Adele Wirch

Adele started her career in neurodiagnostics in 1976 in a private neurology clinic run by Dr. Lew Myers in Eugene, Oregon. It was an on-the-job training position on a Grass Model 8. Her interest in the field peaked quickly, and soon, she was reaching out for community and regional resources on EEG. After the family relocated to Seattle, she worked with Dr. Gian Chatrian’s team as a research technologist performing normative evoked potential studies and then moved on as a clinical technologist and later assumed management positions at the University of Washington Medical Center with direct oversight of Neurodiagnostics. She later had program oversight for the Neurology, Headache Clinic, Rehab Medicine Clinic, MS Center, and Sports Medicine Clinic. After joining ASET, she became a frequent presenter, lecturer, and course director for ASET’s educational offerings. She obtained her CNIM, R. EEG T., and R. EP T. credentials and was designated a Fellow of ASET (FASET). She served on the ABRET Board in various capacities, including trustee, section leader, examiner, exam developer, and secretary. She was the ABRET President from 1998 to 1999. After her role with ABRET, she was elected ASET President in 2003 and served a term until 2005. It was a unique opportunity and an honor for her to lead two major organizations in neurodiagnostics during a time of transition, expansion of multimodalities, and relationship building with key leaders in neurophysiology and allied health, as well as the ongoing development of practice standards and expansion of educational offerings for the membership. Governmental advocacy moved to the forefront as some neurodiagnostic procedures were being included in other healthcare practices. She was responsible for two dynamic boards that ensured that strategic planning and implementation aligned with the mission and vision of the organizations. Adele received multiple service awards in recognition of her leadership and service in neurodiagnostics and health care. She takes pride in having led an outpatient advisory council at the medical center, working closely with patient and family advisors to improve patient care experience. Retirement years now mean time to enjoy grandkids, extended family, and ongoing connections with friends.