Newswise — Rochester, Minn. (Aug. 14, 2025) – The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) proudly announces Zachary Simmons, MD, as the 2025 Distinguished Researcher Award recipient for his impact on neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine. “Much of my career has been dedicated to research into ALS. Being recognized for this is a great honor,” Dr. Simmons said. “It is particularly meaningful because it comes from an organization for which I have such great admiration and respect, and with which I have a long history of involvement.”
Dr. Simmons joined Penn State in 1992, where he founded and grew the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic, a nationally recognized multidisciplinary center. He served as site principal investigator for over 30 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical trials and led to key contributions, including the development of the ALS-Specific Quality of Life (ALSSQOL), instrument redefining how quality of life is understood in ALS. As editor of Muscle & Nerve and a leader within AANEM, Dr. Simmons has also helped shape the direction of research, education, and mentorship in the field. His ongoing studies explore innovations in communication, respiratory health, and ethical care, all driven by his commitment to improving life for people with ALS.
Dr. Simmons will be recognized at the 2025 AANEM Annual Meeting Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in San Francisco, California.
About American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)
Based in Rochester, MN, AANEM is the premier nonprofit membership association dedicated to the advancement of neuromuscular (NM), musculoskeletal (MSK), and electrodiagnostic (EDX) medicine. The organization and its members work to improve the quality of patient care and advance the science of NM diseases and EDX medicine by serving physicians and allied health professionals who care for those with muscle and nerve disorders. For more information about AANEM, visit www.aanem.org or Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
###