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.
I welcome trainees to work with me on research; they should contact me directly to explore collaboration with me.
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.