doubt that I would want to specialize my training on children. After medical school, I worked with a pediatric neurologist on research regarding neuroprotection against radiation injury in the developing brain. During this time, I not only had the opportunity to learn laboratory research but was allowed to accompany my mentor in clinic and in the floors. I was incredibly lucky to have a mentor who took the opportunity to expose me to pediatric neurology and even more specifically within my areas of interest.

I hope to continue my training in neuro-oncology, neuro-intensive care and/or neuro-interventional. But truthfully, what I find most important in any of medicine is that it allows us the opportunity to treat patients as individuals. Taking into account every aspect of person's life in order to provide them and their familly with the best quality of my life is my true passion.

Outside of the hospital, I will be found all over the city and country with my two amazing, super happy and friendly boxers (dogs); kayaking up the Charles River, hiking around the Charles River Reservation or around the city. I also love cooking, exploring new foods, running, weight lifting, music and dancing.

Overall, I am excited about the opportunity I have been given to train in such a prestigious and expansive program and look forward to all the experience I will have in the next few years.

Rejean Guerriero, DO

Training: Bates College, B.S. in Neuroscience, Minor in Philosophy. University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, D.O. Baystate Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine, Pediatric Residency.

Interests: Following undergrad, I developed a background in basic neuroscience research in dopamine pharmacology and drug addiction and was inspired by great mentors in Child Neurology. I hope to incorporate this neuroscience research background into the growing field of pediatric critical care neurology. There are exciting opportunities to bridge acute care neurology with basic and clinical research in the areas of traumatic brain injury, neuroprotection, as well as the exploration of the long-term cognitive and behavioral sequelae of brain injuries.

I feel privileged to be starting my neurology training at Children’s Hospital Boston. It is a busy service with unparalleled research and clinical opportunities making for an inspiring learning environment.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing ice hockey and staying active, as well as cooking and exploring the many fantastic restaurants in Boston with my wife, Kelsie.

Archana A. Patel, MD, MPH

Training: University of Arizona: BS Physiology, BS Psychology; Drexel University School of Public Health: MPH; Oregon Health & Sciences University: MD; University of Arizona: Pediatric Residency

Interests: I became fascinated with neuroscience and development when I was in college, and continued working with children with developmental disabilities throughout both college and graduate school. This made Child Neurology a natural area of interest when I was in medical school, and my various exposures in the field during that time cemented my choice. I currently am interested in development, epilepsy, and international health, although I'm not ready to limit my focus just yet. I feel that here at Boston Children's Hospital I will get great exposure to all aspects of Child Neurology, so that I will be able to choose the right focus for my career by the end of my training.

In my free time I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. Being new to Boston, I'm looking forward to exploring the city and surrounding areas.

Christelle Achkar

Training: American University of Beirut: BS in biology, American University of Beirut Medical Center: MD.

Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, University Hospitals of Cleveland: pediatrics residency

Interests: Neurology has been a passion of mine every since my first neuroanatomy course in medical school. I have greatly enjoyed learning about the intricacies of the nervous system, and wanted to learn more about its pathologies and all the therapeutic potentials. I chose pediatric neurology because it nicely blends physiology, development, and plasticity. Working with children is fun and very rewarding, and makes the hardest and longest days seem much easier.

I am personally interested in epilepsy, specifically in epilepsy surgery and brain mapping.

I am greatly enjoying my time at children's. My colleagues are extremely smart, knowledgeable, and great team players. The atmosphere is very collegial, making it a great place to work, learn and do research. There is a great balance between autonomy and support. The learning opportunities are endless, and we get to meet a multitude of very interesting patients. All specialties of child neurology are well represented, giving us the chance to learn more, and our patients the most comprehensive care possible.

Training: Carnegie Mellon University, B.S. in Biology and Psychology with Minor in Ethics. University of Massachusetts, M.D. Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland, Pediatrics Residency.

Interests: My academic focus in college was in child development. During that time, I also participated in research studying the cellular mechanisms of apoptosis and recovery of specific regions of the memory cortex following traumatic brain injury. I had always had an interest in neuroscience and also working with children. Pediatric Neurology seemed to be the perfect fit. My current areas of interest within Neurology are Neuro critical care, CNS infectious diseases, and Neuroimmunology, although I am excited to learn from all our subspecialists during my time here.

I feel fortunate to be part of a department that has so many experts in their respective specialties. The variety of patients seen here at Boston Children's Hospital is almost unparalleled in Pediatric Neurology, which will only serve to enrich my overall understanding of pediatric neurodevelopment and management of neurologic disorders.

Outside of work, I enjoy long distance running, yoga, cooking and entertaining friends and family, and travelling.