Ann Marie Murray, M.D.

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

These words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg inspire Ann Murray, associate professor of neurology and movement disorders
division chief at the West Virginia University (WVU) Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, to fight for the things she cares about most: her family, her career and the health and well-being of her fellow West Virginians.

Growing up on the east side of Fairmont, WV, Murray first found inspiration in her mother, Mary, a registered nurse who taught her the benefits of hard work and the blessings of family.

“Her work ethic, dedication to her patients and dedication to her family were the most important influences on my life and absolutely shaped my career path,” she says.

In her work at the WVU Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, Murray is able to impact patients who are suffering from movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremors, cervical dystonia, Huntington’s disease and ataxia. Her recent promotion has allowed her to expand educational and outreach resources as well as advancements in research and innovation for this patient population and advocate for and mentor other physicians and providers in the clinic.

“I have always had a team mindset, and now I’m in a role to help lead my team to success in all possible directions, knowing the more I can help each of them individually, the better our team will be,” she says.

Murray’s biggest challenge has always been work/life balance. With a demanding career, a husband and two sets of twins at home—including 7-year-old boys and a 1-year-old boy and girl—she overcomes obstacles as they arise by staying focused on her goals, working hard, saying no when necessary and surrounding herself with an excellent team of supportive family members, friends and colleagues. A huge part of that team is her husband, Wesley, who always helps balance the chaos.

“Family is the most important thing to me and protecting that with the decisions I make about my career is essential to my happiness and overall success both inside and outside of the workplace,” Murray says.

Murray strives to make an impact with education and awareness and by fostering a mindset of expecting more out of life and health care for all people of West Virginia.

She does this as a delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) representing the American Academy of Neurology (AAN); a member of the AMA conduct committee, AAN state policy committee, West Virginia State Medical Association (WVSMA) Board of Trustees, West Virginia Parkinson’s Disease Registry Advisory Board, Women in Science & Health Committee, WVU Women’s Leadership Initiative, WVU Medicine’s peer review and dean’s executive committees and WVU Faculty Senate; and chair of the WVSMA membership committee. She also participates in speaking engagements on brain health and education at community centers, support groups, AARP events and the West Virginia Council of Churches Annual Assembly.

“I want to make a positive difference in our community and in the lives of the people I encounter. I want to teach the importance of making a difference to my children, showing them a life of contribution will always be more fulfilling than a life of consumption,” she says.