Noted Neurologist to Chair MDA Medical Advisory Committee

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 19, 2008 - The Muscular Dystrophy Association announces that it has appointed neurologist Stanley H. Appel as chairman of its Medical Advisory Committee.

Stanley Appel

A longtime MDA adviser and research grantee, Appel is director of the MDA/ALS Clinical Research Center at the Methodist Neurological Institute in Houston, where he is chairman of the department of neurology.

An MDA clinic director since the 1970s, Appel is a member of MDA’s Board of Directors and was the chairman of the Association’s Scientific Advisory Committee.

Appel, who specializes in ALS research, as well as in the care of patients with this paralyzing and fatal disease, is co-founder and co-director of the Methodist Neurological Institute and a professor of neurology with Weill Cornell Medical College.

On Jan. 25, Appel received the prestigious John P. McGovern Compleat Physician Award for 2008, a national award given by the Houston Academy of Medicine.

“We’re honored that Dr. Appel has accepted this important role in MDA’s research program.” said Dr. R. Rodney Howell, chairman of MDA’s Board of Directors “His expertise in both basic and clinical research is a tremendous asset to MDA as he  helps guide the Association in its mission to develop effective treatments for the disorders in our program. ”

Appel succeeds Leon Charash, a specialist in pediatric neuromuscular disease and longtime chairman of the committee, who has retired from that position.

MDA’s Medical Advisory Committee reviews applications for applied and translational (from lab to clinic) research, while the Scientific Advisory Committee reviews grant applications to the Association for studies of basic science pertaining to nerve and muscle disorders.

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. For more information, please visit www.mda.org.