
Learn How to Identify and Prevent Stroke
By David Sommer, MD, MPH Division of Neurology May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a great time to learn more about this medical...
“Practicing neurology blends my fascination with the brain with the opportunity to directly help individual patients.”
Dr. David Sommer originally thought he was going to be a scientist when he was in college at Rice University, and thought about getting a Ph.D. in physics. However, after volunteering at a hospital in Houston when he was an undergraduate, he became more interested in medicine. “After a while, I found out that I enjoyed working with people every day more than I enjoyed research, so I thought being a doctor made the most sense for me,” he explains.
After considering a career in primary care, Dr. Sommer decided to study the specialty of neurology. “I found neurology was a way to blend my fascination with the brain with the more hands-on aspects of medicine.” At Reliant Medical Group, Dr. Sommer practices general neurology but also has a particular interest and subspecialty training in treating movement disorders such as tremor, Parkinson’s disease, dystonias, and Tourette’s syndrome. He has also been trained in patient selection and post-operative management of deep brain stimulation treatment for tremor and Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Sommer is encouraged by the many different treatments that he is able to offer his patients. “20 or 30 years ago, there were very few neurologic diseases that had effective treatments. Fortunately, over the last three decades, we’ve had more effective treatments to draw upon. Although neurologic diseases are still a challenge to treat, we can make a real difference for many patients.”
Many of Dr. Sommer’s patients suffer from Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive disorder of the brain that often causes significant tremors and slowing of patients’ movements. “Managing Parkinson’s requires a lot of nuanced care because the disease you are treating is a moving target. Plus the side effects of medication become more of a concern as the disease progresses. That’s why it’s so important to build a trusting, long-term relationship with your patient.”
Whatever neurological disease Dr. Sommer is treating, he always puts the concerns of the patient first. “I tend to take a fairly holistic view of neurologic complaints. The problems of the brain are very complex, but the tools we have to address them are still relatively simple. I find that most patients are very understanding when you talk to them about the limitations of medicine. ”
When he is not with his patients, Dr. Sommer enjoys spending time with his family and staying in shape by training for triathlons and half-marathons. He is also a big fan of music, ranging from contemporary classical to indie-rock. Dr. Sommer also plays the piano as well as some guitar and likes to sing in choral groups.
Star ratings are based on patient responses to 5 questions about the care they have received from their provider. Responses are measured on a scale of 1-5 and the average score is displayed in an easy to view, 5-star format. Learn more about how we measure our patient experience.
Comments marked with an asterisk * serve as a flag to indicate when a patient has left feedback that specifically references a provider's name.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Very good.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Understood my concern of adding pain medication to daily regime and suggested a different way to utilize the medication as needed.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
*Dr. Sommer has been excellent when it pertains to my condition (generalized dystonia). At every visit, he takes as long as necessary to discuss any new issues & listens to me.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
We talked about serious issues. *Dr. Sommer is very compassionate.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr. Somers is a great doctor, he is very thoughtful, and thorough in all that he does. You can tell he doesn't overlook anything
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
This doctor is an excellent neurologist. He spoke to me clearly, examined me thoroughly and I was very satisfied with my care.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
He was excellent
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Took a long time with my medication list. #5. We have.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr Sommer is one of the best doctors I have ever had (|I am 84 years old). He listens, he explains clearly. He is friendly. He is knowledgeable
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
I was very impressed with my visit with *Dr. Sommer. He was thorough and listened to all my issues.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Awesome
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
The doctor was amazing-He explained everything to me in detail-listened to my concerns -helped me with my new medication worries and took so much care with all the questions I had !
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr Sommer discuses the pros and cons of meds that may apply to my issues. He doesn't put any pressure on me to take anything ,explains the pro and cons of meds and gives me a choice to do what I feel most comfortable with.
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
Dr Sommer is awesome. Very thorough and kind. He listened to all of my concerns and took time and care to address all
This patient rated the doctor 5 out of 5 stars.
All good
Neurology
Electromyography (EMG)
Movement Disorders
Parkinson’s Disease
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
Duke University School of Medicine, Medical Education
Duke Medical Center, Internship
Duke Medical Center, Residency
Duke Medical Center (Movement Disorders), Fellowship
English
By David Sommer, MD, MPH Division of Neurology May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a great time to learn more about this medical...
By David B. Sommer, MD MPH Reliant Medical Group Neurology To forget is human. Our brains are not perfect machines, and we all forget...
September is National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month – What should you be aware of? The term “brain aneurysm” can stoke intense...