Dr. Sima Patel has served on EFMN’s Board of Directors since 2023. She is currently the Director of Epilepsy and Video EEG at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, where she specializes in the treatment of complex epilepsy.
Dr. Patel is passionate about increasing access to epilepsy care and has been instrumental in creating a referral partnership between Hennepin Healthcare and EFMN.
This partnership allows Hennepin Healthcare’s epileptologists and neurologists to directly connect their patients to EFMN for personalized education on epilepsy management, health coaching, and support in navigating care and resources.
She recently shared her journey to becoming an epilepsy care provider with EFMN and what she has learned from serving Minnesotans living with epilepsy.
What inspired you to work in healthcare?
My journey into medicine began very early. Several members of my family were seriously ill when I was young, and I spent a great deal of time in hospitals, emergency rooms, and ICUs starting around age eight. I saw firsthand how compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals could change the course of someone’s life. The medical teams made me feel safe, gave me hope, and supported my family in ways I will always be grateful for.
Those experiences were humbling and deeply formative. By the time I was ten years old, I knew I wanted to become a doctor so I could help families the way mine had been helped.
How did you choose your specialty?
Neurology became a calling for me when my own family members were affected by neurological conditions. As I tried to understand what they were experiencing, I began studying the brain and became fascinated by how it shapes our reality—how we think, feel, perceive, and exist in the world.
Epilepsy, in particular, drew me in. I love the blend of science, problem‑solving, and advocacy it requires. I enjoy epilepsy surgery planning, working with women during pregnancy, and managing complex medication regimens. Most of all, it is an honor to walk alongside patients as they navigate their health journeys. The human brain is extraordinary, and helping people with epilepsy live safer, fuller lives is deeply meaningful to me.
What advice would you give Minnesotans living with epilepsy?
Epilepsy is treatable, and you can live a healthy, fulfilling life while pursuing your personal goals. We are fortunate in Minnesota to have excellent epilepsy specialists and highly resourced centers that offer advanced medical and surgical care.
If you ever feel overwhelmed or alone, please reach out to the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota. They can help you navigate resources, connect with community, and advocate for what you need. Ask questions, seek support, and build a care team you trust. You deserve to live your best life, and you do not have to do it alone.
Why is patient and family education so important in epilepsy care?
Education gives people power. Understanding your diagnosis, seizure types, rescue strategies, and lifestyle considerations helps you make informed decisions and stay safe. It also empowers families to support their loved ones with confidence.
I encourage individuals and families to partner closely with their healthcare team and with EFMN. The more you learn, the more equipped you are to advocate for yourself and identify the tools that best support your goals.
How do you help reduce stigma surrounding epilepsy?
Reducing stigma starts with education and empowerment. When people understand what epilepsy is—and what it isn’t—fear decreases and confidence grows. I focus on giving patients and families the tools they need to navigate seizures safely, advocate for themselves, and feel supported. When understanding grows, and people feel empowered, stigma loses its power.
As a member of EFMN’s Board of Directors, can you share a time when you saw EFMN’s mission come to life?
One of the most meaningful experiences for me was volunteering with my family at the Shining Stars event at the Mall of America. Seeing more than 300 children and families come together with joy, connection, and a sense of belonging in that space was unforgettable.
In that moment, I saw the heart of EFMN—advocacy, education, and community woven together with genuine care. Families facing something as frightening as seizures were surrounded by support. It reaffirmed for me that EFMN is truly mission‑driven, and I am honored to serve in a leadership role and as a volunteer.
EFMN 2025 Shining Stars Celebration at Mall of America
Education and Background
Dr. Sima Patel is a board-certified neurologist and epilepsy specialist. She completed her medical degree at Rush Medical College in Chicago, followed by an internship in Internal Medicine and a residency in Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She then completed a two-year fellowship in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She also has a background in Community Health and Health Administration from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign.