Interview with Thananan Thammongkolchai, MD

Why did you feel that it was important to write a book on this topic? What does the Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine Board Review, 1st Edition add to the field?  

The motivation to write our Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine Board Review, 1st Edition book stemmed from our direct experience during residency and fellowship training. We recognized a significant gap in resources tailored specifically for board exams, including American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, as well as American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology; there was no comprehensive board review book available. Despite the limited resources, we were fortunate to attain satisfactory scores in these examinations ourselves, but the experience prompted us to conceptualize a resource that distills essential points for a comprehensive review. Moreover, the use of questions as a learning tool is an excellent approach to solidify understanding of key concepts in neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine. This method not only reinforces the material but also helps in identifying and addressing any knowledge gaps for learners.

What is the most exciting aspect of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine Board Review, 1st Edition? What chapter or topic covered are you most excited about?  

One particularly exciting aspect of our new publication is its comprehensive coverage of neuromuscular medicine – addressing topics from clinical neuromuscular medicine, electrodiagnosis, pathology, and genetics to rehabilitation and ethics – all within a single textbook. Each chapter adopts a question-based approach, encompassing both basic knowledge and clinically relevant questions. Answers are presented in a concise bullet-point format, emphasizing key points for clarity and ease of memorization along with numerous figures to support understanding of the various topics. Additionally, the book features mnemonics and high-yield facts, offering informal yet memorable learning aids. This structure facilitates a streamlined understanding, making it easier for time-constrained readers to identify and absorb essential information. Whether used for a quick review or an in-depth exploration, the book accommodates various learning preferences making it a versatile resource for anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge in neuromuscular medicine. 

We begin the book by establishing a foundational understanding of applied anatomy and physiology of the peripheral nervous system, thus providing an essential review of the basic science crucial for mastering the boards. The book spans eight chapters on electrodiagnostic studies, incorporating autonomic medicine as well as neuromuscular ultrasound; the latter is relatively novel in the field, but included in some board examinations. A substantial chapter is devoted to muscle and nerve pathology, presenting extensive yet easily navigable content. Numerous pathology figures highlighting key findings serve as valuable visual aids. Important genetic aspects of neuromuscular disorders are also highlighted in those chapters dedicated to hereditary neuropathy and hereditary myopathy. Finally, our book includes a dedicated focus on ethics and rehabilitation in the concluding chapter, rounding off the comprehensive exploration of neuromuscular medicine. 

What sets our book apart is its interconnected content. For instance, when exploring a question on the pathology of a disorder the review not only covers the specific pathological findings but also establishes connections with relevant clinical findings (and other chapters), providing a comprehensive understanding of the disease. This integrated approach allows readers to delve into various perspectives and creates a richer learning experience.  

Who will find the greatest value from Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine Board Review, 1st Edition and why?  

Our book is an invaluable resource for a broad spectrum of learners. It is particularly useful for fellows preparing for the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM), as well as those seeking special qualifications in neuromuscular medicine and neuromuscular ultrasound. Additionally, candidates preparing for exams with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), and the Residency In-Training Examination (RITE) will find the book beneficial. Beyond its utility for board exam preparation, it serves as an excellent review and knowledge consolidation tool for neuromuscular specialists, neurologists, and physiatrists at all levels of expertise in the field of neuromuscular disorders and electrodiagnostic medicine. 

What new ideas, practices, or procedures do you hope your readers take away from Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine Board Review, 1st Edition?

Our ultimate goal is to empower readers with not just comprehensive knowledge for board preparation, but also to glean practical insights. The contemplation of each question actively stimulates the thought processes that promote learning, encouraging deeper engagement and understanding. The easily digestible format includes concise, bulleted answers and encourages readers to focus on high-yield points, fostering understanding and ease of memorization. We hope our readers will adopt an integrative mindset, seamlessly connecting the diverse elements of neuromuscular medicine, electrodiagnostic studies, pathological findings, treatments, and more. This holistic understanding is envisioned to deepen reader appreciation for the subject, significantly enhancing proficiency in neuromuscular medicine and, consequently, elevating the quality of patient care. Beyond a board review, our text stands as a gateway that guides readers toward a comprehensive grasp of the intricacies within this specialized field.

What problem do you hope the future generation of your specialty will be able to solve?  

We’re hopeful that the next generation of specialists in our field will tackle and overcome the persistent challenges related to accessing specialized knowledge and resources for patient care. Neuromuscular medicine encompasses a wide range of sub-disciplines, including electrodiagnostic medicine, muscle disorders, nerve disorders, autonomic disorders, neuromuscular pathology, and neuromuscular ultrasound, among others. This breadth presents a significant challenge for trainees, who must acquire both basic and advanced knowledge across these varied areas. Moreover, the field is constantly evolving with new research and trials emerging daily. It is crucial to ensure that new and developing professionals possess robust foundational knowledge in the diverse aspects of neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine, enabling them to progress and deepen their understanding of the field. Ultimately, our goal is to enhance patient care and advance the field as a whole.

Is there anything else about the book you’d like to say?  

Learners can use this book in various ways. One approach is to read the Q&As sequentially, from the first question to the last. However, some readers – particularly those under time constraints – may need to focus on specific topics to address knowledge gaps or weaknesses; for these learners, our book is structured to facilitate selective reading, allowing direct access to the information they most need to learn or review. To enhance convenience, each answer section also displays the corresponding question posed, eliminating the need to constantly flip back and forth through the pages (a common inconvenience we’ve experienced with most review books). We eagerly anticipate and welcome feedback from our readers, which we plan to use for continual improvement.

About the Author

My name is Dr. Thananan Thammongkolchai – I’m a consultant neurologist specializing in neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine and neuromuscular ultrasound. Currently, I work at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, in Bangkok, Thailand. My background includes neurology and neuromuscular training both at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio). I am board-certified with the American Board of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, with special qualifications in Neuromuscular Medicine and Neuromuscular Ultrasound.

Purchase your copy of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine Board Review, 1st Edition here!