Trainee Talk: An Interview With Dr. Elina Zakin on the Path, Passion, and Opportunities for Young Trainees in NM & EDX Medicine

Published September 26, 2024

Trainee Talk

Submitted by: Andre Granger, MD

Summary: Dr. Andre Granger interview Dr. Elina Zakin on the path, passion, and opportunities for young trainees in neuromuscular (NM) and electrodiagnostic (EDX) medicine.

Dr. Granger: Hi, Dr. Zakin, thank you for agreeing to speak to me today. My goal is to describe the exciting evolution that is occurring in NM and EDX medicine and encourage trainees to take the next step towards entering this field. To begin, can you tell us about your current role?

Dr. Zakin: I am an associate professor of neurology in the Division of NM medicine, and NM medicine fellowship program director at New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine.

Dr. Granger: Thank you, Dr. Zakin. Tell us, what drew you to NM medicine?

Dr. Zakin: The diverse clinical cases that require non-protocolized clinical approaches for investigation and management, in addition to the collegial faculty at my institution and the very collaborative nature of the work that we do. The procedural component in addition to clinical visits ensures the week never becomes monotonous. Typically, there are also ample education opportunities for trainees.

Dr. Granger: I truly enjoy the combination of clinical, EMG, education, and research responsibilities. What do you enjoy most about your job?


Dr. Zakin: I love working with my patients – they have seen several providers in search of a diagnosis, and to be the clinician who helps them solve the issue is the most rewarding aspect. Additionally, the opportunity to train young clinicians to start their career journeys in NM medicine is one of the other major highlights of my day to day.
 
Dr. Granger: For me, AANEM has nurtured my career by providing educational resources, networking opportunities, and direction in maturing leadership skills. What role has AANEM played in your career?

Dr. Zakin: AANEM has provided me with a network of clinical experts, and constantly allowed me to be in engaged in continuing medical education. The trainee portal, by which we conduct our match process for NM fellowship, has been a true highlight!

Dr. Granger: Yes, the fellowship portal has been a game changer! On the topic of game-changers, we have seen many very welcomed treatments emerging in the last several years. How has NM medicine evolved over the last decade?

Dr. Zakin: I completed my medical school training exactly 10 years ago, at a time where there was a modest set of therapeutic offerings for our patients. It was truly inspiring to see key therapeutic avenues develop over my decade of training and early career practice. From the life altering advances in spinal muscular atrophy, to the varied options before us for myasthenia gravis, and the ongoing clinical trial work in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and its variants, the field is booming with opportunities to not only engage in clinical work, but also contribute more globally to therapeutic growth, especially in rare diseases.

Dr. Granger: What are some gaps you think young trainees can fill in the future?

Dr. Zakin: In addition to filling the care gap and improving access care for our patients in need, there continues to be a great need for clinical trial work and therapy development. Still, there is much to be done in encouraging our young, yet to be differentiated, medical students and junior residents to pursue careers in neuromuscular medicine. Specifically, my role as an educator is to encourage my trainees to pursue roles in education and leadership.

Dr. Granger: What message would you leave with young trainees thinking about NM and EDX medicine?

Dr. Zakin: This was the best decision of my career, and I do not think anyone who is practicing or contributing to this field throughout the missions of service, discovery, or education, would have regrets with their decision. There is an exciting transformation occurring now – JOIN US!