Gull Zareen Khan Sial, MD, is a pediatric neurologist practicing at UPMC Children’s Specialty Services in Central Pa.
As a neurologist, she’s dedicated to helping children live fulfilling, healthy lives.
Dr. Sial received her medical degree from King Edward Medical University in Pakistan and completed her residency at the University at Buffalo in New York. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology.
Here, she shares more about her career and what she finds most rewarding about pediatric neurology.
Q: What initially motivated you to pursue pediatrics?
A: My first exposure to working with kids as a physician was in my home country Pakistan. I worked as a general pediatrician and then as a pediatric hematologist/oncologist, where I was responsible for caring for cancer patients. I find working with kids extremely rewarding and inspiring.
When you see them so sick, you really want to do everything to diagnose them quickly so they can get better and enjoy a healthy childhood. They give you a reason to get up every day. I am constantly inspired to care for them because I can’t wait to see how much they achieve in life.
Q: Why neurology, specifically?
A: When I was working as a pediatrician back in Pakistan, we did not have a very good training structure for pediatric neurology. When I came to the U.S., I realized during my residency that the need was even greater in a big country.
There are so many kids who are undiagnosed. They could have led a very fulfilling life if they were diagnosed in time. Everything starts in the brain. You can move your body however you want, think clearly, and lead a normal life. A successful life starts in the brain.
Q: What led you to join UPMC?
A: I was looking for an opportunity where I could make the biggest impact. I think working with UPMC is unique in that I am providing easy access to patients who have never seen a neurologist before. At the same time, I have huge support from UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for offering subspecialty care to these patients.
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about your work?
A: As a pediatric neurologist, I care for kids from newborns to 18 years of age. I see anyone in need of neurological care. That means it’s coming from their brain or spinal cord or the nerves or muscles. It could be from many causes.
Right now, I am taking care of patients currently admitted to the hospital. They may have been admitted for the first time in the emergency department or are critically sick in the pediatric intensive care unit. I am also taking care of patients who come to see me in the clinic.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
A: The thing that makes me the happiest is when I am able to provide children with the right diagnosis and treatment, and then they go on to accomplish so much. Previously, they may have been struggling or considered behind in school, and nobody knew there was a neurological reason.
I advocate for kids with complex medical needs and offer maximum supportive care to them and their families for the best possible quality of life.
Q: What are some of your hobbies and interests outside your UPMC role?
A: I am a nature lover, and I like to explore nearby parks and waterbodies. I enjoy live theater shows, festivals, and music. I am a big foodie, and I like trying out different cuisines.