The UNC Department of Neurology welcomes Andrea Corse, MD as Clinical Professor and Director of the UNC Myasthenia Gravis Clinical Center. Dr. Corse is a neuromuscular specialist with expertise in neuromuscular clinical care, neuromuscular clinical pathology and nerve and muscle biopsy, and electrodiagnostic testing. She previously spent 30 years on faculty at The Johns Hopkin University School of Medicine after completing training there as an Osler intern, neurology resident and neuromuscular fellow under the direction of Dr. Daniel B. Drachman, a legend in the history of Neurology and pioneer in our understanding of MG pathophysiology.
Dr. Corse’s early career focused on bench research in motor neuron disease using organotypic spinal cord cultures with Dr. Jeff Rothstein and translational work in neuromuscular clinical trials, esp ALS and MG. She then assumed leadership of the Neuromuscular Nerve & Muscle Pathology Lab from another mentor Dr. Ralph Kuncl, instituting one of five UCNS Clinical Neuromuscular Pathology fellowships in the US. More recently Dr. Corse served as Director of the Hopkins Clinical Electrodiagnostic Lab.
Dr. Corse says her passion is MG patient care and trials and teaching. She recalls the joys working in the Hopkins Neuromuscular Clinic alongside Drs. Drachman, Jack Griffin, the former Hopkins Chairman and neuropathy expert, and Vinay Chaudhry, now a Tar Heel and UNC Neuromuscular Director. “It was a very special time with our group characterizing new autoimmune diseases, such a multifocal motor neuropathy and statin-associated necrotizing myopathy. Treatment strategies for patient care in neuromuscular diseases was exploding, promising improved quality of life for many patients.” Dr. Corse has seen some of the most dramatic changes in patient care in the area of MG. “The available therapeutic options has expanded in large part due to the tireless efforts spearheaded by UNC’s own Dr. James “Chip” Howard, recognized as a leader world-wide in MG clinical trials, along with his research coordinator Manisha Chopra MBBS, CCRP and many local and national MG trial colleagues. Dr. Howard, like Dr. Drachman, is an icon in the history of MG.
When the opportunity arose for Dr. Corse to come to the UNC MG Center she had little hesitation. “It is an honor and privilege for me to join Dr. Gardner’s Neurology Department and continue to grow the Clinical MG operation, including Dr. Howard’s impressive array of ongoing trials. “Already I have fallen in love with Chapel Hill,” says Dr. Corse who recently moved from Baltimore with her two dogs Wilson, an 11 yr old golden doodle, and Dunlop a 14 month old golden retriever. “The people could not be more friendly. The focus on nature and the outdoors seems an ideal setting. Its definitely a dog’s life here with all the trails and woods. The variety of trees is so beautiful on the hills. The sunsets are stunning and the stars seem extra brilliant.” Dr. Corse is also a sports fan. In no time she embraced the women’s B-ball team as season tickets to Carmichael Arena came as a perk with her new home!
For more information about the UNC Neurology Myasthenia Gravis Clinical Center – please visit the UNC Neuromuscular Services page. Physicians can find information on how to refer their patients to the Myasthenia Gravis Clinical Center via the Referring Provider Resources Page.