Duke Neurology continued to grow and advance its mission of patient care, research, and training of the next generation of neurology providers in 2022. Diversity, inclusion and the whole field of neurology. The first six months of 2022 also saw the growth of the new Duke/UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, with three neurologists in helmets and race care. Read more about these and other notable moments for our department in the first half of 2022 in the paragraphs below.
January
Janice Massey Receives AANEM Lifetime Achievement Award
The American Academy of Neuromuscular Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) has awarded Janice Massey, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Neurology and Senior Vice Chair of the Duke Department of Neurology, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is her best AANEM offering and recognizes Dr. Massey for her contributions to patient care and the field of neurology over the last 30 years. Dr. Massey is the second woman in AANEM’s history to receive this award and is an international leader in both providing neurological care and mentoring female neurologists.
February
Duke Neurology Research Summary, February 2022
This past February, members of our division contributed to advances in understanding the genetics and origins of stroke, brain tumors, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment, and Alzheimer’s disease. Thirteen journal articles written or co-authored by members of our faculty included publications in JAMA, Neurology, British Medical Journal and other publications.
Faculty, staff and trainees who shine at NCNS
Andrew Spector, M.D., Ph.D. will be the keynote speaker at the North Carolina Neurological Society’s 2022 Conference. Andrew Spector, MD. Other highlights include a neuroanatomy course taught by Leonard White, Ph.D., and a “Residency Year in Review” section led by Lara Wadi, MD.
march
Appel returns (virtually) to Duke
Stanley Appel, MD (Chair, Houston Methodist Neurology Department), then chief of the Duke Department of Neurology from 1969 to 1977, gave a grand round of lectures on Treg cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases. , returned (virtually) to Duke University this past March.
Fellow Spotlight: Paige Sutton, MD
Medical student Paige Sutton, MD, has this advice: Choose a specialty instead of constantly checking the clock until the day is over. Sutton specifically chose neurology and neuroimmunology and never looked back. In her “Fellow Spotlight” interview, Sutton, a fellow in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology, describes her time as a fellow so far, working with patients to make decisions that best suit their lifestyles and preferences. He talks about his love of hiking, playing guitar, and exploring North Carolina. when she’s not at Duke.
April
Duke Neurology at AAN 2022
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) returned to face-to-face meetings this April, bringing neurologists from across the country and around the world to Seattle to learn about the latest research and clinical advances in neurology. Members of the Duke Neurology Department played key roles at these conferences this year, leading lectures and group talks, leading expert groups, and presenting numerous posters and scientific abstracts.
May
Studying early signs of dementia in a younger and more diverse patient population
Established in fall 2021 between Duke University and the University of North Carolina, the new Duke-UNC ADRC is dedicated to identifying lifelong age-related changes that influence the onset, progression, and experience of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Emphasis. The center will also identify how factors occurring in childhood and middle age contribute to racial, ethnic and geographic disparities in dementia. Recognized as one of the NIH Centers of Excellence, the center is one of 33 ADRCs nationwide, and funding for the project is expected to total $14.8 million over the next five years. The Duke/UNC Center is part of a unique collaboration between his two universities that began in 2019.
June
Spector wins Winn Inclusive Excellence Award
Andrew Spector, M.D., Ph.D., Duke Neurology, received the 2022 Michelle P. Wynn Inclusive Excellence Award this year. Each year, the Winn Awards honor individuals across the medical school who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and leadership by helping create a more diverse and inclusive environment.
Two neurologists share a passion for fast cars
When Matthew Ehrlich, MD, MPH first joined in 2016 as a Fellow in Vascular Neurology at Duke University, he noted the name of his colleague Mark Skeen, MD. This is a neurology professor who specializes in multiple sclerosis. “I thought, ‘Hmm, is he related to Mike Skeen?'” he recalls. Ehrlich, now an Assistant Professor of Neurology, has always been a fan of auto racing, and Mike Skeen is a North Carolina-based professional sports car racing driver who has competed in the IMSA Series for Kosoff Racing, the Michelin Pilot Series for FCP Euro, and Doug Peterson Racing’s Trans-Am series.
