Arkansas Children’s Section of Neurology has a strong tradition of continued education among not only residents but faculty as well. Through involvement with professional societies, committees, and educational programs throughout the institution, we strive to cultivate successful healthcare providers as both clinicians and educators. Our faculty are heavily involved in medical student and resident education, participating in didactics and bedside teaching, as well as serving on mentoring committees. The neurology faculty are also actively involved in community educational activities for the patients and families of Arkansas.
UAMS Child Neurology Residency Program
We are very proud of our residency program. The UAMS Child Neurology Residency Program is lead by Dr. Kapil Arya and has successfully trained future child neurology residents since 1995. Our program focuses on the balance between education, well-being and clinical experience. We encourage you to explore our residency website for further information.
Recent presentations at national conferences by residents
- A Case Report of Granulomatous Angitis Associated with Cogan Syndrome
- American Academy of Neurology 2022
- Dr. Praveen Ramani
- Everolimus for Treatment of Refractory Seizures in Tuberous Sclerosis
- American Academy of Neurology 2022
- Dr. Nayana Prabhu
- Pediatric Cogan Syndrome Masquerading as IgA Vasculitis
- Cassidy Conference/Advances in Pediatric Rheumatology 2022
- Dr. Praveen Ramani
- A Pathogenic Variant of the DNMN1L Mitochondrial Gene Associated with Supra-Refractory Status Epilepticus in a 15y/o Female
- Child Neurology Society 2022
- Dr. Nayana Prabhu
- Practice Trends in Women with Epilepsy
- American Epilepsy Society 2022
- Dr. Praveen Ramani
- Sequential Use of Gene Therapy in SMA Patients
- CureSMA National Meeting 2021
- Dr. Paul Drake
Educational Grants
Our faculty strive to improve education for all learners through educational programs, QI projects and grants. Two of our faculty, Dr. Kapil Arya and Dr. Tara Johnson have recently received grants to build educational models to improve the neurological examinations among residents. These models will continue to help train pediatric residents, neurology residents, various fellows and other learners on different aspects of the neurological examination.
- Building and using a novel and innovative biofidelic pediatric brain death / minimally responsive exam model to train residents and fellows, to improve their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the pediatric brain death / minimally responsive exam.
- Dr. Kapil Arya and Dr. Tara Johnson, 2022-2023
- Building and using a novel and innovative biofidelic infant neurological exam model to train pediatric residents and to improve their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the infant neurological examination.
- Dr. Kapil Arya and Dr. Tara Johnson, 2019-2020
Educational Awards
We are proud of the educational commitment of our faculty and this is exemplified by the various educational awards received within our section. Below are some examples of recent awards received by our faculty and residents.
- UAMS Department of Pediatrics Educator of the Year Award 2021-2022
- Dr. Aravindhan Veerapandiyan
- University of Texas Dell Medical School Clinical Learning Environment Award 2022
- Dr. Collin Swafford
- UAMS NW Teacher of Excellence Nomination
- Dr. Tonya Balmakund
- AAN A.B Baker Teacher Recognition Award 2021
- Dr. Aravindhan Veerapandiyan
- Resident of the Year by UAMS College of Medicine Graduating Class 2021
- Dr. Paul Drake
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Dean’s List 2021
- Constance Gober, DNP
- UAMS Outstanding Teacher Pin 2020-2021
- Dr. Paul Drake
- AAN A.B Baker Teacher Recognition Award 2020
- Dr. Kapil Arya
- Pediatric Neurology Best Teacher Award 2020
- Dr. Debopam Samanta
- UAMS Adult Neurology Resident Teacher Award 2020
- Dr. Paul Drake
- Pediatric Neurology Outstanding Role Model Award 2020
- Dr. Kapil Arya
- Pediatric Neurology Outstanding Mentorship Award 2020
- Dr. Aravindhan Veerapandiyan
Educational Programs
Our commitment to learning continues every day through involvement in leadership programs, national conferences and advanced degree programs. Below are some of our section’s recent achievements in these realms.
- UAMS Master’ Program in Clinical and Translational Sciences (MS-CTS)
- Dr. Debopam Samanta, expected graduation 2024
- Walden University Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
- Julish Selvy, DNP, expected graduation November 2023
- Walton College Executive Education and UAMS Executive Healthcare Leadership Institute
- Dr. Aravindhan Veerapandiyan, graduate 2023
- Dr. Paul Manbeck, graduate 2023
- UAMS Master’s Program in Clinical and Translational Sciences (MS-CTS)
- Dr. Tara Johnson, graduate 2023
- J. Kiffin Penry Epilepsy Educational Program
- Dr. Nayana Prabhu, completed 2023
- Dr. Stephen Jones, completed 2021
- Arkansas Children’s Physician Leadership Development Program through the American Academy of Physician Leadership (AAPL)
- Dr. Erin Willis, graduate 2022
- Dr. Kapil Arya, graduate 2022
- Dr. Debopam Samanta, graduate 2020
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Constance Gober, DNP, graduate May 2022
- University of Central Arkansas Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Julish Selvy, DNP, graduate May 2020
Community Education
Our faculty are committed to the care of our patients through ongoing educational programs throughout our state and region with focus on patients, families and other healthcare professionals. Below are some recent examples of these activities.
- Duchenne Expert Care Panel, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy End Duchenne Tour 2023
- Little Rock, Ark.
- Dr. Aravindhan Veerapandiyan
- Arkansas School Nurses Vodcast, Seizures and Seizure First Aid, 2023
- Virtual Event
- Dr. Erin Willis
- UAMS Epilepsy Symposium, Annual 2019-2022
- Little Rock Ark.
- Dr.’s Fred Perkins, Debopam Samanta, Erin Willis, Kapil Arya, Adrianne Parkey
- Ask the Experts Panel, Cure Duchenne Cares Workshop
- Little Rock, Ark.
- Dr. Aravinhan Veerapandiyan
- Research Overview and Comprehensive Care Panel, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy 2019
- Memphis, Tenn.
- Dr. Aravinhan Veerapandiyan
- National MS Society Regional Resource Symposium 2019
- Little Rock, Ark.
- Dr. Erin Willis
- Comprehensive Care for Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 2019
- Little Rock, Ark.
- Dr. Aravinhan Veerapandiyan
- National MS Society Webcast, Multiple Sclerosis: Disease Overview for Emergency Department Providers 2019
- Virtual Event
- Dr. Erin Willis