Anne M. Connolly, MD

Anne M. Connolly, MD, professor of neurology and of pediatrics, is recognized for her outstanding dedication to the care of young patients with neuromuscular disorders. Connolly is known internationally for her research and advancements with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. She pioneered a new steroid treatment strategy and participated in a clinical trial for the first FDA-approved drug to treat the disease. She is the lead investigator on more than 15 national collaborative clinical trials focused on pediatric muscular dystrophies and spinal muscular atrophy and heads a large, multicenter collaborative group that is studying and developing new methods and standards of care for pediatric neuromuscular patients. She also was instrumental in establishing a novel collaborative neuromuscular and cardiology clinic for adults at Washington University that is now being emulated at other institutions.

Connolly exhibits an innate ability to talk with young children and their parents while also mentoring the next generation of pediatric neurologists during her weekly pediatric neuromuscular clinics. She stresses dignity, compassion and respect in all aspects of care for patients with incurable diseases and is widely recognized for her unparalleled gifts in handling end-of-life care discussions. She also supports her patients through several community service activities, including serving as the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s summer camp physician annually since 1990.

Connolly earned her medical degree from Indiana University in 1984. She completed her residency in pediatrics and adult neurology as well as fellowships in neuromuscular disorders and child neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. She joined the faculty in 1991.