Welcome to the Division of Pediatric Neurology

Since its foundation over 50 years ago by Dr. Gerald M. Fenichel, our division has been dedicated to excellence in patient care, training of the next generation of pediatric neurologists, and cutting-edge research focused on finding better therapies for neurological diseases that affect children. These missions are intertwined and all critical to our success. We achieve our goals thorough an amazing group of providers that are passionate about pediatric health. They are known national and internationally for excellence in:

  • Epilepsy
  • Global Health
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Clinical trials for emerging therapies
  • NIH-funded clinical, translational,
    and basic science research
  • Neuromuscular Disorders
  • Headache Management
  • Movement Disorders
  • Pediatric Stroke
  • Demyelinating disorders

In addition to our main clinic in the Doctor’s Office Tower at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, we see patients with pediatric neurological disorders at several satellite clinics in Jackson, TN; Murfreesboro, TN; Franklin, TN; Clarksville, TN; and Cookeville, TN. Many subspecialty clinics exist including those for patients with:

  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
  • Angelman's Syndrome
  • Rett Syndrome
  • Stroke
  • Neurofibromatosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Leukodystrophy, and more.

Our hospital-based services include inpatient neurology admissions, neurology consultations, an epilepsy team, and critical care neurology. We also provide telemedicine services to Jackson-Madison County Hospital in Jackson, TN.

Research is very active within our division with multiple NIH-funded scientists whose activities span basic, translational, and clinical research. There are also many clinical trials underway at Vanderbilt ranging from new drugs for pediatric epilepsy to treatments for neuromuscular disorders.

Finally, we have a very strong emphasis on training and education with a categorical Child Neurology Residency program that currently accepts four residents per year. After residency, there are ACGME-approved fellowship programs in Clinical Neurophysiology, Epilepsy, Neuromuscular, and Sleep. We also sponsor non-ACGME-approved training in Pediatric Movement Disorders, Demyelinating/White Matter Disorders, and Stroke. Medical students from Vanderbilt University and outside institutions are an integral part of our program. They have diverse clinical opportunities from outpatient clinics to inpatient teams, 3rd and 4th year advanced clinical electives, and research projects.

Thank you for your interest in our division, and please do not hesitate to contact us regarding any opportunities for education, training, and research.

Best regards,

W. Bryan Burnette, MD

W. Bryan Burnette, MD
Interim Director, Division of Pediatric Neurology
Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology