President-Elect
Andrea Gropman, MD
I am honored to be considered for president-elect and grateful to the founding members of the CNS, who laid the foundation for our society and field. My journey has been immensely fulfilling, and I am excited about the path ahead.
Growing up with humble beginnings, I learned the value of hard work and service from my parents. My mother, a dedicated teacher, found joy in teaching disadvantaged children, while my father, a journalist, served our community in various capacities. Growing up on public assistance made me acutely aware of the power of resilience and the importance of empathy, fueling my passion for child neurology, the first in my family to become a doctor. It has been an incredible privilege to work with patients and their families, whose stories continue to inspire me.
After medical school, I moved to the DMV to complete training in pediatrics, neurology, and genetics, leaving behind my Boston accent, but bringing forward a relentless drive to serve. For the past decade, I have served as Division Chief of NDD and Neurogenetics at the Children’s National Hospital and the interim director of Genomics and Personalized Medicine at the Children’s Research Innovation Campus. My next adventure will take me to St. Jude in Memphis, where I will build a neurogenetics translational and therapeutics research program. The mid-south has significant gaps in care for complex disorders and research, and my goal is to bridge these gaps.
Mentors, students, and patient advocacy groups have been instrumental in my journey. At UMass Worcester, mentors like Israel Abrams and Paul Marshall ignited my passion for neurology. Rotations at NEMC with Paul Rosman solidified my desire to become a child neurologist. Roger Packer at Children’s National allowed me to grow as a leader. I am proud to have received the Max Platt Award for excellence as a child neurology fellow and the Child Neurology Society Outstanding Junior Member Award.
My fellowships in clinical and biochemical genetics with Max Muenke and Bill Gahl at NIH and my subsequent work at Georgetown University, where I gained expertise in multimodal neuroimaging, have been pivotal. I was honored with the “Caring Star” award for my dedication to patients, families, and advocacy groups. Returning to Children’s National, I rose to tenured professor, building a 20-year career that I deeply cherish. Receiving the mentor award in translational research at CNH is particularly meaningful to me, as nurturing the next generation of neurologists is one of my greatest passions. I have served on several committees within the CNS, SIMD, ASHG, and ISMRM, ANA, and AAN, contributing to the growth and development of our field.
If president-elect, I am committed to being an effective leader for the CNS, engaging multiple stakeholders with my extensive experience in leading diverse groups. I will work tirelessly to ensure that the CNS remains a welcoming home for all. Preparing neurologists for the evolving landscape of neurology is crucial, and I am dedicated to fostering an environment of lifelong learning, drawing wisdom from colleagues and patients.
What key experiences within the CNS or other professional organizations have been most impactful or rewarding for you, and how have these experiences influenced your vision for advancing the strategic goals and direction of the CNS?
My committee experience within the CNS and leadership roles in multiple national organizations (ASHG, ANA, AAN, ACMG, SIMD, RDCRN), as well as leadership at my own institution, have shaped my vision for advancing the strategic goals and direction of the CNS. I am committed to creating a future where children with neurological and developmental disorders have equitable access to the best care and support, and where the professionals who care for them are recognized, valued, and equipped with the training and resources to do so. Sustainability and innovation will carry the CNS into uncharted waters over the next several years.
Serving as Division Chief of NDD and Neurogenetics has been a pivotal experience. Leading a diverse team and mentoring upcoming neurologists have shown me the importance of education, mentorship, and inclusivity. These roles have reinforced my commitment to fostering an environment where professionals are supported and valued, directly aligning with CNS’s mission to provide education and support for pediatric neurology clinicians and researchers. As division chief, I was responsible for program building that addresses future trends while being fiscally responsible.
My role as PI of the Urea Cycle Consortium and interim director of Genetic Medicine research has emphasized the power of collaboration. Working with multidisciplinary teams to address complex scientific challenges has taught me the importance of inclusivity and patient-centered care. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to advocate for policies and practices that support collaborative, high-quality care for children with neurological disorders.
Completing fellowships in clinical and biochemical genetics at NIH allowed me to engage with cutting-edge research. This experience has reinforced the value of scientific excellence and innovation. I am committed to fostering an environment that encourages research and the development of new therapies, ensuring CNS members are at the forefront of pediatric neurology advancements.
Recognizing the challenges of workforce diversity and burnout in my division, I participated in initiatives to recruit and retain diverse talent and support mental health. These efforts are crucial for creating a resilient and culturally competent workforce, aligning with our values of advocacy, collaboration, and integrity.
My vision includes developing a segmented approach to communication, creating relevant education and networking opportunities, and fostering member engagement. By leveraging my leadership experience, I will enrich the member experience with proactive, open, and informative communication, ensuring every member feels valued and engaged.
I will work to acquire new members among qualified child neurologists, researchers, and affiliates and to diversify non-member revenue streams through new partnerships and opportunities. My experience in managing large-scale projects and budgets will ensure judicious management of expenses, making CNS operations efficient and effective.
I hold myself to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. Those who know me will say I get things done; I say what I will do, and I do what I say. I will ensure that CNS remains a leader in pediatric neurology. My experiences have prepared me to lead with a focus on advocacy, collaboration, education, and mentorship, fostering an inclusive environment where every member can thrive.
What are the most challenging issues facing child neurologists today, and how would the CNS, under your leadership, help its members meet those challenges?
These are exciting times for child neurology, presenting both significant challenges and opportunities for growth and innovation. As president-elect, I would be committed to helping our members navigate and overcome these challenges, ensuring we harness our collective talent to advocate for and provide the best care for our nation’s most vulnerable patients. I would advocate to elevate CNS to be a visible and effective national collaborator in the many decisions that impact our patients.
One of our primary challenges is ensuring workforce diversity and addressing burnout among child neurologists. A diverse workforce is essential for providing culturally competent care and addressing health disparities. As president-elect, I would prioritize initiatives to recruit and retain diverse talent. We must also address workforce burnout by investing in mental health resources and support systems for our providers, ensuring they can continue to deliver high-quality care without compromising their well-being.
Access to specialized pediatric neurological care remains limited, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The pandemic has highlighted the potential of telemedicine to bridge this gap. I would advocate for the continued integration of digital health technologies, remote monitoring, and telemedicine platforms to enhance access to care.
Navigating prior authorizations for genetic testing and expensive medications is a significant hurdle. Ensuring fair reimbursement for these essential services is crucial. I would work with our neurology colleagues, policymakers, and insurance companies to streamline authorization processes and secure appropriate reimbursement, allowing our members to focus on patient care rather than administrative burdens.
The transition from pediatric to adult neurology clinics is particularly challenging for patients with Autism or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We must develop robust transition protocols and support systems to ensure seamless care continuity. I would spearhead efforts to create standardized transition pathways and advocate for specialized adult care services for these patients.
The concentration of pediatric neurology services in major medical centers creates access challenges for families in remote areas. Telehealth has shown promise in addressing this issue. I would champion the integration of telehealth into our care models, ensuring equitable access to specialized care regardless of geographic location. Loan repayment or service credit may be another way to bring child neurologists to these regions.
Effective care for pediatric neurological disorders often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Collaborative care models that are both fiscally sound and provide excellent care are essential. I would work with the CNS to promote these models, fostering partnerships among healthcare providers to ensure holistic management of our patients’ needs.
Advances in genetics and molecular mechanisms offer the potential for personalized approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Child neurologists must be equipped to order and interpret genetic tests and collaborate closely with genetic colleagues. I would advocate for our specialty’s involvement in precision medicine initiatives, ensuring our members are at the forefront of these advancements. Additionally, emerging therapies, including novel pharmacological agents and gene therapies, require specialized training. I would prioritize educational initiatives to ensure our members are comfortable with these new treatments, including complex delivery methods such as brain infusions.