Dr. Ryan Walsh

Dr. Ryan Walsh, MD, PhD, FAAN a pioneering neurologist and researcher, passed away on March 15, 2025 at the age of 51. Born on November 8, 1973, Dr. Walsh made remarkable contributions to the field of neurology, specializing in Parkinson's disease and movement disorders, and was widely recognized for his dedication to improving the lives of his patients through innovative research and compassionate care. Dr. Walsh's academic journey began at Georgetown University, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then went on to complete his medical and doctoral training in the MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program at The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He further honed his expertise by completing post-doctoral training in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and residency training in Neurology at The University of Chicago Medical Center. His pursuit of knowledge did not stop there-he went on to pursue fellowship training in Movement Disorders at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he developed groundbreaking research in brain networks with underlying cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD). Dr. Walsh's career was defined by his unwavering commitment to advancing the understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. Following his fellowship, he joined the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (LRCBH) as the inaugural Director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program. At LRCBH, Dr. Walsh played a pivotal role in growing both the clinical and research programs. He spearheaded several initiatives, including a grant from the Elaine P. Wynn and Family Foundation and an NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence grant. As Principal Investigator (PI) of a research project focused on multi-modal MRI imaging in PD, his work aimed to improve the diagnosis, tracking, and treatment of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. His research efforts were widely published, and he presented his findings at national and international conferences. In addition to his work at LRCBH, Dr. Walsh was instrumental in establishing LRCBH as a Parkinson Study Group site, where he served as PI and a member of both the Biomarkers and Cognitive Working Groups. He also made significant contributions as a PI for the Huntington Study Group site. After leaving LRCBH, Dr. Walsh joined the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute as Associate Professor, continuing his work on clinical trials and brain imaging in movement disorders. Throughout his career, Dr. Walsh was a leading figure in numerous clinical trials and was deeply involved in several Data Safety Monitoring Boards and Scientific Advisory Boards. His passion for advancing medical knowledge and patient care was evident in his leadership at national conferences, where he presented and chaired multiple sessions related to brain imaging in Parkinson's disease and related disorders. His expertise and contributions were recognized by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), where he was selected for the inaugural AAN Emerging Leaders Program. Dr. Walsh also served as a three-term member of the AAN Science Committee, a Fellow of the Academy, and most recently as Vice-Chair of the Industry Relations Subcommittee. Dr. Walsh's leadership and academic contributions extended beyond clinical and research settings. He was the Principal Investigator for the Barrow Lewy Body Dementia Association Research Center of Excellence and the inaugural Director of the Barrow Huntington's Disease Society of America Center of Excellence. Pivoting out of clinical medicine and into research to improve the quality of life and outcomes, in 2021 he joined SPARC, where he continued his work to improve outcomes for individuals with Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. He then served as the Senior Director for Early Medical Science for Sage Therapeutics in 2023. This was followed by a transition into his last and beloved position as Senior Director in Neurodegenerative and Parkinson's Disease for Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc in 2024 to current. Dr. Walsh was not only an esteemed scientist and physician but also a deeply compassionate individual who was truly invested in the well-being of others. He saw the best in everyone and was always engaged in the personal and professional growth of those around him. His colleagues, students, and patients remember him for his empathy, generosity, and ability to inspire those he worked with. Dr. Walsh's kindness and commitment to improving the lives of others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Dr. Walsh was also the most incredible and loving husband, father, stepfather, and friend. His death leaves a deep abyss of sadness and grief in the hearts that he touched. His is survived by his family members: wife Dr. Laurie Pozun-Walsh; children Lavender, Eva and Colin Walsh: stepsons Spencer, Reece, Hunter and Hudson Pozun; brother Sean Walsh, and parents Dr. Rick Walsh and Donna Walsh. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, patients, and all those whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held on March 30, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale, AZ 85054. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Ryan to: https://www.apdaparkinson.org. Dr. Ryan Walsh's legacy of excellence in medicine, research, and compassionate care will continue to inspire future generations of physicians, researchers, and individuals committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases