MDA Re-Elects Three Researchers To National Leadership Roles

Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Article Date: 24 Jul 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Three prominent figures in the field of neuromuscular disease research have been re-elected to national leadership positions with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Stanley H. Appel of Houston, R. Rodney Howell of Miami, and Louis M. Kunkel of Boston were re-elected to one-year terms on MDA's Board of Directors at the Association's recent annual meeting in Los Angeles. Howell is chairman of the board.

Appel is chief of neurology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, as well as director of the MDA Neuromuscular Clinic there. He serves as chairman of MDA's Medical Advisory Committee.

A noted pediatrician, Howell is chairman emeritus and a professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine in its Department of Pediatrics. The author of more than 100 scientific articles and books, he has served on MDA's Board since 1994 and previously chaired its Scientific Advisory Committee.

Kunkel is a professor of pediatrics at Children's Hospital Boston. He has authored dozens of scientific articles and books, and devoted more than three decades to understanding the underlying molecular bases for neuromuscular diseases. He serves as chairman of MDA's Scientific Advisory Committee.

"MDA is very fortunate to have volunteer leadership of the quality that this outstanding research trio possesses," said MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg. "Their unique skills and experience are invaluable in helping the Association achieve its goal of finding treatments and cures for devastating diseases."

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. The majority of contributions to MDA come from individual donors.

Source
Muscular Dystrophy Association