Gretchen Birbeck is a Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology at Michigan State University. She has roles in clinical neurology, epidemiology and health services research with a keen interest in the optimal management of neurological conditions in resource-limited settings. Based in southern Africa for half of the year, she has first-hand experience in the management of such conditions and, in particular, of epilepsy, which is one of her main areas of interest (Figure 1).