Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Introduced in Alberta and Saskatchewan
We are excited to share that through the advocacy efforts of Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC), in the past week both Saskatchewan and Alberta’s provincial governments have implemented newborn screening (NBS) programs for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)!
On February 23rd, Saskatchewan officially expanded their newborn screening panel to include testing for SMA as part of its newborn screening program, and on February 28th Alberta announced that through a pilot project with MDC, newborns will be able to be screened for SMA.
MDC continues to work diligently with donors, provincial governments, partners and supporters to remove barriers so that screening for SMA in Canada is a reality. Read more about MDC’s multi-year, multi-phase endeavour in collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. to better understand and address barriers for the implementation of newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
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NMD4C 2024 Year in Review
This year in review outlines a collection of achievements from the network over the past year.
NMD4C and MDC Award Fellowship Funding in NMD Research and Medicine
Together the Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada (NMD4C) and Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) are excited to announce the 2025 recipients of our neuromuscular fellowship funding competition to award postdoctoral fellowships in neuromuscular disease (NMD) research and clinical fellowships in neuromuscular medicine and electromyography!
NMD4C Basic Science Trainee Committee Provides Leadership Opportunity for Next Generation of Neuromuscular Researchers
The newly-formed Basic Science Trainee Committee represents the interests of trainees within the network, offering an opportunity for professional growth for future leaders in neuromuscular research.
NMD4C and MDC Host Second SMA Outcome Measure Training Workshop for Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists Across Canada
The Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Motor Function Measures workshop organized by the NMD4C in collaboration with MDC took place in Montreal, Quebec on December 3rd, 2024 and was a resounding success. This workshop was established to harmonize assessment practices for the following SMA outcome measures across Canada
NMD4C Launch New Multi-Disciplinary Care of Neuromuscular Diseases Education Curriculum
The NMD4C is excited to share a new training and education initiative from our education team! The Multi-Disciplinary Care of Neuromuscular Diseases lecture series is a new CPD-Accredited 24-topic webinar series designed as an advanced curriculum for the practicing clinical audience to learn fundamentals of multi-disciplinary care for patients across a range of neuromuscular conditions.
