Neurophysiology: Advancing Care Across the Globe

Imagine traveling thousands of miles from Birmingham to Viet Nam—not for vacation, not for a conference, but to help build pediatric neurophysiology capabilities in a country where specialized training is still emerging. For clinicians at Children’s of Alabama, this is part of an ongoing international partnership that reflects the hospital’s reputation as a global leader in pediatric neurophysiology education.

Since 2012, Children’s neurophysiology experts have been invited to train clinicians across the country and around the world in EEG interpretation, intraoperative monitoring, and ICU neurophysiology. These skills are essential for diagnosing and treating neurological conditions in children, specifically children who are suffering from epilepsy that cannot be treated with medication. What began as a collaborative idea has grown into a structured international training program that is transforming care abroad while offering Children’s employees unparalleled opportunities for professional growth.

Why the International Program Exists

Pediatric neurophysiology is a highly specialized field, and access to advanced training varies widely around the world. In Viet Nam, clinicians care for large pediatric populations but often lack formal neurophysiology education programs. Leaders at Children’s saw an opportunity to share expertise, strengthen global pediatric care, and support clinicians eager to expand their knowledge.

“We knew there was tremendous talent and dedication among Vietnamese clinicians,” Trei King, Director of Neurophysiology, EEG and EMU Children’s neurophysiology educator, explained. “We were able to contribute some of the much-needed structured training—hands‑on guidance, real‑time case discussions, and mentorship from people who do this work every day.”

The program focuses on practical, high‑impact education including EEG fundamentals, seizure recognition, ICU monitoring, and intraoperative neurophysiology. Children’s is able to improve early diagnoses, reduce complications and expand treatment options for children because of their specialized skills.

“Our primary area of focus as we started building collaboration was the treatment of patients who have refractory epilepsy,” said King. Refractory epilepsy, also called drug-resistant or intractable epilepsy, occurs when seizures continue despite properly trying at least two appropriate anti-seizure medications. It affects about one-third of people with epilepsy. 

“Surgery is the last resort treatment option. It requires the ability to diagnose and determine the affected areas of the brain,” said King. “Through our global surgery program, we’re able to provide training, resources, and equipment needed to bring that specialized care to Viet Nam. We also brought neurologists, surgeons and EEG technicians to Alabama and provided online classes to healthcare professionals in their home clinics.”

“The whole process is about building sustainable expertise,” King continued. “We’ve helped create a foundation for pediatric neurophysiology in places where it’s still developing. The program is now self-sustaining, which is always our goal.”

Professional Growth That Extends Beyond the Trip

Kasie Sargent, Manager of Neurophysiology at Children’s of Alabama, said, “I’ve assisted Trei in creating the education material that he teaches them. I helped collect all of the information and create PowerPoints. Every summer we bring two nurses or a doctor and a nurse here, and when they’re here, they’re actually in the operating room with me or one of my team members, and we’re teaching them hands‑on IOM.”

While the program’s global impact is profound, the professional development it offers Children’s employees is equally significant.

Teaching internationally builds confidence. Clinicians return with stronger communication skills, deeper clinical insight, and renewed passion for their work. Many describe the experience as a turning point in their careers.

Sargent shared, “I’ve been in this field for 16 years, and I literally learn something new every single day. If your inspiration is constantly learning, this field is perfect.”

She began her career as an EMU tech and grew steadily. “I started as a technologist one, obtained my registry, trained in intraoperative monitoring, became the supervisor of IOM, and now I’m the neurophysiology manager,” Sargent emphasized. “There’s definitely room to grow.”

The international program amplifies that growth. Teaching abroad strengthens leadership skills, mentorship abilities, and clinical judgment.

“When I first started in this field, I never imagined I’d be doing global outreach,” Sargent said. “But being offered the chance to do this has been very rewarding. I’ve met great friends, and it’s nice to have the opportunity to share the knowledge I have.”

Why Neurophysiology Is So Important

Neurophysiology is a little-known specialty area that offers great value to its patients and enormous fulfillment to its practitioners. Sargent calls the field a “hidden gem,” adding that, “Most people who get into this field don’t ever leave. Everyone is passionate about it.”

Neurophysiology is the study of how the nervous system works, focusing on electrical signals, cellular communication, and functional testing. It looks at the brain, spinal cord, and nerves to see how they send messages and control the body. Key testing and tools include:  

• EEG (Electroencephalogram): Records brain wave activity through the scalp.
• EMG (Electromyogram): Measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: Checks how fast electrical signals move through a nerve.
• Evoked Potentials: Records how the nervous system reacts to sensory sights, sounds, or touches. 

These tests and tools help physicians and surgeons identify neurological problems like epilepsy, sleep disorders, and nerve damage. During surgery, neurophysiology technologists track nerve and brain health during operations to stop injury or paralysis. 

The training and the specialized certification required to conduct these tests are available through Children’s of Alabama, one of fewer than 50 locations globally, according to the credential organization, ABRET.

Why Programs Like This Matter for Children’s

Children’s of Alabama has long been recognized as a teaching hospital, and programs like the Viet Nam initiative highlight the depth of its commitment to advancing pediatric healthcare worldwide. By investing in international education, Children’s demonstrates its leadership in pediatric neurophysiology, academic collaboration, and global health improvement. The program also creates outstanding opportunities for its employees.

“My time in Viet Nam was life-changing,” said King. “It was absolutely the pinnacle of my career and such a fulfilling experience.”  

These programs also reinforce a core belief that when clinicians grow, patients benefit. The skills, confidence, and leadership employees gain abroad directly enhance the care they provide in Birmingham.

As Sargent put it, “The normal standard isn’t our standard. We’re always striving to be better, and we’re not settling.”

A Future for Clinicians Who Want Meaningful Careers

For healthcare professionals seeking more than a job—for those who want purpose, growth, and the chance to shape the future of pediatric care—Children’s of Alabama offers something rare.

Clinicians here treat patients. But they also teach. They innovate. They collaborate globally. They become leaders. And sometimes, their work takes them thousands of miles from home, where their expertise helps build neurophysiology programs that will serve children for generations.

If you’re an experienced EEG technologist, neurophysiology professional, IOM specialist, ICU neurophysiology clinician, or allied health professional ready to grow your career in extraordinary ways, Children’s invites you to explore current opportunities.

Your next step could lead to global impact.

Explore open neurophysiology and clinical positions at the Children’s of Alabama careers page online today.