Meet the AANEM 2021 President

Bonnie Weigert, MD, is the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine’s (AANEM) 2021 President. Dr. Weigert has been an AANEM member since 1999. During her more than 20 years as a member, she has been very active in the AANEM. Some of the highlights include serving on the Workshop Committee and being an oral board examiner. Most recently, Weigert is proud of the work she has done on the “Women in Neuromuscular Medicine” Special Interest Group.

“We have gotten great participation and I think there is a definite need for it,” she said.

As she takes on her new role as AANEM President, Weigert’s goal is to continue the strong work of the organization, despite the new obstacles that have arisen as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We need to continue to provide the best education, whether at the in-person meeting or with alternative means,” said Weigert. “I am particularly focused on encouraging resident and fellow participation as they are quite literally the future of the organization.  I am also optimistic that we can build our support for research by expanding the fundraising efforts of the American Neuromuscular Foundation.”

Fittingly, the plenary topic for the AANEM 2021 Annual Meeting is “New Worlds, New Ways.”

“Building on the plenary programs of the past several meetings which have focused on the new groundbreaking treatments for multiple neuromuscular diseases, we hope to look at the clinical progress of those treatments and the ethical challenges they present,” Weigert said. “And with the pandemic, hopefully looking forward at how we can better address care for our neuromuscular patients, along with the disparities in healthcare and for those who provide it.”

 Dr. Weigert is an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin. She is Board Certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and electrodiagnostic medicine. She served as assistant or sole residency program director for 21 years and has won numerous teaching awards. Weigert received her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. She completed her residency at the University of Wisconsin, where she served as chief resident.