This September 10–11 in Ottawa, ON, NMD4C will host its inaugural Clinical Summer School for neuromuscular fellows from institutions across Canada. The event will feature hands-on workshops designed to complement the NMD4C Royal College–accredited National Neuromuscular Lecture Series and foster engagement among fellows.
Supporting clinical trainees is a core priority for the network. The Clinical Summer School will provide a unique environment for participants to refine diagnostic and analytical skills under the guidance of leading Canadian neuromuscular experts, while encouraging professional networking and mentorship.
These fellows are also part of NMD4C’s 4th annual National Neuromuscular Lecture Series and represent the next generation of leaders in neuromuscular care.
To make this event as accessible as possible for fellows to attend from across Canada, there will be no registration fee, and support will be available for accommodation in Ottawa and for travel.
2025 Summer School Program and Key Topics
Program
The Summer School will span two days and include a mix of lectures and hands-on workshops led by Canadian experts in neuromuscular medicine. Attendees will also have opportunities to network with peers and mentors from across the country.
Key Topics
- Genomic interpretation for diagnosis in NMDs (led by Dr. Hanns Lochmuller and Dr. Kiran Polavarapu)
- Ultrasound in NMDs (led by Dr. Grayson Beecher)
- Muscle, Nerve, and Skin Biopsy: Technique and Analysis (led by Dr. Alberto Aleman and Dr. Leslie Hamilton)
- EMG Waveform Analysis (led by Dr. Ari Breiner and Dr. Hugh McMillan)
- MRI in NMDs (led by Dr. Jodi Warman Chardon)
- Advanced Neurophysiology Tests (led by Dr. Zaeem Sidiqqi)
A draft agenda for both workshops is available.
However, please note that the proposed draft is subject to change.
Workshop Leads
Dr. Alberto Aleman
- Neurologist, CHEO and The Ottawa Hospital
- Assistant Professor, Neurology, University of Ottawa
- Clinician Investigator, Neurology, OHRI
Dr. Grayson Beecher
Assistant Professor, Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta
Dr. Ari Breiner
- Neurologist, Ottawa Neuromuscular Centre, The Ottawa Hospital
- Assistant professor, Medicine, University of Ottawa
- Chair, ALS Clinical Research, Éric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular
Dr. Leslie Hamilton
- Assistant Professor, Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
- Neuropathologist, CHEO and The Ottawa Hospital
Dr. Hanns Lochmuller
- Senior Scientist, Molecular Biomedicine Program, CHEO Research Institute.
- Professor of Neurology; Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa.
- Co-Director and Neurologist, Ottawa Neuromuscular Centre, The Ottawa Hospital.
Dr. Hugh McMillan
- Professor of Pediatrics; Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
- Pediatric Neurologist & Neuromuscular specialist, CHEO
- Clinical Investigator, CHEO Research Institute.
Dr. Kiran Polavarapu
Post Doctoral Fellow, Lochmüller Lab and CHEO Research Institute
Dr. Jodi Warman Chardon
- Clinician-Scientist, Co-Director, Ottawa Neuromuscular Centre, The Ottawa Hospital
- Associate Scientist, OHRI
- Scientist, CHEO Research Institute
- Associate Professor, Neurology, University of Ottawa
Dr. Zaeem Sidiqqi
- CMO Decipher MedTech Inc.
- Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta
- Member, Women’s and Children’s Health Research Institute and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta
Thank you to our sponsors:
Summer School Organizing Team
Dr. Gordon Jewett
Dr. Marianne Nury
