Araya Puwanant, MD

University Hospitals Neurology Resident Research Experience — Araya Puwanant, MD

**Graduated:** 2009
**Current Position:** Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
**Research Interests:** outcome measures in myotonic disorders, experimental therapeutics in neurologic channelopathies and inherited myopathies

"My work is focused on autosomal dominant forms of muscular dystrophy and neurologic channelopathies. The genetics, pathophysiology, and developing new approaches to treatment of these disorders are my primary area of interest. I was originally attracted to the CWRU Neurology Program because of the strong reputation of their neuromuscular faculty and by the presence on the faculty of Dr. Robert Daroff, the editor of Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. During my PGY3 and PGY4 years, I had the unique opportunity to work closely with Dr. Robert Ruff on the periodic paralysis research. Drs. Daroff and Ruff continue to provide me the guidance and resources to develop a successful academic career at the University of Rochester. Their sponsorship supported me obtain the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinical Research Training Grant and secure my future academic career."