ALS and Neuromuscular Center

I am thrilled to lead the first of its kind Neuromuscular program with focus on Neuroimmunology in Hawaii and the Pacific Regions. This vision is driven by the critical need for specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, particularly in underserved areas where access to advanced care is limited. My vision is to create a center of excellence that serves patients with neuromuscular disorders especially related to immune system.

With the development of new therapeutic targets and approval of new medications to treat these disorders, this field is rapidly evolving and gaining complexity. Thus, I plan to leverage the expertise gained during my dual fellowship in neuromuscular and neuroimmunology to tackle this. The development of a multidisciplinary team will be key with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers to build a strong and comprehensive care network for our patients. This team will ensure that our patients receive not only top-notch medical care but also holistic support for their physical and emotional well-being.

My commitment to research and clinical trials to expand the horizons of available treatments and enhance the quality of care we provide. The ultimate goal is to become a trusted resource for patients who may otherwise have limited options for managing their neuromuscular conditions. I would empower our patients through conferences and QA panel discussions, actively collaborate with local & national organizations to raise awareness and empower individuals to take control of their conditions.
My vision is to create a Neuromuscular Center in Hawaii that embodies equity, compassion, and innovation to make a lasting impact on their lives.

Clinical Trials available at Neuromuscular Research Unit

Publications by our specialists and researchers at the Neuromuscular Center

Our specialists and staff are passionate about making a difference not just for our patients but for their precious families and caregivers. We understand the challenges of facing these issues and want to be sure you do not feel alone in this journey and encourage you to contact local resources available to you. Our Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Center has been selected as a national MGFA (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America) Partner.

ALS and Neuromuscular Updates for Hawaii

Hawaii Selected to Investigate Povetacicept for Myasthenia Gravis

Neuromuscular Research · Clinical Trial Update Hawaii ALS & Neuromuscular Center Selected to Investigate Povetacicept in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis A milestone for Hawaii patients, caregivers, and the neuromuscular research community The Hawaii ALS & Neuromuscular Center team — bringing world-class neuromuscular research to the Pacific. The Hawaii ALS and Neuromuscular Center and the Neuromuscular Research […]

Hawaii ALS and Neuromuscular Center Selected for ADAPT-EARLY Clinical Trial in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)

The Hawaii ALS and Neuromuscular Center has been selected to participate in the ADAPT-EARLY clinical trial, a Phase 4 research study evaluating efgartigimod PH20 SC in adults with new-onset generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). This important study focuses on early treatment intervention for individuals diagnosed with gMG within the past year  . What Is Generalized Myasthenia […]

Director, ALS & Neuromuscular Center

Sub investigator, Neuromuscular Research Unit

Neuroimmunology Fellowship: Northwestern University, Chicago<br>
Neuromuscular Fellowship: University of California School of Medicine, Irvine <br>
Neurology Residency: University Texas Southwestern, Dallas

Meet Our

Multidisciplinary Team

Kore Kai Liow, M.D.


Neurology

Founder & Neuroscience Chair,
Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience
Clinical Professor of Medicine (Neurology), Clinical & Translational Research,
University of Hawai`i John A. Burns School of Medicine

Nicholas Anderson, MD


Sleep Medicine

Director, Sleep and Insomnia Center
Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine,
University of Hawai`i John Burns School of Medicine

Paul Smith, M.D., M.P.H.

Self-Care and Wellness Center


Diplomate, American Board of Lifestyle Medicine
Residency: Occupational and Environmental Medicine
MPH: University of Hawaii
Medical School: University of Hawaii, John A Burns School of Medicine

Darren DuGas, M.D.


Neurology

Director, Video-EEG Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)
Co-Director, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Sub- Investigator, Epilepsy Research Unit

Natalia Gonzalez Caldito, M.D.


Neurology

Director, MS & Neuroimmunology Center
Director, ALS & Neuromuscular Center & IV Infusion Center
Sub investigator, MS & Neuroimmunology & Neuromuscular Research Unit

Eonjung Angeline Kim, M.D.


Neurology

Director, Headache & Facial Pain Center
Sub- Investigator, Headache Research Unit

Michael Sonson, M.D.


Neurology
Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders


Director, Memory & Alzheimer’s Research Institute (MARI)

Candace Miyaki, D.O.


Sleep Medicine
Sleep Wake Center

Janette Abramowitz, M.D.


Neurology

Research Faculty, Brain Mapping Lab, Brain Research, Innovation & Translation Labs
Residency: Combined Neurology & Psychiatry University of Massachusetts Medical School Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School

Alexander Takayesu, M.D., M.P.H.


Psychiatry

Perinatal Psychiatry, Post Partum Depression
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine
SubInvestigator, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience

Chris Larrinaga, APRN-BC, MSN, CNRN


Neurology, Neuroscience

Sleep Medicine
Sub-Investigator, Clinical Research Center

Nicole Evans, PA-C


Neurology, Neuroscience

Sub-Investigator, Clinical Research Center

Qi Zhi, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC


Neurology, Neuroscience

Memory Disorders
Sub-Investigator, Clinical Research Center

Barbara Pitts, Ph.D.


Neuropsychology

Sub Investigator
Alzheimer’s Research Unit
Memory Research Scientist, Hawaii BRAIN Lab.

Qing X. Li PhD


Basic Science, Neuroscience

Professor, Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu

Our team is committed to reducing the disparity in health status of its racial and ethnic minority, rural, low-income, and other underserved populations.  We have therefore focused our efforts in caring for underserved, minority, diverse patient populations.  Click to review our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and work undertaken by Center for Neuroscience Diversity especially for the Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Population (AANHPI). 

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