Introduction
Dr. Herman realized she loved science in elementary school and medicine in junior high school. “I’ve made it a priority to follow science and medicine with a combined M.D./Ph.D. focusing on neurodevelopment,” Dr. Herman said. “This aligns well with Boys Town’s mission of applied research that moves study findings from the research bench to the patient’s bedside.”
During her combined residency and postdoctoral fellowship training in child neurology and neurogenetics at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Herman gained expertise in treating and diagnosing children with rare genetic conditions. She also developed an interest in diagnosing and treating childhood neuroimmune conditions such as pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and different subtypes of pediatric autoimmune encephalitides.
The field of child neurology is vast and ranges from very mild neurological conditions to devastating diseases. “Life-changing care at Boys Town means that every single patient deserves an individualized treatment approach that considers all factors involved in their life, including medical, psychological and social aspects,” said Dr. Herman. “Our individualized treatment approach has the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for every patient.”
Dr. Herman has always been fascinated by the brain and its enormous complexities. “I love solving diagnostic puzzles,” said Dr. Herman. “Being able to provide a diagnosis for a neurological condition to a child’s family is extremely important. Many children with certain neurological conditions go undiagnosed for years. Being able to provide a diagnosis helps guide their expectations, can change treatment and aids in family planning.”
Clinical and Research Interests
- Neurogenetics and Rare Disease
- Ataxias
- Brain Malformations
- Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation
- Developmental Delay/Intellectual Disabilities
- Epilepsy Genetics
- Leukodystrophies
- Lysosomal Storage Disorders
- Mitochondrial Disorders
- Muscular Dystrophy and Other Genetic Neuromuscular Disorders
- Neurofibromatosis
- Peroxisomal Disorders
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Tuberous Sclerosis
- Pediatric Autoimmune Conditions
- Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
- Acute Transverse Myelitis
- Autoimmune Encephalitis
- Central Nervous System Vasculitis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
- Optic Neuritis
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, Neurogenetics, James R. Lupski Laboratory, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Residency, Child Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Basic Neuroscience Track, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX
- Combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees, Neurodevelopment, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Neurology
- American Neurological Association
- American Society for Human Genetics
- Child Neurology Society
Publications
Locations
