Nicholas J. Silvestri MD, FAAN

Nicholas Silvestri

Nicholas J. Silvestri
MD, FAAN

Professor of Neurology, Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs

Department of Neurology

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences


Specialty/Research Focus

Neurology; Neuromuscular Disorders

Contact Information
Office of Medical Education
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
955 Main St.
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 932-6080
Fax: (716) 829-3010
njs6@buffalo.edu


Patient Care

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

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Professional Summary:

As a neurologist with advanced training in the field of neuromuscular disorders, I care for adults and children with disorders of nerves, muscle and the neuromuscular junction.
I have specialized training in clinical neuromuscular medicine, and my expertise is not only in clinical care but also in performing electrodiagnostic studies (nerve conduction and electromyography). I am one of the few physicians in Western New York skilled at performing advanced electrophysiological techniques such as single fiber electromyography. I also perform skin biopsies and chemodenervation (botulinum toxin treatment) at our UBMD Neurology clinic on Main St. in Williamsville. As well, I evaluate and care for patients with general neurologic diseases such as headache and seizures. I see outpatients at Buffalo General Medical Center (BGMC), the UBMD Neurology Clinic and the Muscular Dystrophy Association clinic at BGMC, where I serve as co-director. I frequently attend on service at BGMC.
I conduct both clinical research studies and basic science research in collaboration with physician-scientists from multiple disciplines, including neurology. My clinical research is focused on several studies that address illnesses such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis and polyneuropathy. These studies include both treatment trials--to find more effective treatments for these diseases--as well as research investigating the impact of the diseases on patients’ quality of life.
In my basic science research, I collaborate with investigators at the Hunter James Kelly Research Institute to explore the pathophysiology of inherited neuropathies, which are known collectively as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. My goal is to better understand the underlying cause or mechanisms of these diseases. My role in this research is performing electrophysiological studies on mice models.
In addition to my research and clinical care, I direct the adult neurology residency training program and train fellows in clinical neurophysiology. I am actively involved in teaching medical students in both the clinical and preclinical years, and I lecture extensively in the medical school and at national and international meetings on topics related to neuromuscular disorders. I serve on medical school committees that focus on improving medical and graduate medical education.

Education and Training:

  • Fellowship, Neuromuscular Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (2009)
  • Residency, Neurology, Harvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (2008)
  • Internship, Internal Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (2005)
  • MD, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Cum Laude (2004)

Employment:

  • Professor, Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2023-present)
  • Associate Dean for Student & Academic Affairs, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2022-present)
  • Associate Professor, Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2016–2023)
  • Assistant Dean for Student & Academic Affairs, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2019–2022)
  • Program Director, University at Buffalo (2011–2020)
  • Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2018–2019)
  • Assistant Professor, Neurology, University at Buffalo (2009–2016)

Awards and Honors:

  • Excellence in Teaching In Adult Neurology, UB Neurology Residency Program (2013)
  • Best Teacher, UB Adult Neurology Residency Program (2011)

Research Expertise:

  • Electromyography
  • Neuromuscular disease

Journal Articles:

See all (31 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Silvestri NJ, Provost K, Sheehan DW. (2018) In: "Neuromuscular Respiratory Failure". Demos Medical Publishing/Springer Publishing, 145-162.

Professional Memberships:

  • American Academy of Neurology
  • American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Presentations:

  • "“Core Concepts in Pain: Medical Treatment of Neuropathic Pain”" American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting (2021)
  • "“Applying Enhanced Understanding of the Mechanisms of Disease in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG): Improved Diagnostics and Targeted Treatment Options”" NeuroLive Series (2021)
  • "“Cardiac Dysfunction in Neuromuscular Disorders” February 2021." Department of Medicine Grand Rounds, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2021)

Service Activities:

  • Committee Member; American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine- Program Committee (2019–present)
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Promotions to Clinical Ranks; Member (2019–present)
  • American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology Maintenance of Certification Committee; Committee Member (2018–present)
  • Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease; Member of Editorial Board (2017–present)
  • Curriculum Committee; Chair, Member (2016–present)
  • Past President, Board Member; Medical Alumni Association (2015–present)
  • Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship Clinical Competency Committee; Member (2014–present)
  • Adult Residency Clinical Competency Committee; Member, past chair (2014–present)
  • Alpha Omega Alpha; President and Board Member (2014–present)

School News:

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Contact Information

Office of Medical Education
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
955 Main St.
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 932-6080
Fax: (716) 829-3010
njs6@buffalo.edu

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD