W. Edwin Dodson, MD

W. Edwin Dodson, MD, who recently retired as associate vice chancellor and associate dean for admissions and financial aid, is being recognized for outstanding contributions to medical student education and admissions.

Dodson, also a professor of neurology and of pediatrics, is a pediatric neurologist internationally recognized as an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood epilepsy. As head of admissions and financial aid since 1990, he is credited with playing a major role in maintaining the school’s preeminence. Under his leadership, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Washington University No. 1 in student selectivity for 16 consecutive years. In addition, the proportion of female applicants has risen from 30 percent to 50 percent, and minority representation has increased from 5 percent to 15 percent.

Dodson’s passion for education is matched by his commitment to community service in preventing child abuse and improving epilepsy treatment in the St. Louis area and nationally — work that inspires medical students and colleagues alike. He has served numerous not-for-profit institutions, was the founding president of the St. Louis Family Support Network, served as chairman of the Children’s Trust Fund of Missouri and was president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of America.

Dodson, who retired in January 2014, has been honored locally and nationally and has been the recipient of Washington University’s Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award. He has been named in Best Doctors in America numerous times.

Dodson earned his bachelor’s degree in 1963 and medical degree in 1967 from Duke University. He completed postgraduate training at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Boston, Barnes Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital and joined the Washington University faculty in 1971.