As a pediatric neurologist, I care for a population that is underserved on many levels. Patients, families, and healthcare providers are often unaware of effective treatment strategies and of research studies that would open up future avenues for evidence based medicine. As primary headache disorders often start early in life, my overall goal is to find ways to intervene as early as possible to minimize disability and maximize health throughout life.

One way to reach these struggling patients is through student health. I have worked with the student health departments of local universities to develop first-line headache management plans, and I believe that this would be an effective strategy to increase access to effective headache care and to empower primary care providers to help these distressed patients who are often viewed as demanding or difficult.

Likewise, our youngest patients often come to our attention because of frequent visits to the school nurse. This makes the school nurse a logical person to collaborate with to develop headache action plans for in-school relief and to disseminate headache education to families.

As a board member, I would be eager to have the opportunity to work toward these goals as well as to encourage other healthcare practitioners to join our exciting field. I appreciate your consideration, and look forward to connecting with you at the next meeting.

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