The Child Neurology Section at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine is dedicated to advancing neurological health for children through excellence in clinical care, education, and research. As the largest and most comprehensive pediatric neurology program in Oklahoma, the section serves as the primary referral center for children with neurological disorders across the state and region.

Clinical Mission

Child Neurology faculty provide specialized, multidisciplinary care through OU Health Children’s Physicians, and Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health. The team manages a full spectrum of neurological conditions, including epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, neurogenetic syndromes, movement disorders, headaches, neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders, and neuroinflammatory diseases.

Faculty collaborate closely with colleagues in pediatrics, neurosurgery, genetics, rehabilitation, and psychology to ensure coordinated and family-centered care. Subspecialty programs include:

Education and Training

Education is central to the section’s mission. The Child Neurology Residency Program provides a comprehensive three-year curriculum encompassing all aspects of pediatric neurology, neurophysiology, and developmental neuroscience. Faculty also contribute extensively to the medical student curriculum, neurology clerkship, and subspecialty electives. Trainees gain experience across diverse inpatient and outpatient settings, including neonatal neurology, neurocritical care, and multidisciplinary specialty clinics. Graduates of the program consistently pursue successful careers in both academic medicine and private practice.

Collaborative Care and Integration

The Section emphasizes collaboration and continuity across the lifespan. Transition clinics and integrated care pathways ensure smooth handoffs for adolescents with chronic neurological conditions to adult neurology providers within OU Health. Partnerships with OU Health Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Genetics foster innovation and comprehensive care for complex disorders.

Faculty Roster

Section Leadership

Cherrie Herren, MD – Section Chief, Child Neurology; Associate Professor of Neurology
Clinical interests: Epilepsy, pediatric neurophysiology

Faculty

Nino Kerashvilli, MD – Assistant Professor of Neurology

Clinical interests: General Neurology, Neurogenetics

Barrie Kaiser, MD – Assistant Professor of Neurology

Clinical interests: Neurocritical Care, Inpatient Neurology

Laura Thomas, DO – Assistant Professor of Neurology

Clinical interests: Inpatient Neurology

Nidhiben Anadani, MD – Associate Professor of Neurology

Clinical Interests: Neuroimmunology

M. Georgeta Varga, MD – Associate Professor of Neurology

Clinical Interests: Movement Disorders

Educational Leadership

Program Director, Child Neurology Residency: Cherie Herren, MD

Future Directions

The Child Neurology Section continues to grow in size and scope. Strategic goals include recruitment of additional faculty in neuroimmunology, neuromuscular, expansion of neurodiagnostic services, and development of dedicated research infrastructure for pediatric clinical trials.