Sookyong Koh, M.D., PhD

• Chief, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children’s Nebraska
• Professor and Chief, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Early family experiences are what drove Sookyong Koh, M.D., Ph.D., to become a leading pediatric neurologist, epileptologist and researcher. Dr. Koh has spent decades studying neuroscience and researching epilepsy to provide the most effective treatment and care to children.

How does your personal experience of having a father with epilepsy impact your approach to caring for neurological illnesses?
When I meet patients and their families, I know how they feel. Epilepsy is a family disease—if a child is affected by epilepsy, the entire family is affected. Watching someone have seizures is scary, especially a loved one. And I know my personal experiences help me understand the difficulties of the families we serve.

What attracted you to join the team at Children’s Nebraska?
I saw an opportunity to grow and make a difference. The entire staff, everyone I have met, genuinely cares about and are proud of their position at Children’s. Their dedication and care are unprecedented in my view.

What are some of your goals for the future of Children’s Pediatric Neurology?
My passion is in pediatric epilepsy, and my goal is to create a regional center to become a resource for Neurology and epilepsy. We are at an exciting juncture in time for the entire field of Neurology. There is so much research going on. We have answers for many conditions, which makes Neurology much more effective now than in the past.

What are some of your short-term goals?
I would like to increase access for new-onset seizure patients to ensure faster treatment and care. I also have a passion for helping young adults and teens experiencing psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and would like to expand care offerings to help individuals suffering from the non-epileptic, but equally devastating episodes.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that speaks to your approach as a medical professional?
It is a quote by Dr. Francis Peabody. He was teaching medical students in Boston, and he said, ‘The secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.’ It really speaks to me.

What do you enjoy doing in your off-time?
I enjoy walking. I completed a half-marathon with my daughters. My absolute true love is my granddaughter. She is my new love. I never thought I would be, but I have become a typical grandmother.