Children's Emergency Department is now located in Children's Tower: 1001 E. Marshall Street.

Learn more
View alerts close
Women making a difference in medicine: Dr. Amy Harper
March 31, 2022
CHoR's Dr. Amy Harper does an exam with a patient

    Women making a difference in medicine: Dr. Amy Harper

    To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re recognizing several of the women who make up our incredible team. One of these spectacular women is Dr. Amy Harper—director of our neuromuscular program. Dr. Harper specializes in caring for kids with neuromuscular diseases, muscular dystrophy and concerns related to neonatal neurodevelopment. When she’s not caring for kids in clinic, she’s leading research to enhance care for neuromuscular conditions, including clinical trials that have brought kids to CHoR from across the country. Among her many medical accomplishments, she’s notable for being the first neurodevelopmental training graduate in the country.

    Was there someone who was a role model to you or inspired you to become a doctor?

    I have so many. Some key people in my growth as a physician have been Dr. Barry Russman, the previous president of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy, Dr. Robert Leshner, the former director of our Muscular Dystrophy Association clinic and Dr. Peter Blasco who specializes in developmental disabilities. All of them have inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and center the patient in my work.

    My grandmother was a nurse, so that definitely fueled my interest in helping people. I also volunteered with American Red Cross growing up. The more than 300 volunteer hours I accumulated before I turned 17 had a profound impact on me.

    What advice do you have for women interested in a career in health care?

    Any goal in health care is attainable, so be patient and stay focused.

    How do you recharge?

    Spending time with family, friends and a furry companion or two is plenty for me.

    What excites you about the future of medicine?

    Innovations in best care practices and clinical research give me a lot of hope. I am actively involved in clinical research and the multidisciplinary team for pediatric neuromuscular patients, so I see some of these developments happen in real time. I am excited to apply those best care practices to the treatment of our neuromuscular patients. My message for anyone seeking help or relief from a neuromuscular disorder is that the solutions are HERE!

    Learn more about Dr. Harper and how she’s leading the way in neuromuscular care and research.

    Subscribe to our blog

    Sign Up