Neurology Clerkship Program inspires students to pursue their career focus

Tom Ford, MD, a previous UMass Chan Medical School student who participated in the neurology clerkship shares, “I came into my neurology clerkship here at UMass very excited about neurology, thanks to the incredible neuroanatomy course that Dr. Sue Gagliardi had put together, although I was nervous to apply these concepts in taking care of patients. I was grateful to learn that the faculty, especially Dr. Kate Daniello, and the residents with whom I worked, had a true passion for localization and neuroanatomy. The faculty worked through cases with me to connect the pieces of the neurodiagnostic puzzle in treating our patients. I came out of my clerkship with an even greater appreciation for neurology as a specialty, and the confidence I could see myself pursuing, and practicing, for what I hope amounts to a very long career.”   

Dr. Ford moved onto Boston University, to complete his neurology residency program, and fellowship in vascular neurology, before returning to UMass as an assistant professor of neurology, and a clerkship mentor. He shares, “Getting the opportunity to meet with students over the course of their clerkship and act as a sort of impartial guide through the various aspects of the course has been the most exciting aspect for me. I’ve worked with multiple students to this point who are very interested in neurology, such that I am able to provide some guidance on what sort of activities beyond the clerkship would be helpful in preparing for a successful residency application, as well as answer questions about parts of neurology that aren’t so clearly highlighted during a clinical clerkship such as, work-life balance, non-clinical work in the specialty, and opportunities for growth and development.   

The fact that, for the most part, we are not also working with our mentees clinically allows for a reasonably open line of communication as far as sharing questions and concerns about how things are going, which in turn helps to make things better for each sequential group of students and keep an open dialogue about how I can support my mentees. I am grateful the new curriculum has allowed for this program to exist, and I’m excited to see where it goes in the future!”  

Mina Botros, MD, a first-year neuropsychiatry resident and former medical student at UMass Chan Medical School. Dr. Botros originally focused on pursuing cardiology in medical school, however, his education and research led him to appreciate the value of mental and neurological care as part of the patients’ overall wellbeing. During his neurology rotation, he was motivated by the impact of neurological disorders on patients’ lives. When he learned about the focus on neuro-psychiatry, he became fascinated by the intricate connection between the mind, brain and body with a specific focus on the impact neurological disorders and brain injury have on mood and thought, and the potential role of psychedelics in psychiatric care and neuro-rehabilitation; more broadly, he became interested in the humanities as they relate to the practice of medicine and public health. Dr. Botros considers mental-wellness an integral part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, which has led him to dive deeper into psychiatry sharing, “I appreciated the opportunity this specialty provides to sit with patients for an extended period, to listen to patients earnestly and provide them with the support they need.”   

Dr. Botros is participating in the UMass Chan combined neurology and psychiatry residency training program, one of four programs in the United States and worldwide. He chose this field of study because he desires to enter a field in which no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of wellness for those who struggle with neurological and psychiatric illness. As one of the Boston area’s rookie doctors, the Boston Globe highlighted Dr. Botros, along with six other new doctors training in Massachusetts, in an article published on August 31, 2024. Click here to access the pdf version of the article. 

Originally from Cairo, Egypt, he immigrated to the US with his family when he was about five years old. Dr. Botros has lived in Massachusetts most of his life and has developed a love of New England based on the many experiences he has been fortunate to participate in, particularly hiking, snowboarding, and exploring the many trails throughout the area. He also had the opportunity to explore medicine here through an outpatient ophthalmology clinic, where he worked for approximately five years before attending medical school. He also served patients as a COVID-19 vaccine clinic coordinator with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in collaboration with UMass Chan, the Worcester Public Schools, and innumerable community partners. These experiences have prepared him to better serve and advocate for his community by working on several clinical and educational initiatives and working in various student and community organizations in addition to serving as student co-president of the local free clinic programs and later as a founding board member of the Worcester Free Care Collaborative, Inc. after working to establish the not-for-profit organization.  

While attending Boston University he studied biomedical engineering and, under the guidance of Dr. Tsuneya Ikezu, Botros researched progressive supranuclear palsy through a grant award he received by the CurePSP foundation, focusing on the neurological disorder akin to Parkinson’s disease. He also supported projects on a wide array of neuropsychiatric conditions, most notably autism spectrum disorder.   

Dr. Botros shares, “The unique balance between a warm and welcoming community and an environment focused on advancing medical education and practice is what initially drew me to UMass Chan for medical school and what continues to drive my appreciation for our program. I personally believe that learning is part of what makes life worth living, and with regards to neurology and psychiatry, we have much to learn. As such I was immediately drawn to the neuropsychiatry program here at UMass Chan. Not only does it offer the opportunity to learn from kind and brilliant physicians and researchers, but it also enables me and countless others to do so while providing unparalleled, compassionate care for a diverse community.” 

Taylor Young, MD, a previous UMass Chan student completed his neurology clerkship track right before his psychiatry track, developing his interest in participating in the neuro/psych residency program at UMass under the guidance of Sheldon Benjamin, MD, Elizabeth Degrush, MD, and Kate Daniello, MD. He was fortunate to share his interests with Dr. Benjamin and join the esteemed program. He joins Dr. Degrush as graduates of the residency program track, dual certified in both neurology and psychiatry.