Prof. Rabi Tawil
About: Dr. Tawil is co-Director of the MDA Neuromuscular Disease Clinic at the University of Rochester. He is also Director of the Neuromuscular Pathology Laboratory and is responsible for the interpretation of all muscle biopsy samples use for diagnosing muscle diseases. His clinical interests include all acquired and inherited muscle diseases, myasthenia gravis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He has special expertise in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), the non-dystrophic myotonias and the periodic paralyses.
Dr. Tawil’s current research interest in focused on FSHD and he is leading an international collaborative effort to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms in FSHD and work towards treatments to slow progression and improve strength in FSHD. Dr. Tawil also participated in a number of research studies that helped identify the genetic cause for the different forms of periodic paralysis. More broadly, Dr. Tawil is interested in bringing new treatments to neuromuscular disorders and has participated and helped organize numerous neuromuscular treatment trials.