Perseverance and Patience

Anna Dominique Castro, MD

USTH Section of Child Neurology (2023)

Training in pediatric neurology was a journey I could not have predicted. The first year was a time of adjustment and uncertainty, but it was also filled with excitement for learning—getting used to new responsibilities, meeting mentors, and slowly finding my place in the subspecialty. When the pandemic arrived, everything changed. Patient numbers dropped, rotations were disrupted, and some colleagues had to stop training altogether. The hospital felt quieter, and training often felt lonelier.

There was a constant undercurrent of fear during those years. Every duty came with worries about COVID-19—bringing it home, getting sick, or watching patients and families navigate the same fears. Pediatric neurology is learned through presence and connection, and physical distancing made that especially hard. The absence of daily face-to-face interactions with peers and mentors made the isolation even more apparent.

What helped me through was the sincere effort of the Section to keep the training program alive. Online lectures, virtual case discussions, and regular check-ins reminded me that I was not alone. While these could never fully replace bedside learning, they reflected a genuine commitment to our growth and well-being. Looking back, those years taught me resilience, empathy, and the value of support—lessons that continue to guide me, not only in my work as a pediatric neurologist, but in how I care for others.