#USA #New York #NYU Langone #Jinsy A. Andrews #ALS Center

Neuromuscular Specialist to Head New ALS Center at NYU Langone

NYU Langone Health has made a significant addition to its Department of Neurology by appointing Dr. Jinsy A. Andrews as the director of its newly established ALS Center. Dr. Andrews is highly regarded within the neuromuscular medicine community, particularly for her expertise in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This appointment is a pivotal step in enhancing the integrated care and comprehensive treatment options available for ALS patients and advancing innovative research aimed at finding effective therapies.

Dr. Jinsy A. Andrews has devoted her professional life to understanding the complexities surrounding ALS and providing exceptional care to those affected by this devastating disease. As a co-chair and member of the scientific advisory board for the Northeast ALS Consortium, she has been influential in pushing the boundaries of ALS research and applying findings directly to patient treatment methodologies. Her transition to NYU Langone comes at a crucial time as the institution aims to integrate clinical practice and research more tightly, thereby improving the life quality of patients requiring specialized care.

During her tenure at NYU Langone, Dr. Andrews emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and access to pioneering clinical trials, focusing particularly on incorporating the latest technologies to manage ALS symptoms, especially concerning respiratory health. "I am thrilled to lead a multidisciplinary team here that is dedicated to providing integrated, patient-centered care for individuals with ALS," Dr. Andrews commented. "Our goal is to deliver the necessary support that these patients deserve, along with access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical innovations to enhance their health outcomes."

Dr. Andrews, who completed a joint bachelor's and medical degree at Union College and Albany Medical College, is well-prepared for this challenge. She further honed her skills during her neurology residency at the University of Connecticut followed by specialized fellowships at Columbia University Medical Center focused on ALS, neuromuscular diseases, clinical neurophysiology, and clinical research. Prior to her new role, she served as the associate professor of neurology at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she directed several clinical trials on neuromuscular diseases. Additionally, Dr. Andrews previously played a key role at Cytokinetics, Inc. as the senior director of clinical research and development, leading neuromuscular therapeutics projects.

Dr. Andrews’s research achievements are noteworthy. She has been nominated for the 2024 Sheila Essay Research Award by the American Academy of Neurology, reflecting her dedication to advancing ALS research. Furthermore, she was awarded the International Prize for Innovation during the International Symposium on ALS/MND in 2022, reinforcing her stature in the field. A fellow of both the American Neurological Association and the American Academy of Neurology, her current research interests include her work as co-principal investigator on the ALL ALS study — a nationwide initiative aimed at understanding ALS through comprehensive data collection.

NYU Langone's new ALS Center is set to offer a broad array of services, which encompass clinical care, research, social work support, genetic counseling, rehabilitation services, and nursing dedicated to ALS patients. Dr. Andrews aims to create a comprehensive program that integrates these elements seamlessly for better patient outcomes. "Combining our resources will help provide ALS patients with some of the best care available today and will hopefully lead us to a breakthrough in finding a cure for this challenging disease," she stated.

As NYU Langone Health has consistently received accolades for its integrated health system, being ranked first out of 118 comprehensive academic medical centers by Vizient, Inc. for four consecutive years, their commitment to patient care continues to expand. With the establishment of the new ALS Center under Dr. Andrews’s leadership, the institution is well-positioned not just to provide superior care but also to drive forward innovative ALS research, ultimately aiming towards a definitive cure for this condition.

For more information about the new ALS Center and resources available, patients and families are encouraged to reach out to NYU Langone Health directly.