Christian A. Suri-Baez, MD

Medicine is such a multifaceted profession. On top of the fact that I enjoy the intellectually-stimulating science of the body and its interconnectedness, I appreciate the incredibly personal nature of medicine. I wanted to be directly involved in the collaborative decision-making process for my patients and their families, which oftentimes means guiding them with poise, compassion, and humility through uncharted territory and uncertainty.

Pediatric neurology and epileptology was the perfect specialty that allowed me to savor both the scientific and interpersonal aspects of medicine. The nervous system of kids is so dynamic. It behaves in such a wide variety of ways, which makes each day different and exciting regardless of whether one is in the clinic or the hospital. The field of pediatric neurology and epileptology is advancing at a rather quick pace, which potentially offers hope for many patients with life-impacting conditions. As a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist, it is both incredibly humbling, yet rewarding to be a part of the diagnostic and treatment journey of so many patients with neurologic conditions and their families.

My commitment to helping patients stems from a belief that every child deserves the chance to experience childhood to its fullest and reach their individual potential. Whether that means designing a treatment plan that helps a child attend school, play their favorite sport, or master a musical instrument, I’m dedicated to supporting my patients’ goals and dreams. At times, medical science reaches its limits, but even when diagnoses and treatments fall short, I work tirelessly to improve my patients’ quality of life. Building strong relationships is central to my philosophy. I try to make pediatric neurology visits as comforting and fun as possible by incorporating playful elements—such as superhero-themed attire, games during physical exams, or engaging conversations about dinosaurs and sports. I also dedicate time to truly listen to families’ concerns, advocating for their needs in school, at home, and beyond.

I treat a wide range of pediatric neurological conditions, including epilepsy and seizures, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, headaches, genetic and metabolic disorders with neurological symptoms, tics and Tourette syndrome, demyelinating disorders like Guillain-Barré syndrome, neurologic emergencies, and more. My specialized training includes proficiency in electroencephalography (EEG) and expertise in managing complex, treatment-resistant epilepsy through advanced approaches such as the ketogenic diet and neuromodulation.

My background has equipped me to provide culturally competent care, thanks to years of training in Queens—an incredibly diverse area both culturally and socioeconomically. Additionally, I am fluent in Spanish and certified as a bilingual provider, enabling me to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and families.

For families seeking neurological care, I want them to know that this process is a team effort. While my training has prepared me to address a broad spectrum of conditions, I never hesitate to collaborate with colleagues within or outside of neurology to ensure every patient receives the highest quality care.