[CONSHOHOCKEN, PA] — GBS|CIDP Foundation International, August 31, 2020
The American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic (AANEM) has awarded the 2020 Distinguished Physician Award to Peter Donofrio, MD, for his distinguished service as a clinician, educator and his overall support of AANEM. Dr. Donofrio has focused on peripheral neuropathy and motor neuron disorders throughout his career, has served on the AANEM Board and was past President of the AANEM. Additionally, Dr. Donofrio has been an active and influential member of the GBS|CIDP Foundation International Global Medical Advisory Board (GMAB), for the past 4 years. He was appointed Chairman of the GBS|CIDP Foundation GMAB in 2020.
Dr. Donofrio is currently Chief of the Neuromuscular Section in the Department of Neurology at Vanderbilt University. In addition, he is the head of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic, the ALS Clinic, and is Director of the EMG Lab. He has also spent decades working as a clinician and educator, dedicating many years to both patients and students.
“The AANEM has been a powerful force in my development as an academic neurologist. I was inspired at my first meeting in 1981 of the then, AAEE, by the excellent educational presentations and posters. I have particularly enjoyed participating in the evolution of this great organization into the premier venue for electrodiagnosis and neuromuscular medicine. I value the many colleagues I have met from membership in committees that helped to advance the mission of this progressive and rapidly evolving organization. I am flattered and honored to accept the AANEM Distinguished Physician Award.” – Peter Donfrio, MD
About the GBS|CIDP Foundation International
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a very rare autoimmune disorder that affects the body’s peripheral nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. The condition can present suddenly, beginning with numbness or tingling in the extremities, and progress to total paralysis within a matter of hours. GBS affects both genders, all ages, and all ethnic groups. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP,) is characterized by progressive weakness and sensory loss in the patient’s arms and legs. CIDP usually develops over a course of 6-to-10 weeks and occurs on both sides of the body. CIDP is frequently not self-limiting and, if left untreated, may progress to wheelchair dependence.
According the GBS|CIDP Foundation’s Executive Director Lisa Butler, “Both conditions and its variants are extremely rare. GBS affects 2 people each year in every 100,000. The prevalence of CIDP is estimated to be as many as 9 in 100,000 individuals.”
For more information contact Director of Marketing and Communications, Maureen Neville, Maureen.neville@gbs-cidp.org. 610-667-0131