Ghazala Hayat, MD, Receives AANEM's 2024 Distinguished Physician Award

Dr. Hayat received her medical degree from King Edward Medical College, Pakistan, where she fulfilled her mother’s dream of having her first child become a doctor and attend King Edward Medical College. She completed her residency in neurology and a fellowship in NMDs and EMG at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia. She wanted to contribute to medicine as much as possible by improving patients’ health and teaching others to be proficient physicians and technologists. Dr. Hayat is now a professor of neurology and director of neuromuscular and clinical neurophysiology services at St. Louis University. She is the director of continuous quality improvement for St. Louis University School of Medicine and directs the multidisciplinary ALS clinic. Her primary research interests include ALS, peripheral neuropathies, myopathies, NM junction disorders, and demyelinating disorders.

She has published on various topics in her areas of expertise and has collaborated in many multicenter studies on NM disorders. Dr. Hayat is currently taking part in HEALEY trials for ALS, part of the Natural History Consortium, and initiated research studies on the comparison of ROADS, ALSFRS-R scores, and predictability of progression, as well as constipation in ALS patients and the possible relationship to dysautonomia. Dr. Hayat educates residents, fellows, medical students, and other healthcare professionals. She has received awards for best teacher and was nominated as best instructor for an elective. She was selected as one of the best doctors in America from 2007 to 2024. Among her many achievements, Dr. Hayat says she is most proud of serving on the AANEM Board of Directors, working as the chair of Workshop and Lab Accreditation committees, editing the book “Peripheral Neuropathy,” training residents and fellows, participating in ALS research, and winning the St. Louis University Woman of the Year Award.

Dr. Hayat has been a speaker 26 times at various AANEM meetings over the years, most recently in 2023. She has been an active member of the AANEM since 1986, has served on the AANEM Board of Directors, and is currently serving on the ABEM Board of Directors. She has served as chair for the EDX Lab Accreditation Committee and the Workshop Committee. She is a past member of the MACRA Task Force, Education, Annual Meeting Coordination, CME Advisory, Workshop, Program, and EDX Lab Accreditation Committees. She is also a fellow with the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Neurological Association (ANA).

She says she is humbled to win this award and feels, “it is due to the great people I work with at AANEM who have given me the opportunity to take different roles at AANEM. Professionally, it is a great honor and helps in opening more doors to leadership roles.” In the future, Dr. Hayat sees opportunities in NM medicine. “With research into dystrophies and immune-mediated NM junction disorders and neuropathies, there will be better care for our patients.” She plans to remain involved with ALS research, maintain proficiency in US, and educate others in NM and EDX medicine.