2018 Clinical Research Training Fellowship in ALS Research

The 2018 awardee of the Clinical Research Training Fellowship in ALS Research is Dr. Peter Creigh of the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. The Clinical Research Training Fellowship Award is given annually by The ALS Association, the American Brain Foundation, and the American Academy of Neurology.  

Project Summary: ALS is a devastating disease. Unfortunately, despite significant research effort, there are still only two approved treatments, and neither are very effective. High-quality clinical research is crucial to the discovery of new treatments. However, participating in these research studies can be challenging for individuals with ALS due to impaired mobility, travel difficulties, and caregiver burden. Individuals with ALS, especially those who are in already underserved parts of the country, are often unable to participate in research due to the challenges associated with traveling to research centers. Dr. Peter Creigh wants to improve ALS care through virtual research using telemedicine by making it easier for people living with ALS to participate in research studies. Virtual research visits could potentially enable every individual with ALS, from anywhere, to participate and have a voice in ALS research. Dr. Creigh says, “While there are currently no treatments that stop disease progression, there are many things that can be done to promote independence, comfort, and quality of life. That said, many unanswered questions and unmet needs remain, which fuel my desire to be involved in research to improve ALS care.” 

“I’m excited and feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with patients and families affected by this devastating disease,” adds Dr. Creigh.