Mazen Dimachkie, M.D., was recently honored with a commendation for his “lifetime of work as an international expert on myositis.” 

Dimachkie, a professor and director of the Neuromuscular Division in the Department of Neurology at KU School of Medicine, received the honor during a June 13 event celebrating Governor Laura Kelly’s recent proclamation declaring the month of May as Myositis Awareness Month in the state of Kansas. The Kansas/Western Missouri Myositis Support Group, which provides resources and a social network for myositis patients in the area, hosted the event at the Neuromuscular Research Office. 

Kansas State Representative Dan Osman, in attendance at the support group’s event, requested Dimachkie’s recognition. 

Dimachkie’s advocacy for myositis awareness runs deep: In addition to publishing multiple peer-reviewed articles on myositis throughout his career, he previously served on the medical advisory board for The Myositis Association, an international patient advocacy group. He currently directs a regional conference for The Myositis Association and regularly visits with the local myositis support group. 

“For over 20 years, Dr. Dimachkie has been a resource and advocate for myositis patients in the greater Kansas City area,” said Susan McLoughlin, leader of the Kansas/Western Missouri Myositis Support Group. “He has served as a dedicated physician to many, and helps educate other medical providers so that future myositis patients can be diagnosed and treated quickly.” 

Myositis is a group of rare, chronic autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation of the muscles. According to The Myositis Association, all forms of myositis affect around 75,000 in the United States. 

Learn more about Dr. Dimachkie’s research in the Neuromuscular Division > 

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