In this episode, we talk with a third-year medical student, a neuroscience researcher, an avid rock climber, and a young man with epilepsy. The catch: They’re all the same person.

Rick Nolan, 28, is a medical student from the US who also has done graduate coursework in neuroscience, publishing a study of his own brain in 2020. Nolan was diagnosed in his early 20s with epilepsy, which did not respond to medication. He took a year off from medical school to be surgically evaluated and receive a responsive neurostimulator (RNS) with the hope of becoming seizure free.

Nolan talked with ILAE about his experience with epilepsy as well as his medical training, sharing his potential career plans and a unique perspective on potential ways to improve epilepsy care.

This episode was reported, edited, and produced by Nancy Volkers.

Contact us with feedback or episode ideas at [email protected].

Sharp Waves content is meant for informational purposes only and not as medical or clinical advice. The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.

Let us know how we're doing: [email protected].

The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.