Dr. Liewluck earned his medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Thailand. After graduation, he pursued a research fellowship at the Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry in Japan, where he trained under Professor Ichizo Nishino. This formative experience ignited his deep and enduring interest in muscle disorders.
He subsequently completed his neurology residency at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida, USA, under the leadership of Professor Walter Bradley. Motivated by a strong commitment to advancing the care of patients with muscle diseases, Dr. Liewluck then undertook a clinical fellowship in muscle disorders at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA, under the mentorship of the late Professor Andrew Engel. He further expanded his expertise by completing an additional fellowship in electromyography (EMG) at the same institution.
Career summary
Dr. Liewluck is a Professor of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, USA. He is board certified in Neurology, Neuromuscular Medicine, and Clinical Neuromuscular Pathology, and practices as both a neurologist and a myopathologist. His clinical and research interests focus on muscle diseases, with particular emphasis on muscle pathology, clinicopathologic correlation, and the epidemiology of both hereditary and acquired myopathies. He has authored more than 135 peer-reviewed publications, contributed nine book chapters, and co-edited a book on muscular dystrophies. In recognition of his contributions, he received the 2021 Scientific Impact Award from the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM).
Dr. Liewluck is actively involved in the World Muscle Society (WMS), where he serves on the Programme Committee, Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, Social Media Committee, and the global myology development initiative. He is the current Chair of the Abstract Review Committee for the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), and serves as an Associate Board Member of the International Myositis Society (IMyoS), and was recently appointed to the Clinical Neuromuscular Pathology Examination Committee of the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS). Dr. Liewluck has also held several leadership roles in past, including Chair of the Neuromuscular Disease Special Interest Group of the American Neurological Association (ANA) in 2023, Vice Chair of the Neuromuscular Section of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) for the 2023–2025 term, and Vice Chair of the Scientific Committee of the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies (IMACS) group for 2023–2025.
Dr. Liewluck is considered a leader in the field of monoclonal gammopathy–associated myopathies and immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated myopathy, with significant contributions to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and management of these complex and evolving conditions. Most recently, he described a new form of myositis known as immune mediated megaconial myopathy (IMMM), further expanding the spectrum of immune mediated muscle diseases.
What is the personal or professional achievement you’re most proud of?
One of the most meaningful and fulfilling moments in my career has been witnessing the growth and success of my mentees. Seeing them develop into confident, capable neuromuscular clinicians and researchers brings me immense pride. Two such moments stand out in particular. One of my mentees received the prestigious Golseth Young Investigator Award from the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) in 2023, and another was recently named the runner-up for the same award in 2025. Both received these honours for research projects conducted under my mentorship.
Education and mentorship are central pillars of my professional life. I strongly believe in nurturing the next generation of neuromuscular specialists, not only to advance the field but also to ensure patients continue to receive the highest standard of care. Contributing to the development of young clinicians and researchers, watching their ideas take shape, and supporting their journey toward academic and clinical excellence has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Why did you first join the WMS?
I first joined the WMS in 2004, when I was a research fellow under the mentorship of Professor Ichizo Nishino. To be honest, I joined mainly to present my research project and to participate in the Pre-Congress Teaching Course. At that time, I did not know much about the society, and it would be fair to say I joined without a full understanding of what WMS truly represented.
That changed quickly during the 2004 Congress in Gothenburg, Sweden. I was deeply impressed by the way clinicians, healthcare professionals, and researchers from around the world came together with a shared purpose to advance the field of muscle diseases and ultimately improve the care of patients. The sense of collaboration, passion, and dedication within the community left a lasting impression on me.
Since then, I have witnessed many important changes in WMS. The scope of the society has broadened significantly. While muscle diseases remain central, WMS has expanded to include a wider range of neuromuscular disorders. One of the most meaningful developments has been the growing emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion, which has helped make the society more inclusive and globally representative.
Being part of WMS has been a privilege. It has shaped my career and connected me with colleagues and mentors around the world who share a common commitment to improving the lives of patients with neuromuscular disorders.
What is your goal in joining the Executive Board?
I would be honored to serve on the Executive Board of the World Muscle Society. Having been involved in the care and research of muscle diseases in three different countries—Thailand, Japan, and the United States—I have gained valuable insight into the differences in patient care, medical education, and healthcare systems. These experiences have made me deeply aware of the disparities that exist globally in the diagnosis and management of neuromuscular disorders.
One of my key goals is to help standardise neuromuscular education across regions. I believe that improving education is a fundamental step toward enhancing patient care and reducing inequality. This vision aligns closely with the mission of the World Muscle Society, especially in its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as its initiative to support the development of myology around the world.
As a practicing clinician and muscle pathologist, I see myself as closely connected to the day-to-day experiences of many WMS members who care for patients and interpret muscle biopsies. I hope to represent their voices and perspectives within the society, ensuring that the needs of clinicians are reflected in WMS initiatives alongside ongoing scientific advancement.
