Clinical Research Curriculum Development Working Group Update
The NMD4C is committed to educating the next generation of NMD stakeholders, and endeavors to optimize the training of neuromuscular clinicians in Canada through standardization of a fellowship curriculum, preparing an application for an Area of Focused Competency (AFC) by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in the field of Neuromuscular Medicine, and holding quarterly CPD-accredited NM Mystery Case Rounds.
Through collaboration with the neuromuscular fellowship program directors, the clinical research curriculum development working group have identified an opportunity to promote the Canadian NM fellowship training opportunities by creating a centralized list of programs. The working group have collected information from each fellowship program (14 adult and pediatric) to establish a centralized list of neuromuscular fellowships, hosted on the NMD4C website. This list will provide those who wish to pursue training in the field of NMD access to all the opportunities available to them in Canada and will be maintained and updated on an ongoing basis.
Access the current list of neuromuscular fellowships here!
If you are aware of any fellowship programs we have overlooked, please contact us so we can include them!
If you are an early-career clinician, researcher, or trainee, we also invite you to share your experiences with the network by authoring a blog for the NMD4C!
Read next...
New Publication from the NMD4C Clinical Trial Network Strengthens Trial Capacity in Canada
We are pleased to share a new publication from the NMD4C Clinical Trial Network led by Kerri Lynn Schellenberg, Homira Osman, Maria Masnata, Rhiannon Hicks, Corinne Kagan, Ana Stosic, Stacey Lintern, Erin Beattie, Drs. Hanns Lochmüller, Craig Campbell, and Jean K Mah. This work focuses on the implementation of a coordinated Canadian neuromuscular clinical trial network to enhance trial readiness, capacity, and access in rare disease research.
Canadian-Led Phase II Studies Advance Vamorolone Evidence in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
NMD4C investigators contributed to two phase II studies evaluating vamorolone in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy across early childhood and adolescence, demonstrating safety, favorable pharmacokinetics, and potential efficacy. Led by Dr. Jean Mah and conducted across Canadian clinical trial sites with national and industry collaborators, the findings supported Health Canada approval of vamorolone as the first treatment for DMD in Canada. Leaders from both the clinical and patient advocacy communities, including Defeat Duchenne Canada, highlighted the impact of collaboration among patients, families, clinicians, and researchers in advancing care and improving access to new therapies.
Advancing AFC in Neuromuscular Medicine: Program Launch & September Workshop
The Royal College has approved National Training Standards for the AFC in Neuromuscular Medicine, creating a formal pathway to recognize enhanced competence with the DRCPSC credential. This designation establishes a national training standard, supports portable certification, and strengthens clinical capacity across Canada. PGME offices can now apply to offer accredited AFC programs, with a goal of five programs submitting applications by the end of 2026.