Debra E. Weese-Mayer, MD, the Beatrice Cummings Mayer Professor of Pediatric Autonomic Medicine at Feinberg and chief of the Center for Autonomic Medicine in Pediatrics (CAMP) at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, has been awarded the 2025 Paula H. Stern Award for Outstanding Women in Science and Medicine.
The award – established in honor of Stern’s 50 years of scientific accomplishments and dedicated service – is given annually to a Feinberg faculty member who has exhibited successful basic, translational or clinical research, strong leadership at a local, national and/or international level in her field, and is an exemplary role model who inspires and mentors trainees and/or junior investigators.
A premier expert in the field, Weese-Mayer founded the world’s first center dedicated to the research and treatment of childhood autonomic disorders. Her seminal research has furthered the understanding of Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to regulate breathing responses to low oxygen and increased carbon dioxide and the autonomic nervous system (the system that functions automatically to sustain life). Weese-Mayer’s research identified the disease-defining gene in CCHS, which enabled the first genetic screening test for the disorder.
Weese-Mayer’s research has also established clinical care guidelines for CCHS and ROHHAD, Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation, a rare and life-threatening neuroimmunologic disorder that affects parts of the brain that control appetite, breathing and other vital functions including control of breathing.
During the award ceremony, Weese-Mayer’s colleagues praised her research and commitment to improving the lives of children with rare autonomic disorders.
“Dr. Weese-Mayer Is an incredible woman,” said Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, professor of Pediatrics, of Medicine and of Preventive Medicine. “She is an international leader in pediatric autonomic medicine and she’s shaped the field with her contributions to clinical care, research, education and mentorship.”
Colleen Badke, MD, MPH, assistant professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Critical Care, highlighted Weese-Mayer’s dedication to mentoring more than 100 young physician-scientists.
In addition to excellence in research and mentorship, Weese-Mayer’s compassionate leadership style has encouraged her collaborators to strive for excellence, her colleagues said.
“When I think of Debbie, these words immediately come to my mind: vision, passion and compassion for the children she takes care of,” said Phyllis Zee, MD, PhD, chief of Sleep Medicine in the Department of Neurology and director of the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine.
During her acceptance speech, Weese-Mayer chronicled her experiences identifying the genetic causes and other etiologies of rare autonomic disorders and leading research to decrease disease burden and improve the clinical care of children living with the disorders, worldwide.
“Our Center operates on belief in the power of collaboration and departure from silo mentality, with appreciation of the emerging discipline of pediatric autonomic medicine with application from perinatal origins in extreme prematurity and patients with rare disorders of respiratory control and automatic regulation,” Weese-Mayer said. “We will continue to be driven by our tireless commitment to the inspiring children, young adults and their families who we have the privilege of serving worldwide.” The standing ovation at the end of Dr. Weese-Mayer’s speech was testament to her recognition and respect in our esteemed community.
