Autumn Marie Klein, MD, PhD (1971–2013)

Abstract

Dr. Autumn Marie Klein died on April 20, 2013. She was 41 years old. Born to William and Lois Klein, she grew up outside of Baltimore, Maryland. She attended St. Paul's School for Girls before entering Amherst College, where she focused on the unusual combination, at least at the time, of Women's Studies and Neuroscience. She excelled in both. She obtained MD and PhD (Neuroscience) degrees from Boston University School of Medicine, then completed her neurology residency at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital combined Harvard program. At this early stage, she developed an interest and expertise in caring for women with neurologic problems. As chief resident, she started one of the first clinics for pregnant women with neurologic disorders, under the mentorship of Drs. Martin Samuels and Steven Feske at Brigham and Women's Hospital. While other residents were hesitant or fearful of caring for pregnant women with acute neurologic problems, Autumn embraced it, and encouraged such referrals to her care.