Secretary-Treasurer
Soe Mar, MD, MRCP, FAAN, FCNS
I am a Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics in the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Before joining Washington University as faculty in 2005, I earned my medical degree and practiced medicine in Myanmar. Subsequently, I was admitted to the British Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed my Pediatrics training at Queen’s Medical Center and Diana, Princess of Wales Children’s Hospital in the United Kingdom. In 2000, I relocated to the United States to pursue a Pediatric Neurology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, achieving full professorship at Washington University in St. Louis in 2018.
At Washington University, my leadership roles include serving as the Pediatric Neurology Residency Training Program Director (APD 2010-2013, PD 2013-present) and the Pediatric Neuroimmunology Fellowship Program Director (2022-present). I address the needs of residents and fellows innovatively in an evolving educational environment. My contributions to education and patient care have been recognized by numerous awards over the past two decades. Recent accolades include the Dean’s Impact Award for mentorship, clinical care, education, and research (2024), the Michael Noetzel Clinician Educator of the Year Award for clinical skills, mentorship, and teaching (2024), the American Academy of Neurology A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award (2025), and the Neurology Clerkship Student Teaching Award at Washington University School of Medicine (2025).
I have been a member of the Child Neurology Society (CNS) since 2005 and a fellow since 2024. I served on the CNS Finance Committee from 2018 to 2024, was elected Director-at-Large from 2020 to 2022, and then served as President of Professors and Educators of Child Neurology from 2022 to 2023. I am currently the CNS Councilor for the Midwest.
I lead an active neuroimmunology research and clinical trial program specializing in demyelinating conditions of childhood at Washington University. I was a recent chair and am currently an executive and steering committee member of the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers (NPMSC). In this role, I oversee multiple research projects, mentor fellows and junior faculty, and lead or collaborate on multi-center research projects.
Internationally, I am deeply involved in patient care, education, research, and philanthropy. My collaboration with international organizations has underscored the importance of sustainability and finance. Through my global health experiences in patient care and teaching in Myanmar, Haiti, and Guatemala, and collaborative NIH-funded research studying the interaction between immunology, M. tuberculosis, and cognition in children with congenital HIV in Myanmar, I have gained significant knowledge about academic and non-academic child neurology priorities in both first-world and third-world countries. Recognizing the needs of impoverished children and families in Myanmar, I established a foundation to support several HIV orphanages and a large school and distribute emergency medical and nutritional supplies to internally displaced families.
My extensive experience in diverse medical, educational, and scientific environments, coupled with my demonstrated leadership roles, are certain to be an asset to the community of child neurology through my participation as Secretary-Treasurer on the Board of Directors of CNS.
What have been your most important or rewarding experiences in your years with CNS or other professional organizations, and how have these experiences shaped your vision of the direction CNS might take under your leadership?
My most rewarding experiences within the Child Neurology Society (CNS) and other professional organizations have involved working collaboratively with colleagues to shape the future of the child neurology field. Mentoring medical students, residents, and junior faculty has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. Assisting in their professional growth and contributing to their success has reaffirmed my commitment to nurturing the next generation of child neurologists. This mentorship has also provided me with insight into the evolving needs and aspirations of early-career professionals. Honoring previous generations of child neurologists has provided a foundation of wisdom and experience from which the field continues to grow. Their contributions have paved the way, and recognizing their achievements inspires me to work harder for our patients, families, and our field.
Under my leadership, I envision CNS providing mentorship and career development programs for trainees, not only during the annual meetings but throughout the year. I also aim to lead CNS in advancing education and advocacy. I propose partnering with other organizations and utilizing high-impact social media campaigns to disseminate knowledge about preventable infections that affect the brain, as well as preventable brain injuries.
What are the most challenging issues facing child neurologists today, and how would the CNS, under your leadership, help its members meet those challenges?
Child neurologists currently face several significant challenges, including issues related to reimbursement and RVUs, workforce shortages, and research funding. The pressure to maximize productivity often detracts from the quality of care provided to children with complex neurological issues. Child neurologists need adequate time not only for patient care but also for keeping up with the latest medical advancements. Under my leadership, CNS will collaborate with other organizations to advocate for fair reimbursement policies that recognize the extensive work child neurologists perform beyond direct patient encounters.
The demand for general pediatric neurologists and subspecialists is growing, but the workforce supply is not keeping pace. I will work diligently with CNS to increase awareness of the child neurology field among medical students. Securing research funding, especially for rare neurological diseases, remains a significant hurdle. CNS, under my leadership, will advocate for increased funding opportunities from both public and private sources. Collaborations with research institutions and stakeholders are essential to ensure that vital research receives the support it needs.
If I am elected as Secretary-Treasurer, I am committed to soliciting innovative ideas from my colleagues and driving initiatives that address these challenges. Our collective efforts will push forward solutions that advance our field and improve outcomes for our patients.