Welcoming Our New Epilepsy Specialist: Felicia Ferguson, M.D.

Providence Brain and Spine Institute is thrilled to continue the growth of our nationally-recognized 

Epilepsy Center with the addition of epileptologist Felicia Ferguson, M.D. to the team.  Learn more about Dr. Ferguson, including how her career transitioned from family medicine to neurology.

What brought you to Portland/why do you like living in Portland?

I moved with my husband to Portland in 2000. I was working as a family practitioner in Arcata, California with the United Indian Health Service. I had decided on a second residency in neurology. OHSU had a second year spot open, so I interviewed in November, and started in January.

How did you become interested in neurology?

I was working as a family practitioner in a rural community with a limited number of neurologists. I was managing patients with neurologic disorders including dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis etc. I became interest in neurology from reading about individual patient’s problems.

What advice would you give someone recently diagnosed with epilepsy?

Epilepsy, like many other neurologic disorders, is a difficult illness for patients in part because it is dynamic, not static. A day with a seizure is drastically different from a day without a seizure, and seizures are to a large extent unpredictable. There is so much fallout from even a single seizure; psychological, physical and financial. I advise patients to educate themselves to the greatest extent possible about epilepsy, and all its ramifications, because knowledge is power.

What has been the highlight of your career?

I am very excited to be joining Providence. There is an energy and collegiality that is unique. My colleagues inspire me to be a better epileptologist. This opportunity is definitely a career highlight.

Cover Photo by Mabel Amber from Pexels