Anna Scholz, MD

Where I am from: I grew up in a small town called Worthington in rural Minnesota. I got my bachelor’s degree with double major in biochemistry and math from a small liberal arts college called Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. I then went to medical school at Rosalind Franklin University in the Chicago suburbs. 

Where I am going: I am most interested in neuro-critical care and/or epilepsy. I love learning about continuous EEG in the PICU, especially in cases of traumatic brain injuries, post-arrest, and status epilepticus. It is also an honor to be able to support families through extremely challenging times and decisions. Something I love about the program is that we are exposed to all areas of neurology but are also allowed plenty of time to explore our unique interests. I am excited to continue exploring and seeing which area of neurology I choose!

Why I am here: I took a somewhat roundabout path into pediatric neurology. I actually initially matched into the categorical peds program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. I didn’t have much exposure to pediatric neurology in medical school but was attracted to the peds program for the volume and diversity of pathology, the supportive co-resident culture, and for the mid-sized, affordable city with lots to offer. While rotating on the pediatric neurology floor during my first year, I found myself reading articles at home every night after long days at the hospital, and I realized that neurology really encompassed everything I loved about medicine, and truly had the most interesting patients! The things that initially drew me to the categorical peds program are even more true about pediatric neurology. We see so many interesting and unique cases, have every opportunity to be involved with research and are allowed increasing autonomy as the years progress to set us up for success after graduation. Not only are the other residents extremely supportive, but the faculty go above and beyond to welcome residents and are always excited about teaching. I have never hesitated to call an attending, or just stop by their office to chat about a patient. It is also an incredible opportunity to train with a strong adult neurology program.  I feel so lucky to have been able to transfer into the pediatric neurology program for PGY-3 year to continue my training!