News

Benjamin Barnes, MD, was first drawn to neurology as a medical student, after he became fascinated by the details of a condition he saw in one of his patients. Now he’s halfway through his neuromuscular fellowship at the Duke Department of Neurology. In this week’s “spotlight” interview, Barnes talks to us about the research he performed as a resident to learn more about comorbid conditions for patients with ALS, his future plans at the Medical College of Georgia, and enjoying tea and participating in strongman conditions when he’s not at Duke.

Members of the Duke Department of Neurology contributed to nine studies in peer-reviewed journals published in December 2019. In the fields of neurodegeneration and neuromuscular disease, our faculty found potential new avenues for therapies for spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) and myasthenia gravis. Other studies by our faculty and housestaff answered important questions about how reductions in blood pressure affect outcomes for thrombectomy, outcomes for deep brain stimulation for patients with Parkinson’s, and other areas.

While E. Wayne Massey, MD, had an initial career path to become a preacher, his medical school projects and love for neuroscience aroused his interest in becoming a neurologist. He now utilizes his passion for teaching, in the classrooms of medical students and supervising neurologists in training. In this week’s “Faculty Spotlight” interview, Massey introduces us to his life outside of Duke, the risks of scuba diving, and the pros and scope of his work. As a neurologist with more than thirty years of work in his profession, Massey says that his greatest fear is not knowing enough.