Dr. Stephen L. Nelson, Jr.
Dr. Nelson has been practicing pediatrics and pediatric neurology for over 15 years. He is the current Director of Pediatric Neurology at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, LA, where he performs high volume inpatient and outpatient evaluations. He runs the pediatric epilepsy center which offers video EEG monitoring as well as epilepsy surgery. He is also a full-time faculty as Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Nelson holds a medical license in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Maryland and is certified as a medical doctor expert witness by the state of Florida. He is also dual board certified in general pediatrics and pediatric neurology.
In addition to his current clinical and academic appointments, Dr. Nelson has undertaken the responsibility of Medical Director at the Tulane Center for Autism and Related Disorders as well as Co-Director of the newly established Tulane NeuroGenetics Center in 2016. Dr. Nelson earned his PhD in Biomedical Sciences at University of California, Riverside followed by his M.D. at University of California, San Diego. He completed his pediatric residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center in Lackland AFB, TX and his child neurology fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, CA. He served on active duty in the United States Air Force with final assignments at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD, where he was appointed Director of the National Capital Consortium Child Neurology Fellowship Program, and the Director of Child Neurology for the Nation's largest and only tri-service medical training school. A highly decorated Colonel in the Medical Corps, Dr. Nelson also subsequently served in the US Air Force Reserve. During his free time, Dr. Nelson can be seen enjoying a good book at a local coffee shop or strolling along the beautiful Audubon Park with his wife, kids, and dogs. |
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
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WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGIST?
"There's always options... there's always something we can do... |
A pediatric neurologist or child neurologist is a doctor who specializes in treating nervous system problems in children. This includes diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy and a wide variety of nerve and muscle diseases. These doctors treat disorders of the neonatal period, infancy, childhood and adolescence. Training to become a pediatric neurologist requires approximately 13 years of training after high school.
Pediatric neurologists treat both inherited and acquired neurological problems in children. They treat neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and peripheral neuropathy in children. Pediatric neurologists diagnose and treat disorders affecting the brain such as mental retardation, seizure disorders, brain tumors and traumatic brain injuries. These doctors also diagnose and manage behavioral disorders such as attention-deficit disorder, sleep problems and autism, as well as developmental disorders such as developmental delay in motor milestones or speech.
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what is the difference between ABP and AAP? |
WHAT'S IN A NAME? |
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Most pediatric neurologists obtain certification from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology offers certification in neurology with additional qualification in child neurology. Board certification is proof of dedication and professionalism. Certification by the ABP consists of a certification exam at the end of training and maintenance of certification throughout your career.
ABP is separate from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which is a membership organization that advocates for children and pediatricians in the US. The AAP is the largest provider of educational materials for pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists in the world. However, the AAP does NOT certify pediatricians. Although ABP certification is required to become an AAP Fellow (FAAP), there are AAP members who are not certified.
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Stephen Nelson, MD, PhD, FAAP
The FAAP designation after a pediatrician's name stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatricians who maintain their FAAP designation have obtained board certification in pediatrics and made an ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and advocacy for children.
"Pediatricians who earn the FAAP designation have obtained board certification in pediatrics and made an ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and advocacy for children." |
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