March 24, 2025

Meet Laura Leonard 

Clinical Research Specialist 

Where are you from? 

I’m from here, a classic St. Louisan through and through who never left! I did go to Mizzou for college.

What brought you to WashU Medicine Orthopedics?

I came to WashU Medicine Orthopedics in September of 2022 as a team member in the neurorehabilitation division and to support Dr. Alexandre Carter, MD, PhD. I've known him professionally through my work as an Occupational Therapist for over 16 years, and was approached with the opportunity to join him as a Clinical Research Specialist.

How do you support the department? 

I support the department by teaming with Dr. Carter on his current research. I also manage the workflow of WashU's recently added Paired VNS Therapy program. In this role, I'm able to collaborate with my colleagues at WashU Medicine PT, and I also get to partner with the community's stroke survivors to educate them on new opportunities for their rehabilitation.

What aspect of your work do you find most interesting and rewarding? 

As an OT, I've spent most of my time specialized in neurorehabilitation and with a special focus on stroke recovery. Over the years, I became deeply interested in finding new approaches to neurorehab, and especially when these approaches could make use of our ever-evolving technological capabilities as a society. My current role as a Clinical Research Specialist allows me to explore just that!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

Outside of work, I have a full and exciting life. My husband Chris and I have four kids who keep us busy. As a family, we love to travel and explore nature. I'm a big gardener and can't wait to plan out my plots for this coming year. 

What's the best advice you ever received?

The best advice I've ever received was early on in my career when I was deciding between a few different paths. I was reassured that no decision has to be forever. I can try it for a while and switch elsewhere if it's not the fit I'm wanting. That was so empowering for me, and it's allowed me the courage to try lots of new things and not get paralyzed by indecision.

If you weren't in healthcare, what would you like to be doing?

If I wasn't in healthcare, I would probably still find a space that allowed for lots of socialization and included a service to the community in some way.

Anything else you'd like to share? 

Having lived in St. Louis all my life is a testament to how much I love our city, especially considering all the other cities I've traveled to over the years. I'm grateful for the community of support our family has been able to build here: extended family, neighbors, school friends, and professional friends. Having a village is a rare thing these days, so I'm grateful for a city of welcoming people to make it a reality.

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.