Michael J. Noetzel, MD

Michael J. Noetzel, MD, professor of neurology and of pediatrics, is being recognized for his outstanding contributions in treating pediatric neurological disorders.

During his three-decade tenure at Washington University, Noetzel has treated nearly every type of neurological disorder. He specializes in both acute neuro-critical care and in the ongoing care and rehabilitation of children with chronic neurological disorders, including cerebral palsy, demyelinating disease, pediatric stroke, brachial plexus injury and traumatic brain injury. He has been medical director of the Neurorehabilitation Program and Therapy Services at St. Louis Children’s Hospital since its inception in 1990, and his leadership and expertise as a clinician are credited with propelling this program to national prominence. 

Colleagues describe Noetzel as a gifted clinician who excels at the art of history taking, physical examination and diagnosis. He is equally skilled in compassionately and thoroughly explaining complex and often serious diagnoses to patients and their families, drawing from his extensive knowledge of medical literature. Trainees have benefitted from his patience, skill and kindness and point to him as a physician to emulate.


Through his broad research, Noetzel also has contributed to the understanding of autoimmune response in children with opsoclonus myoclonus, the neurobiology of Down syndrome and the prognosis in children with traumatic brain injury and with brachial plexus injuries at birth and prevention of stroke in children with sickle cell disease.

Noetzel has served in countless leadership positions and committees at Washington University and St. Louis Children's Hospital. He currently is neurologist-in-chief at Children's Hospital and co-director of the Brachial Plexus Palsy Center. 

Noetzel received his bachelor's degree from Yale University in 1973 and his medical degree from the University of Virginia in 1977. He completed his postdoctoral training at St. Louis Children's Hospital and Barnes Hospital and joined the Washington University faculty in 1980.