Rachel Zolno, MD

Where I am from: I was born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I moved over to the east coast for undergraduate at Brown University in Providence, RI. After, I spent a year working in an elementary school in Boston, MA. I attended medical school at Albert Einstein in the Bronx, NY. Now I am happy to be back in the Midwest!

Where I am going: I am interested in education and clinical research, and I would like to have a career in academic medicine. I am specifically interested in demyelinating disorders, as well as autoimmune encephalitis. Next year, I am excited to be moving to Boston for a fellowship in pediatric multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology at Massachusetts General Hospital/Boston Children’s Hospital.

Why I am here: When I was on the interview trail, I was looking for a program that would offer excellent teaching and patient exposure in all three fields: pediatrics, adult neurology, and pediatric neurology. Wash U is the rare triple threat and is truly exceptional in all of these aspects of training. Perhaps even more important is the sense of support and community within this program. I remember feeling so welcome at the recruitment dinner at Dr. Mar’s house during my interview day, and this sense of belonging continued when I started residency. I really appreciated feeling a part of the pediatric neurology family here, even when I was completing my two years of pediatrics. 

St. Louis has been a wonderful city to live in as a resident. It is an affordable city, and I am able to live in a gorgeous apartment that is a short walk to the hospital. There are so many beautiful neighborhoods and hidden treasures (especially the City Museum). Wineries, hikes, beaches, and float trips are just a short drive away. Forest Park has a ton of free, outdoor activities to enjoy every summer, and as a huge musical theater fan, I personally love going to the MUNY. My co-residents have become my best friends, and we have loved exploring the city during our time off.