Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology &
Neurosurgery, McGill University;
Scientist, McGill University Health Center Research Institute
Education summary
Master of Science, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University ;
Adult Clinical Research Neuromuscular Fellowship, McGill University ;
Paediatric Clinical Research Neuromuscular Fellowship, Columbia University ;
Paediatric Neurology Residency Training, McGill University ;
Doctorate, MDCM - M.D., Medicine, McGill University
Career summary
I am a Professor in McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and a Distinguished Research Scholar of the Fonds de recherche du Québec, with a clinical and research focus in paediatric neuromuscular disorders. My practice in paediatric neurology and neurophysiology is based at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Born in Iran and raised in Montreal after moving to Canada at the start of the Iran–Iraq war, I grew up in a bilingual city where I completed both medical school and residency in paediatric neurology at McGill University. I pursued a paediatric neuromuscular clinical and research fellowship at Columbia University in New York, specialising in spinal muscular atrophy. I then returned to Montreal for an adult neuromuscular fellowship at McGill with a focus on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, completing a Master of Science in Epidemiology before joining the faculty.
I currently chair the Guidelines Committee of the World Muscle Society, advancing the global implementation of best practices in neuromuscular care. As an evidence-based methodologist, I have contributed to the development of numerous clinical practice guidelines for the American Academy of Neurology, ensuring that recommendations reflect the highest standards of rigour and transparency.
In addition, I serve on the Scientific Advisory Committee of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, am a board member of the Association des Neurologues du Québec, and am the past chair of both the Canadian Pediatric Neuromuscular Group and the Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy Working Group.
What is the personal or professional achievement you’re most proud of?
Serving for over 12 years on the American Academy of Neurology’s Guideline Committee, I have had the privilege of collaborating with international experts across diverse neurological topics, ensuring that the paediatric perspective is represented and shaping care standards worldwide.
Why did you first join the WMS?
To be part of a community of global scientists with a common goal of advancing care for individuals with neuromuscular disorders worldwide.
What is your goal in joining the Executive Board?
Joining the Executive Board would allow me to contribute actively to shaping the society’s strategic direction—expanding its global reach, advancing equity in access to education and clinical innovation, and ensuring that scientific progress translates into meaningful outcomes for patients of all ages and backgrounds.
I am committed to fostering international collaboration, mentoring emerging leaders, and promoting the integration of evidence-based recommendations into clinical practice. Serving on the Board represents an opportunity to give back to the WMS community, strengthen our collective efforts, and further position the society as a leading force in improving the lives of people affected by muscle disease worldwide.
