CHICAGO — The American Epilepsy Society (AES) is pleased to recognize Laura A. Strom, MD, FAES, as the 2026 Rebecca Goldberg Kaufman Lecturer, highlighting her leadership in improving care for individuals with epilepsy and functional neurological disorders.
Dr. Strom is Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the inaugural Thor F. Berg Endowed Chair in Epilepsy. A board-certified epileptologist, she has built a distinguished career combining clinical innovation, educational leadership, scholarly contributions, and collaboration.
Dr. Strom earned her medical degree from Pennsylvania State University and completed residency training in neurology, and a fellowship in epilepsy at the University of Colorado. Her background includes internship training in psychiatry, which has shaped a highly interdisciplinary approach to patient care.
Her work has focused particularly on addressing gaps in care for people with functional neurological disorders, including functional dissociative seizures. She developed and leads one of only a small number of structured academic treatment programs for functional neurological disorders in the United States, creating innovative models of care that have substantially improved access for patients while advancing the field through research, education, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Strom's scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications, leadership of funded clinical and investigator-initiated research, and sustained success in securing support for clinical innovation and program development. She has also demonstrated a sustained commitment to mentoring trainees, junior faculty, and interdisciplinary healthcare professionals throughout their careers.
In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Strom has received multiple honors, including appointment as the inaugural Thor F. Berg Endowed Chair in Epilepsy. Through her clinical, educational, research, and leadership achievements, Dr. Strom has had a profound impact on the care of individuals with epilepsy and functional neurological disorders and continues to shape the future of these fields.
Her selection as the 2026 Rebecca Goldberg Kaufman Lecturer recognizes her contributions to the field, specifically to education, clinical innovation, and the understanding of the psychological impact of epilepsy.