Newswise — (New Orleans, LA) – Robert C. Griggs, MD, will be presented the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine’s (AANEM) 2016 Honorary Membership Award, at the AANEM 2016 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA, September 14-17, 2016.
The AANEM grants Honorary Membership to recognize nonmember physicians or scientific investigators who are major contributors to the fields of electrodiagnosis, neurophysiology, or neuromuscular disease through teaching, research, and/or scholarly publications.
"I am grateful to the AANEM for this flattering recognition," said Dr. Griggs. "I consider the AANEM an important organization for my subspecialty of neuromuscular disease. I also count many members of the AANEM as highly esteemed colleagues and collaborators."
Dr. Griggs obtained his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He then undertook training at the NIH where he was a Lieutenant Commander in the Public Health Service, followed by service as Chief Resident in Medicine and a fellow in Immunology, as well as a resident and Chief Resident in Neurology at the University of Rochester. He joined the faculty of the University of Rochester in 1971 where he has remained, with sabbaticals as a fellow in molecular biology at the University of Leicester and in human metabolism at the University Hospital College of Medicine, London.
Dr. Griggs notes, "When I began work on muscle diseases in the 1960's there were a handful of diseases and there was almost no information on their cause. There were no treatments. We now know the causes of dozens of muscle diseases and already have treatments for some and will soon have treatments for many if not most."
He has been a powerful advocate for experimental therapeutics in neuromuscular disease, with a focus on translational and therapeutic trials. His work spans the gamut of neuromuscular disorders, but he has made particular contributions in the periodic paralyses, where he has been an international leader, and in the muscular dystrophies, especially myotonic dystrophy, fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy and Duchenne's. He has published 245 peer reviewed publications, 28 books and book chapters, and 195 reviews and editorials.
As for the future, "Developing the next generation of clinician scientists is our highest priority. I've been privileged to have many mentees enter the field. They are our future and we need to attract and then support them and mentor them in the ways to develop their careers and discover new treatments for our diseases."
About AANEMFounded in 1953, the AANEM is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to the advancement of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and electrodiagnostic medicine. Nearly 5000 physician members—primarily neurologists and physiatrists—are now joined by allied health professionals and PhD researchers working to improve the quality of medical care provided to patients with muscle and nerve disorders. AANEM programs are guided by its five pillars: education, professional standards, advocacy, communications, and research. Its administrative office is located in Rochester, MN. More information about AANEM Achievement Awards and Dr. Grigg’s credentials is available at http://www.aanem.org/Membership/Member-Portal/Achievement-Awards/Current-Award-Recipients### END ###
Media Contact: Laurie MonaAANEM Communications Manager507.288.0100[email protected]
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