Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Dolce.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When we (Dr. Alison Dolce and Dr. Andrea Lowden) first began working together as epileptologists, we quickly realized we shared not only a deep passion for caring for individuals with seizures and rare neurological disorders, but also a vision for transforming how that care is delivered. Too often, families faced fragmented systems—bouncing between different clinics for diagnosis, testing, and treatment. We dreamed of creating something more connected, compassionate, and complete.
That vision became the foundation for The Epilepsy Care Center (TECC) and NeuroLab Diagnostics (NLD)—two entities designed to work hand in hand from day one. TECC focuses on delivering comprehensive epilepsy and neurological care for both children and adults, while NLD provides state-of-the-art neurodiagnostic testing—including EEG, EMG/NCS, and sleep studies—directly under the same roof. Together, they ensure that families receive coordinated, efficient, and personalized care in one place.
As our work grew, so did our mission. With a strong background in rare and genetic epilepsies, we recognized an urgent need to bring clinical research opportunities closer to home for patients and families. That realization led to the creation of NARDI—the Neurology & Rare Disease Institute—our dedicated research arm focused on advancing clinical trials and precision medicine for rare neurological disorders.
Today, these three entities – TECC, NLD, and NARDI – operate as a unified ecosystem—bridging clinical care, diagnostics, and research. What began as a shared belief that things could be done differently has evolved into a thriving center where science and compassion meet. Our journey has been one of risk, resilience, and relentless purpose—but above all, it has been fueled by the families who remind us every day why we do this work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any major transition, it hasn’t always been smooth—but every challenge has been an opportunity to grow. Leaving the comfort of an established system to build something from the ground up took a tremendous amount of courage, persistence, and trust in our vision. Our focus has always been on creating something better for patients and families, and that purpose has guided us through every obstacle.
One of the greatest challenges has been that medical school and residency don’t teach you how to run a business. We were well-prepared to practice medicine—but not necessarily to navigate the complexities of leases, contracts, staffing, marketing, and operations. We’ve had to learn a lot along the way, often through trial and error, but those experiences have been invaluable.
We’ve also learned that growth can reveal different dynamics—sometimes not everyone shares your vision or understands your “why.” Through those moments, we’ve stayed grounded in integrity and surrounded ourselves with people who genuinely support what we’re building.
At the end of the day, what makes it all worthwhile is seeing the impact on our patients and their families. Every challenge has strengthened our resolve and reaffirmed that this journey—while difficult—was absolutely the right one.
We’ve been impressed with The Epilepsy Care Center, Neurolab Diagnostics and Neurology & Rare Disease Institute, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Together, our work centers around three interconnected entities: The Epilepsy Care Center (TECC), NeuroLab Diagnostics (NLD), and NARDI – the Neurology & Rare Disease Institute. Each serves a unique purpose, but all share one vision: to transform how neurological care is delivered by combining compassion, expertise, and innovation under one roof.
At The Epilepsy Care Center, we provide comprehensive care for individuals with seizures and epilepsy—ranging from children experiencing their first event to adults living with complex or rare neurological conditions. We take pride in offering continuity of care across the lifespan, which is something many families struggle to find. Our approach is deeply patient-centered, emphasizing education, accessibility, and trust.
NeuroLab Diagnostics complements TECC by offering advanced neurodiagnostic testing—including EEG, EMG/NCS, and sleep studies—directly within our care environment. This integration allows patients to receive testing, interpretation, and follow-up in a seamless, coordinated way. We’re known for both our clinical accuracy and our compassionate, family-friendly setting, where patients are treated as people—not just cases.
NARDI, our research arm, is where clinical care meets discovery. Through NARDI, we participate in and lead clinical trials focused on rare and genetic neurological diseases, helping bring cutting-edge therapies and precision medicine to families who might otherwise have to travel long distances for such opportunities.
What sets us apart is the ecosystem we’ve built—a model that bridges clinical care, diagnostics, and research, all guided by board-certified neurologists who believe families deserve expertise without barriers. We’ve created a space that feels both highly specialized and deeply human.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust our families place in us. Our brand stands for integrity, innovation, and empathy. We want readers to know that when they walk through our doors—whether for a diagnostic test, a second opinion, or a rare disease trial—they’re entering a place built from the heart, where every decision is made with patients and families in mind.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Absolutely—it really is about who you know, but even more about staying true to your purpose while building those connections. For us, every relationship we’ve built—whether in business, medicine, or research—has come from keeping our ultimate goal in mind: helping patients and families. When your mission is genuine, the right people are drawn to it.
We’ve worked hard to network with individuals who not only bring expertise, but who also share our values. From business and financial mentors to leaders in neurology and rare disease, surrounding ourselves with people who believe in what we’re building has made all the difference. You can’t—and shouldn’t—try to do it all on your own.
Our advice is to get out there and don’t be afraid to hustle. Ask questions, seek advice, and be open to learning in every interaction. Many people are eager for meaningful connection, and you’d be surprised how often networking turns into mutual support—you may be helping them just as much as they’re helping you.
And finally, stay grounded. Protect your energy by aligning with people who are authentic, collaborative, and kind. When your “why” is centered on doing good and serving others, the right mentors and opportunities naturally follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://epilepsycarecenter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theepilepsycarecenter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Epilepsy-Care-Center/61570827089281/
