2026 CNS Pellock Resident Seminar on Epilepsy

2026 CNS Pellock Resident Seminar on Epilepsy

The John M. “Jack” Pellock Resident Seminar on Epilepsy will be held on Monday, October 12 – Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Montréal, Québec, Canada, in conjunction with the 55th Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting (October 14–17).

The Pellock Seminar is designed to include residents from as many child neurology residency programs as possible. A limited number of residents are selected to participate each year—65 through scholarship support, and 15 through self-funded participation (i.e., non-scholarship residents).

Residents will participate in a mixed curriculum of didactic lectures presented by outstanding faculty and breakout small group case study discussion sessions led by faculty members. Additionally, participants will also attend a formal group dinner on Monday evening with faculty seated at each table.

Application Process

Eligible applicants are residents who are CNS Junior members in their final year of a child neurology (PGY5), or neurodevelopmental disorders (PGY6) training program. These residents will receive an email on May 29 with a link to apply. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM Central time on June 30.

Applicants are selected in the order their applications are received. Priority will be given to selecting one resident from each program before considering any additional residents from the same program.

The first 65 selected residents will be offered a scholarship to attend. Scholarships include CNS annual meeting registration, 3 nights of hotel, and participation in the Pellock Seminar. Scholarships do not cover airfare or other travel expenses.

There will be 15 residents who are selected to attend through self-funded participation. (i.e., non-scholarship residents). The 15 residents selected will not be eligible for scholarship funding and will need to self-fund their CNS annual meeting registration, lodging, and travel expenses.

2026 Agenda: Pellock Resident Seminar on Epilepsy

Monday, October 12

Time	Topic	Speakers
6:00 – 6:05 pm	Welcome!	Howard Goodkin, MD, PhD Katherine Nickels, MD
6:05 – 6:20 pm	Jack Pellock Remembrance Lecture	Syndi Seinfeld, DO
6:00 – 6:35 pm	Ready to Launch	Howard Goodkin, MD, PhD Katherine Nickels, MD
6:35 – 6:40 pm	Awards + Photos	Howard Goodkin, MD, PhD Katherine Nickels, MD
6:40 – 8:00 pm	Dinner and Dessert

Tuesday, October 13

Time	Topic	Speakers
7:30 – 8:00 am	Breakfast + Introduction	Katherine Nickels, MD
8:00 – 8:30 am	Semiologies	Christina Bergqvist, MD
8:30 – 9:00 am	Neonatal seizure/epilepsy	Tammy Tsuchida, MD
9:00 – 9:30 am	ICU EEG	Dana Harrar, MD
09:30 – 10:00 am	EEG Quiz	James Owens, MD, PhD
10:00 – 10:15 am	Break
10:15 am – 12:00 pm	Small group
12:00 – 12:45 pm	LUNCH – Interactive SUDEP talk	Howard Goodkin, MD, PhD Lindsey Morgan, MD
12:45 – 1:15 pm	Pharmacology	Katherine Nickels, MD
1:15 – 1:45 pm	DEE – management strategies, balancing QOL, SUDEP	Babitha Haridas, MBBS
1:45 – 2:00 pm	Break
2:00 – 2:30 pm	Genetics	Erika Axeen, MD
2:30 – 3:00 pm	Epilepsy Surgery	Krista Eschbach, MD
3:00 – 3:15 pm	Break
3:15 – 5:00 pm	Small group
5:00 pm	Wrap-Up and Farewell	Howard Goodkin, MD, PhD Katherine Nickels, MD

Pellock Fellowship Awards:

The John M. “Jack” Pellock Research Fellow Award and Clinical Fellow Award are granted to one resident each year who exemplifies dedication to pediatric epilepsy research and discovery or who has demonstrated a commitment to the clinical care of children with epilepsy or acute provoked seizures. All Pellock Seminar applicants are eligible to apply. All applications are due by June 30th, 2026, no later than 5:00 pm Central.

The awardee will receive:

• 2027 Child Neurology Society and American Epilepsy Society (AES) Annual Meeting registration fee waivers
• 2027 AES membership dues waiver
• Enrollment in the AES Fellows Program in 2027
• Swaiman’s Pediatric Neurology (7th Edition) signed by Phillip L. Pearl, MD

Eligibility:

1. Must attend the 2026 Pellock Resident Seminar on Epilepsy
2. Final year Child Neurology resident who will begin an Epilepsy fellowship within 2 years of graduation

Research Fellow Award Submission requirements:

• Applicant’s CV
• Personal statement of no more than 250 words detailing why the applicant exemplifies a clinician-researcher dedicated to scientific innovation in the field of pediatric epilepsy. The personal statement should include descriptions of how the applicant’s early research encompasses the following:
  • Initiative in seeking out mentorship in the field of pediatric epilepsy research.
  • Basic science, translational, or clinical investigation related to pediatric epilepsy.
  • Dissemination of research. This can be in the form of institutional research day presentations, conference abstracts, peer-reviewed publications, etc.

Clinical Fellow Award Submission requirements:

• Applicant’s CV
• Personal statement of no more than 250 words detailing why the applicant exemplifies a physician dedicated to enhancing the clinical care of children with epilepsy. The personal statement should include specific examples of how the applicant has impacted children with epilepsy or at risk for provoked seizures and plans to extend this work into their career. These may include, but are not limited to:
  • Quality improvement initiatives addressing the clinical needs of children with seizures
  • Parent or staff recognition for care provided by the applicant
  • Institutional protocol, guideline, or pathway development addressing disorders related to childhood epilepsy (E.g., status epilepticus pathway)
  • Participation in patient-centered organizations such as the Epilepsy Foundation
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion of children with seizures
  • Clinical research projects related to pediatric epilepsy or acute provoked seizures

The CNS thanks the Pellock program design team, Drs. Benedetti, Nickles, and Goodkin.

The Pellock Program is made possible through the generous support of the following organizations: