NMD4C Provides Opportunity for Neuromuscular Fellows to Build Clinical Network at National Meeting
The NMD4C Curriculum and Education task has worked to provide education and training support for Canadian neuromuscular clinical fellows. We seek to continuously improve the resources we provide to clinical trainees, and feedback from fellows identified a need for neuromuscular fellows in Canada to meet and forge connections with other fellows and clinicians from across the country.
To meet this need, we are pleased to share that this fall we provided an opportunity for clinical neuromuscular fellows to attend NMD4C’s annual meeting and the Western Canadian Neuromuscular Conference (WCNMC) in Calgary. Led by NMD4C and MDC fellowship recipient Dr Marianne Nury and University of Calgary, Neuromuscular and EMG fellowship director Dr Gord Jewett, we support 16 fellows to attend both meetings and provided them with the opportunity to:
- Present flash talks to introduce themselves to the other fellows and NMD4C investigators at our annual meeting
- Present cases for discussion at the WCNMC
- Attend networking events for fellows at the beginning and end of the WCNMC
- Participate in the WCNMC research symposium – congratulations to Dr Lola Lessard, clinical fellow at The Ottawa Hospital who won “Best Poster Presentation”!
Following the success and positive reception of this event, we will look to provide future opportunities for Canadian neuromuscular fellows to attend similar events.
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.