معرفی
Dr. Debra E. Weese-Mayer is the Beatrice Cummings Mayer Professor of Pediatric Autonomic Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Chief of the Center for Autonomic Medicine in Pediatrics (CAMP) at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. She is internationally recognized as a pioneer in pediatric autonomic medicine and serves as a lead translational researcher at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, with a clinical and research program serving patients from 48 U.S. states and 52 foreign countries.
Dr. Weese-Mayer's educational background includes:
- MD from University of Chicago (1978)
- Pediatrics Intern at Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center (Children's Memorial Hospital) (1979)
- Pediatrics Resident at Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center (Children's Memorial Hospital) (1981)
- Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine Fellow at Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center (Children's Memorial Hospital) (1986)
Dr. Weese-Mayer is a world-renowned expert in pediatric autonomic medicine, with particular focus on respiratory and autonomic disorders of infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Her clinical and research work centers on conditions including Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), ROHHAD Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and Familial Dysautonomia. She has pioneered the non-invasive study of autonomic nervous system maturation from perinatal origins through adulthood, with the goal of understanding how developmental trajectories relate to health outcomes. Dr. Weese-Mayer's work has established clinical care guidelines for rare autonomic disorders and has significantly advanced the field of pediatric autonomic medicine.
Dr. Weese-Mayer's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on autonomic nervous system assessment in pediatric critical care, with particular attention to congenital respiratory disorders. Her research employs innovative approaches to measure autonomic function at the bedside and assess quality of life for patients with rare disorders. These publications reflect her ongoing commitment to translating basic science discoveries into improved clinical care for children with autonomic disorders.
Dr. Weese-Mayer has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career:
- Paula H. Stern Award for Outstanding Women in Science and Medicine (2025)
- Jonas Salk Health Leadership Award in Research from March of Dimes (2005)
- Multiple Exceptional Women in Medicine and Top Doctors recognitions from Castle Connolly
- Introduction of new billing codes for autonomic testing by the American Medical Association
- Two U.S. patents for medical devices related to autonomic function testing
- Election to the American Pediatric Society, American Physiological Society, and Society for Pediatric Research
As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Weese-Mayer has guided more than 100 young physician-scientists throughout her career. Her mentees have received numerous awards including DevSci Undergraduate Research Symposium awards, Katz Scholar Awards, and Society for Pediatric Research recognitions. Dr. Weese-Mayer has secured significant research funding through NHLBI grants including the Pre-Vent and Post-Vent studies, and serves as Chair of multiple committees for these large-scale research initiatives. She has also been an ad hoc grant reviewer for international funding agencies including the Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, French National Research Agency, and Italian National Fondazione Telethon ETS.
Dr. Weese-Mayer founded and leads the Center for Autonomic Medicine in Pediatrics (CAMP), the world's first center dedicated to the research and treatment of childhood autonomic disorders. She also chairs the ROHHAD International Consortium, a collaborative effort among clinicians, scientists, families and organizations focused on this rare disorder. Additionally, she serves as Founding physician-scientist and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for RADICA-FRE (Respiratory & Autonomic Disorders of Infancy, Childhood, & Adulthood--Foundation for Research and Education). Her laboratory work has led to the development of innovative protocols and technology for in and outpatient autonomic testing.
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