Behavioral-developmental pediatrician Paul Wang has joined Autism Speaks as its new senior vice president and head of medical research. He will oversee the organization’s medical research portfolio, with a strong focus on clinical studies.
“We are incredibly excited to have Paul joining our science team at Autism Speaks,” says Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Rob Ring. “Paul brings a strong and relevant background at a time when our science mission is working harder than ever to put science to work for our families.”
Dr. Wang joins Autism Speaks from Seaside Therapeutics, where he served as vice president of clinical and medical affairs. There, he oversaw the company’s groundbreaking research on arbaclofen as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and fragile X syndrome.
“I'm very excited to be joining the team at Autism Speaks, to exploit the advances and resources that Autism Speaks has already brought to the table and to help make a difference for the children and families affected by ASD,” Dr. Wang says.
Prior to Seaside Therapeutics, Dr. Wang was senior director of clinical development at Pfizer. There he helped lead medicines development programs for neurobehavioral disorders including epilepsy and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.
Dr. Wang received his medical degree from Yale and his undergraduate degree from Harvard. He completed his medical residency and chief residency in pediatrics at the University of Michigan. He also completed a research fellowship at the Salk Institute and a clinical fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
As a clinician, Dr. Wang has provided diagnostic and clinical care for hundreds of special needs children, including many with ASD. He has held leadership positions with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Board of Pediatrics and the Society for Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics.
“Dr. Wang’s history as a developmental-behavioral pediatrician brings years of experience understanding and identifying treatments for children with developmental disabilities to Autism Speaks,” says Autism Speaks President Liz Feld.