Dr Teddy Yip joins the the UNC Department of Neurology’s new UNC Pediatric Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinic, which officially began welcoming patients on May 9th, 2025.
This innovative, multidisciplinary clinic is thoughtfully designed to provide comprehensive and collaborative care for children across North Carolina living with neuromuscular disorders. Managing these conditions often involves numerous specialist visits and significant travel for families. The new UNC Pediatric MDA Clinic aims to simplify this journey. The team of specialists include Dr. Teddy Yip (Physiatry), Erin Afshar (MSOT, OTR/L – Occupational Therapy), Shelley Rhudy (MPT – Physical Therapy), Joey Zisk (CPO, MPO – Orthotics), and Ayat Soufan (LCSW, CCM – Social Work/Clinical Care Management).
What This Means for Patients and Families:
The core of this new clinic is a dedicated team of specialists working together in one location, focused on your child’s unique needs. This approach offers several key benefits:
- Comprehensive, Team-Based Care: Your child will have access to a pediatric neuromuscular specialist, a physiatrist (rehabilitation physician), an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, an orthotist (specialist in braces and splints), and a social worker/clinical care manager, all collaborating on their care plan.
- Improved Communication & Streamlined Visits: With specialists working side-by-side, communication about your child’s progress and needs is enhanced. This collaborative environment can also help reduce the number of separate appointments and trips to UNC for many families.
- Accessible, Specialized Support: Children with neuromuscular disorders from all corners of the state can now access this more integrated and patient-centered care model.
The formation of this clinic has been a dream for the past three years and was inspired by Drs. Fan and Shiloh, whom have tirelessly provided care for these patients with neuromuscular disease over the years. Over the past year as this clinic really began to take form, it has been incredible to watch the group effort of so many people come together. Each teammate has brought their own piece of the puzzle to the process, and on May 9th we finally got to see the finished product. It is a big step forward and one of many to come as we strive to continue advancing the care of pediatric patients with neuromuscular disease.
Dr. Nate Wooten, UNC Neurology
Learn More or Schedule an Appointment
The UNC Pediatric MDA Clinic is now welcoming new patients. The clinic is located within the pediatric neurology facilities at Carolina Pointe II. For referrals or to learn more about the clinic and its services, please visit click here.