Newswise — The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) is pleased to announce the selection of Francis O. Walker, MD, to lead the organization in 2013-14 as its new president.

Dr. Walker is a professor of neurology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston Salem, NC. He attended medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine and graduated in 1978. He completed an internal medicine internship, a neurology residency, and a fellowship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He completed another fellowship at the University of Michigan Medical Center in 1983. Dr. Walker is certified by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine and the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. He has lectured extensively on the topic of neuromuscular ultrasound and is considered a national expert in this field.

A member of AANEM since 1985, Dr. Walker has served on numerous committees including the Annual Meeting Coordination, CME Advisory, Ultrasound Committees and the Muscle & Nerve Editorial Board. He served on the AANEM Board of Directors and the Finance Committee as President elect and was Chair of the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM) Examination Committee from 1999-2006. As president, he will lead the Board of Directors, which has responsibility for the association's strategic planning, policy creation, and financial oversight.

“I look forward to being able to serve this great organization in this capacity,” said Dr. Walker. “The field of medicine is ever changing and the AANEM has always done an admirable job in educating and advocating for its members so that they can better adapt to these changes. In addition to maintaining these traditions, I hope to bring a particular enthusiasm for finding, developing, and applying new technology for the care of our patients with muscle and nerve diseases.”

AANEM Executive Director Shirlyn Adkins added, “Dr. Walker throughout his career has been interested in combining electrodiagnostic studies and ultrasound to improve diagnostic accuracy. As AANEM President, he will continue to improve AANEM’s education and advocacy efforts in this area and the staff and I look forward to working with him during the coming year."

Dr. Walker replaces Peter A. Grant, MD, of Medford, OR, who completed his term on October 18, 2013.

About AANEMFounded in 1953, the AANEM is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to the advancement of neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine. Nearly 5000 physician members—primarily neurologists and physiatrists—are now joined by allied health professionals and PhD researchers working to improve the quality of medical care provided to patients with muscle and nerve disorders. AANEM programs are guided by its five pillars: education, professional standards, advocacy, communications, and research. Its administrative office is located in Rochester, MN.

Meeting Link: AANEM Annual Meeting, Oct-2013