Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Gabriela Perez
Hi Dr. Gabriela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Dr. Gabriela Perez and I am a general neurologist working in Miami. I’m Cuban American, with my father being born in La Havana, Cuba. I myself was born in Louisiana but I have grown up and spent most of my life here in beautiful, eccentric Miami! I discovered my passion for medicine when I was pretty young and had started to watch the television show- ER (now I am aging myself). Once I realized that the one thing that could peak my interest, ignite passion, and fuel my drive was medicine I knew that I had to be in the medical field. Many medical shows later (Scrubs, Grey’s Anatomy…) and I was finally in college at Florida International University where I majored in biological sciences through their honor’s program. I took a liking to clinical research and have now spent years in the field of research performing clinical trials that have garnered FDA approval for procedures, publishing case reports, presenting at conferences, and working in the laboratory. I went to medical school in Kansas City, Missouri and after I graduated I returned to Miami where I spearheaded a neurology residency program at Palmetto General Hospital. After graduating as chief resident I decided to open my own general neurology practice in Coral Gables where I now manage patients for a variety of neurological conditions. I aim to offer a personalized, boutique, comprehensive experience where we can offer in depth visits, extensive diagnostic testing, and offer neurological procedures all in one place. Now, I work as a neuro-hospitalist as well as at my practice, teach medical students and residents in the hospital and clinic settings, mentor future neurologists, work in neurological clinical research, and continue to build my Gables practice. That’s all on the side of my biggest job which is being MOM to my two beautiful, perfect children – Gigi (3 years old) and Frankie (1.5 years old). I’ve gained so much fulfillment being a mother and a physician/small business owner because I am so passionate about the things that I have chosen to do with my life. I hope to give back to the community in a way that makes a lasting impression and impacts the lives of those around me. I have found my medical journey to have provided me opportunities to pursue being a forever student, writer/author, consultant, professor, mentor, field expert, and a creative simultaneously. The future of my practice, Perez Neurology, holds so much promise. This is only the beginning!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Becoming a board certified, female, latina general neurologist who owns her own practice in one of the most competitive cities in the United States has definitely not been an easy journey nor has the road always been smooth. There have been many obstacles along the way! For starters, I learned Spanish later in life (I know, I know, but I’m Cuban!) because only one of my parents spoke the language. In fact, I learned most of my spanish by listening to songs by Shakira and Juanes and studying the lyrics. I would then practice my self taught Spanish while working at an ophthalmology office in the area. I knew that in order to practice medicine in Miami, I would have to be fluent!
Of course, no journey to becoming a physician is easy. The first barrier is getting into medical school! I would say the hardest part once you are there is cultivating your confidence and skills. Competition is very heavy in the medical field. I was also one of few Latinas in my medical school class.
After medical school came residency. I was the first resident of my neurology program, so I navigated that lonely, tough journey of neurology residency with no senior resident for guidance. The program is now a thriving, growing and sought after program whose residents have gone on to Ivy League fellowships. I’d call that a success. If you know anything about starting a residency program in the United States, you will understand the added stress of trying to gain accreditation, build a program, survive residency, and graduate all at the same time.
Lastly, there were the struggles of being a mother in medicine. I think most parents struggle with the balance of both worlds, with having to leave their babies, with making it in time for drop off and pick up, juggling things with their spouse, and figuring out their new role as parent. I’m not so sure that that is unique to medicine. But I will say, it did inspire me to go the independent route so that I could design my days and maximize time with my children while still pursuing my dreams and goals. Motherhood and entrepreneurship is still new to me, so I take it day by day.
Overall, there will always be people on your journey who question your merit, bully you, and cause you to question yourself. The real success is first, learning to trust and believe in yourself and, then, maintain that confidence along the way. We really are our own biggest challenge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Perez Neurology?
We are a boutique neurological practice in the beautiful city of Coral Gables, Florida. I am the founder and physician specializing in general neurology. I am committed to providing convenient, comprehensive and compassionate care to help patients achieve optimal brain health and well-being.
At our practice, we understand the significance of a healthy neurological system in maintaining overall wellness. That’s why we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. Whether you or your loved one is dealing with a neurological condition, experiencing unexplained symptoms, or seeking preventive care, we are here to provide effective diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support.
At my clinic, I see a wide range of pathologies that include anything from headache, migraine, movement disorders, epilepsy, dementia, neuropathies and myopathies, musculoskeletal system disorders, brain tumors, stroke, and other brain pathologies.
I am one of the few independent, Latina, and female owned medical practices in the United States. One of the things that brings me the most pride is that I put my own blood, sweat, and tears into building a patient-centered practice. I am able to schedule patients quickly and provide such comprehensive care in my clinic. The average wait time in Miami for a sub-specialist can be 6 months to a year! We schedule our patients within 1-2 weeks on average. I take pride in being able to close that gap in our community. Miami has a high demand for neurological care and a lack of timely availability- until now. My patients can do most diagnostic testing here in the office and I perform procedures as well, including nerve blocks and botox for chronic migraine. Since we are a boutique practice, we are able to actually give the patients the time they need for diagnosis and treatment. Because I also continue hospital medicine, I have great continuity of care for those patients that require inpatient evaluation and treatment as well. I love being able to form a connection with all of my patients.
I offer platform based neuro-cognitive testing for patients with memory impairment, dementia, headaches, epilepsy, concussion, or traumatic brain injury. We are also excited to offer electroencephalograms (EEGs) and electromyogram and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) for patients that may have neuromuscular disorders.
Other procedures that I perform include therapeutic as well as cosmetic botox, and nerve blocks.
As you can see, we truly aim to provide convenience!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I anticipate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) more heavily into the field of medicine. More specifically, I think that we will see this technology scale from a research/investigative use to being used more mainstream in hospitals and clinics. I think this technology has massive implications especially in the field of neurology with brain computer interfaces, virtual reality therapy, and radiological diagnostics. Some find it worrisome, but I think that this will be an excellent advancement in the field and will help us to provide more precise diagnostics and therapies than we ever have before! I don’t see AI replacing physicians, but I do think we will be seeing it’s use amp up in the near future, and I am definitely excited about that.
Besides AI, I foresee an increase in private practices and perhaps more efficient regulations in regards to insurance and their impact on the way physician’s practice. Time will tell.
Pricing:
- Pricing will depend on insurance
Contact Info:
- Website: https://perezneurology.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perezneurology
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/perez-neurology-coral-gables
Image Credits
Catalina Ayubi
Gracie Perez
