Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship
The University of Washington Department of Neurology has two positions for ACGME-accredited neuromuscular medicine fellows for 2025-2026. The UW Neuromuscular fellowship participants in AANEM application match. The fellow would be board eligible for the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine and ABPN certificate in neuromuscular medicine. The fellowship is for one year with a chance to do a second year of basic/translational research with world-renowned muscular dystrophy researchers.
UW Medicine is at the forefront of neuromuscular disease research, patient care and education. Our leading-edge research efforts have resulted in a greater understanding of muscle and motor neuron diseases, and we are driven to develop the kind of high-quality, comprehensive care that people afflicted with neuromuscular diseases need. We are also committed to training the next generation of experts in these diseases. With support, we can continue to provide the best care possible to patients within the five-state region of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho, and to train physicians and scientists who will move the field forward. We hope you will join us in this important work. Fellows will gain additional clinical experience and have elective time to pursue clinical or research interests.
From Research to Cure
Neuromuscular diseases affect young and old alike, impairing muscle function and nervous system control, causing muscle cramps, pain, paralysis, and sometimes heart failure and trouble breathing.
While much remains to be done to improve patient care, UW Medicine’s understanding of the mechanisms of disease and treatment of neuromuscular conditions is at an unprecedented level:
Amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). A fatal condition that causes neuronal death and progressive weakness in various muscles. Michael D. Weiss, M.D., is researching whether mexiletine helps patients with ALS, work that is part of the Northeast ALS Research Consortium.
Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy. Causes progressive weakness in muscles of the face, upper arm and shoulder. Leo Wang, M.D., Ph.D., is researching whether MRIs can detect changes in the condition to focus treatment. Stephen Tapscott, M.D., Ph.D., and his team identified the mechanisms that cause the disease, which opens the door for future treatments
Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A progressive muscular dystrophy, usually affecting boys, causing disability and early death. Jeff Chamberlain, Ph.D., is trying to find a cure with gene therapy. It is an exciting time in neuromuscular disease research; we think that we are on the threshold of turning certain fatal diseases into manageable chronic diseases. As a result, it’s also an exciting and hopeful time for our patients and their families, as well as for the next generation of neuromuscular researchers and physicians.
How to Apply
The University of Washington Department of Neurology has filled two positions for ACGME-accredited neuromuscular medicine fellows for 2025-2026
Visas
The UW Neuromuscular Fellowship Program accepts foreign national physicians who meet UW Eligibility and Selection requirements into its accredited Fellowship program. Foreign nationals requiring visa sponsorship must obtain a J-1 visa sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The UW does not generally provide H-1B sponsorship for residents or fellows in its clinical training programs unless the resident/fellow is otherwise ineligible for a J-1 visa. Requests for H-1B visa sponsorship are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval by the UW GME Office and the UW Provost’s Office. Please refer to UW Medicine Graduate Medical Education Policies and Procedures for more detail.
Fellowship Team
Jane Distad, M.D.
Dr. Distad is a Professor of Neurology.
Maxwell Ma, M.D.
Dr. Ma is an Assistant Professor of Neurology.
Matthew Preston, M.D.
Dr. Preston is the Associate Director of Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship and Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology.
Leo Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Wang is an Professor of Neurology.
Michael Weiss, M.D.
Dr. Weiss is a Professor of Neurology and Adjunct Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine
Priyank Patel, M.D.
Dr. Patel is an Acting Assistant Professor of Neurology.
Alicia Henriquez, M.D.
Dr. Henriquez is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology.
Nassim Rad, M.D.
Dr. Rad is an Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Sarah Smith, M.D.
Dr. Smith is a board-certified physiatrist specializing in neuromuscular medicine, electrodiagnostic, and diagnostic neuromuscular ultrasound.
Current Fellows
Zeinab Birjandian, M.D.
Neuromuscular Fellow 2024-2025
Residency: Adult neurology
Patrick Heffernan, M.D.
Neuromuscular Fellow 2024-2025
Residency: Adult neurology
Previous Graduates
Daniel Hurwitz, M.D.
Neuromuscular Fellow 2023-2024
Residency: Pediatric Neurology
Bénédicte Dansereau, M.D.
Neuromuscular Fellow 2023-2024
Residency: Adult Neurology
Clover Youn, M.D.
Neuromuscular Fellow 2022-2023
Residency: Adult Neurology
Carolyn Black, M.D.
Neuromuscular Fellow 2021-2022
Provider at St. Luke’s Physiatry & Neuromuscular Center. Residency: PM&R
Marissa Sakoda, M.D.
Neuromuscular Fellow 2021-2022
Physician at Hawai’i Pacific Health. Residency: Adult Neurology
Daniel Cai, M.D.
Neuromuscular Fellow 2020-2021
Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Residency: PM&R
David Ivanick, M.D.
Neuromuscular Fellow 2020-2021
Neurologist at Swedish Hospital. Residency: Adult Neurology
Stephanie Manberg, M.D.
Neuromuscular Fellow 2019-2020
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at University of Utah. Residency: Adult Neurology
Priyank Patel, MD
Neuromuscular Fellow 2019-2020
Acting Assistant Professor of Neurology at UW. Residency: Adult Neurology
Katrina Bernardo, MD
Neuromuscular Fellow 2018-2019
Provider at NYU Langone. Residency: Adult Neurology
Anisha Schwarz, MD
Neuromuscular Fellow 2018-2019
Neurologist at Mary Bridge Children’s. Residency: Pediatric Neurology
Haley Anderson, MD
Neurophysiology Fellow –
Neuromuscular 2017-2018
Neurologist at UW Medicine. Residency: Adult Neurology
Matthew Preston, MD
Neuromuscular Fellow 2017-2018
Acting Assistant Professor of Neurology at UW. Residency: Adult Neurology
Olivia Yambem, MD
Neuromuscular Fellow 2017-2018
Neurology specialist at Havasu Medical Group. Residency: Adult Neurology
Benjamin Koo, MD
Neuromuscular Fellow 2016-2017
Neurologist at Kaiser Permanente. Residency: Adult Neurology
Adam Reynolds, MD
Neuromuscular Fellow 2015-2016
Neurologist at Center for Neurosciences. Residency: Adult Neurology
Jamila Madhani, MD
Neuromuscular Fellow 2015-2016
Owns Dr. Madhani Neurologist Practice. Residency: Adult Neurology
Najwa Al-Bustani, MD
Neurophysiology Fellow 2013-2014
Neuromuscular Fellow 2014-2015
Staff Physician in the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Residency: Adult Neurology
Diversity Statement
The UW Neurology Department is committed to recruiting, training and promoting a diverse community of scholars. We welcome diverse individuals and are committed to including residents and faculty of diverse race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. We believe that diversity and inclusion are crucial components in providing both excellent patient care and an excellent learning environment.