Hoag is excited to welcome Dr. Neal Hermanowicz, the newest Neurologist on our Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Program team at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute.
Dr. Neal Hermanowicz’s journey to becoming a neurologist was shaped by a clear, early decision to pursue medicine. With extensive training and a focus on movement disorders, he has dedicated his career to patient care, research, and education. In this interview, Dr. Hermanowicz shares his path, passions, and approach to medicine, offering a glimpse into his philosophy as a physician.
Q: What inspired you to become a doctor?
A: Interestingly, no one in my family or circle of friends was a physician. I didn’t have any personal experiences with illness that might have sparked a desire to enter the field. In fact, I remember the exact moment I decided to become a doctor. I was sixteen, sitting in a parked car in my hometown of Normal, Illinois, waiting for my father to run an errand. We must have been discussing our future plans, and as I sat there, I suddenly knew that I wanted to become a doctor. It felt like the perfect choice: a career that would not only allow me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others but would also be deeply fulfilling for me personally. That moment, free from distractions and full of clarity, stands out in my memory. Though I briefly considered other paths during college, I quickly returned to the certainty of my decision. Life is full of complicated choices, but there are a few moments of absolute clarity that I still cherish—deciding to pursue medicine, meeting my wife, the birth of my children, and more recently, the arrival of my grandchild.
Q: Was there a particular teacher, mentor, or influential person in your life who steered you toward medicine?
A: My parents played a significant role in shaping who I am. My father was a professor of education, and my mother was a homemaker. Both were deeply compassionate individuals, and their example instilled in me a sense of empathy and a desire to help others.
Q: What drives your passion?
A: I genuinely enjoy what I do. Though “enjoy” might not fully capture the essence of it, I find fulfillment in helping improve the lives of my patients, particularly those who are dealing with challenging or painful health issues. The work may be demanding, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Q: Why did you choose this particular field of medicine?
A: The brain is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating aspects of medicine. When something goes wrong with the brain, it affects nearly every aspect of daily life. As a neurologist, the potential to make a significant impact on a patient’s life is both challenging and immensely rewarding. When you get it right, the results can be extraordinary.
Q: If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
A: Curious.
Q: What is your patient care philosophy?
A: It’s simple: listen and pay attention. Patients often know their bodies better than anyone else, and I believe that truly listening to them is key to providing the best care.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Spending time with my family is always a priority. I also have a deep appreciation for music. I received my first guitar as a Christmas gift when I was around twelve, and I’m still working on learning how to play.
