Amy Heffelfinger

Amy Heffelfinger is a Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, with secondary appointments in Neurosurgery and Pediatrics. She serves as Director of Training in Neuropsychology and Vice Chair of Faculty Development. Dr. Heffelfinger is also an Adjunct Faculty member at both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University Psychology Departments. She is affiliated with multiple research centers including the Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, the Neuroscience Research Center, and the Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS).

Dr. Heffelfinger's research focuses on pediatric neuropsychology, particularly preschool cognitive development and assessment. She founded the Preschool and Infant Neuropsychology Testing (P.I.N.T.) Clinic, which specializes in evaluating infants and preschoolers with neurological conditions. Her work examines cognitive outcomes in children with spina bifida, sickle cell disease, brain tumors, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She has made significant contributions to understanding depression in preschool children through collaborations with Dr. Joan Luby's research group.

Her recent publications demonstrate continued productivity with articles on neuropsychological assessment in preschoolers, healthcare disparities in access to services, and innovations in clinical practice including adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Heffelfinger has maintained an active research program with continuous funding throughout her career, including NIH K30 Clinical Research Scholar support.

• Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN/ABPP)
• Rita G. Rudel Foundation Award recipient
• Individual National Research Service Award from NIMH
• Vitality Award from Medical College of Wisconsin
• NIH Loan Repayment Program for Pediatric Researchers

As an educator, Dr. Heffelfinger has mentored numerous students at various levels including medical students, residents, fellows, and graduate students. She has developed structured training programs including a formalized 4-rotation plan for resident training and bi-weekly meetings for the Milwaukee Pediatric Neuropsychology Research Interest Group. Her P.I.N.T. Clinic provides specialized assessment services while serving as a training ground for the next generation of pediatric neuropsychologists.

Dr. Heffelfinger maintains an active clinical practice at Children's Wisconsin-Milwaukee Hospital, where she evaluates children with various neurological conditions and developmental disorders. Her work bridges clinical practice, research, and education in pediatric neuropsychology.