Mary Ann Scott, Ph.D., a pediatric neuropsychologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), has been named a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology. Scott is the section chief for the UAMS Schmieding Developmental Center in Lowell.
Diplomate certification is awarded to neuropsychologists who complete a rigorous review of training, practice parameters and work samples, followed by comprehensive written and oral exams. It is the highest level of professional recognition for clinical neuropsychologists.
Certification allows Scott to supervise graduate medical students pursuing fellowship training and specialization in pediatric neuropsychology and supports a broadening training focus of the Schmieding Developmental Center. The center is working to retain trainees as clinical faculty to improve access to pediatric services in the state.
“Dr. Scott’s certification as a diplomate is a recognition of her hard work in pediatric neuropsychology and creates an amazing opportunity for UAMS to be a leader in this field,” said Frederick E. Barr, M.D., chair of the Department of Pediatrics and associate dean for child health in the UAMS College of Medicine. “The services Dr. Scott and the team provide at the Schmieding Developmental Center are vital and this is a tremendous opportunity to expand our capabilities over time.”
Scott joined the UAMS Schmieding Developmental Center in 1997. “Achieving diplomate status was uncommon in the early 1990’s when I completed my training,” she said. “I was fortunate to receive the support of my colleagues and staff, which enabled me to achieve this important career goal, while still serving patients. This was very important to me, as I am committed to training future pediatric neuropsychologists and I know many will choose to remain here in northwest Arkansas.”
The Schmieding Developmental Center sees 350 newly diagnosed patients a year from birth to age 18 with a range of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Professionals at the center are trained in neuropsychology, psychiatry, psychology, social work and speech-language pathology. The center was founded in 1994 and supported by a generous gift from brothers Lawrence and Bert Schmieding and the Schmieding Foundation of Springdale.
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; hospital; northwest Arkansas regional campus; statewide network of regional centers; and six institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging and Translational Research Institute. It is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 2,834 students, 822 medical residents and six dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 10,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses throughout the state, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or www.uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.