Child Neurology and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Resident Testimonials

What is the best part about training in this program?

“The best part of this program is that despite being at one of the largest pediatric training facilities, the Child Neurology/NDD team feels like a close-knit family that cares about each other!” - Douglas Wells, PGY-1, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

“There is no best, there are so many great things. The patient population we have the opportunity to serve is amazing: the diversity of backgrounds is surreal. The breadth of pathology is overwhelming. The personality of the hospital matches the general personality of its employees which is kind, helpful, welcoming, and very kid-centric.” - Alexandria (Allie) Melendez-Zaidi, PGY3, Child Neurology/Basic Neuroscience

“Everyone is so warm and welcoming.” - Chrissie Massrey, PGY-1, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

“I love the complexity of the patients cared for at Texas Children's Hospital. I particularly enjoy working as part of the neurocritical care team.” - Isabella Herman, PGY5, Child Neurology/Basic Neuroscience

“Everyone is so nice and these patients have some of the coolest diagnoses in the world!” - Corina Andriescu, PGY1, Child Neurology

“The people! I love our department. Everyone is friendly and accessible including faculty, co-residents and our administrative staff.” - Leah Ferrante, PGY5, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

How do you balance work/life issues?

“Despite the increasingly growing numbers at Texas Children's, the residency program ensures that our workload as fellows stays the same, rather than giving us more. It really shows they care about our time!” - Douglas Wells, PGY-1, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

“This is quite challenging at times but also so rewarding when it works out. I have three children with a husband who recently made a career change and is living in another state until I join him next year. However, BCM provides childcare assistance programs which are very reliable and affordable. In addition, the collegiality among the program is amazing.” - Isabella Herman, PGY5, Child Neurology/Basic Neuroscience

“There is such an open community to speak freely whenever you have personal needs, I've never felt judged or shy to speak up.” - Corina Andriescu, PGY1, Child Neurology

“I ensure that I set aside time in the evenings for hobbies and unwinding time.” - Leah Ferrante, PGY5, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

What do you like to do when you have time off?

“I love to run and swim! I also love to socialize whether that is going to trivia night or a movie with some fellow residents! I also love sporting events and cannot wait to go to some once there is no longer a pandemic to be concerned about!” - Douglas Wells, PGY-1, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

“I love to exercise as a way to relax and relief stress. Houston is full of amazing fitness centers and generally has fitness events going on almost every weekend starting in the fall. Additionally, I love taking my kids to the Houston zoo and the surrounding parks, of which there are many.” - Isabella Herman, PGY5, Child Neurology/Basic Neuroscience

“Play with my puppy, get breakfast tacos, walk around in the parks!” - Corina Andriescu, PGY1, Child Neurology

What do you like about living in Houston?

“I love being a part of one of the most diverse cities in the country. This allows the community and everything in it to be diverse as well. This translates into a broad variety of food places (both restaurants and grocery stores), patients, friends, cultural events, etc.” - Douglas Wells, PGY-1, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

“The food!” - Chrissie Massrey, PGY-1, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

“I love the number of things going on at any given time, from festivals to concerts to sports events. Additionally, raising a family in Houston is quite affordable.” - Isabella Herman, PGY5, Child Neurology/Basic Neuroscience

“The diverse community of immigrants and how many different cultural restaurants there are.” - Corina Andriescu, PGY1, Child Neurology

“The lack of snow is great, and the food scene is AMAZING, as well as the abundance of things to do--museums, theatres, professional sports, movies, shopping, cafes, art classes etc.” - Leah Ferrante, PGY5, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

How would you describe your fellow residents?

“Amazing! Caring! Efficient! Nifty! Brilliant! Kind! Compassionate! Helpful! Spectacular!” - Douglas Wells, PGY-1, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

“Compassionate and strong.” - Chrissie Massrey, PGY-1, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

“Hard-working, friendly, fun, collegial, and very reliable.” - Isabella Herman, PGY5, Child Neurology/Basic Neuroscience

“Friendly, welcoming and nurturing.” - Corina Andriescu, PGY1, Child Neurology

“They're some of the smartest people I have ever met and very down to Earth. I really enjoy hanging out with them both at work and outside of work.” - Leah Ferrante, PGY5, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities