Laura Gilbert, DO, MBA

Where I am from: I grew up in South Florida, but have fallen in love with the Midwest and haven’t looked back since! I went to Northwestern University for my undergraduate studies and performed clinical research there for 2 years following graduation. I then completed a dual degree D.O./M.B.A. program at Kansas City University/Rockhurst University, prior to beginning my residency here in St. Louis in 2017. 

Where I am going: I am passionate about the field of movement disorders and caring for patients with cerebral palsy. I am excited to start my pediatric movement disorders fellowship in July 2022! 

Why I am here: Like most residents here, I realized I wanted to be at Washington University in St. Louis after my interview day. The program felt like a family and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it! Every day, I feel lucky to train next to so many intelligent and kind co-residents who I cherish going through this crazy experience called residency with. The faculty here are brilliant, yet humble, and are truly passionate about resident education and support us to the fullest. They will help guide you to be successful in whichever area of interest that you hope to pursue. Washington University in St. Louis is a large academic institution that allows for the best possible training in all portions of the child neurology residency (pediatrics, adult neurology, and pediatric neurology) so that by completion, you are beyond prepared for caring for children with neurological disorders. 
I have loved getting to explore the city of St. Louis. In my free time, I find myself going to the many amazing (and often free) museums, such as the St. Louis Art Museum or the City Museum, which is like an adult playground! There are plenty of outdoor activities that you can do in the area such as hiking, kayaking, or biking, or you can stroll around the St. Louis Botanical Gardens, have a picnic in Forest Park, or spend a day at the nearby wineries! As a foodie, I have been so impressed by the food scene here and constantly find new, innovative, and delicious restaurants. One of my favorite hobbies is dancing and I have been able to find a studio near me for classes as well as fun salsa clubs to work on my Latin dancing! There are always fun events throughout the city such as the Festival of Nations, Mardi Gras (2nd largest in the U.S.), St. Patrick’s Day parade, Pride, the Central West End Cocktail Party, food truck nights at Tower Grove Park, and more! No matter what you enjoy, you can find it in St. Louis! Even if I had the chance to choose again where I would go for residency, I would 100% choose Wash U!