[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Tarnopolsky.jpg” caption=”Mark Tarnopolsky”]Mark Tarnopolsky, an associate professor in the departments of pediatrics and medicine at McMaster University, has been awarded both a national and regional award from Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC).

MDC announced that Tarnopolsky is the double winner of the Dr. David Green Awards in the Ontario region and Canada. The awards recognize excellence in research and the provision of service for those with neuromuscular disorders.

Tarnopolsky is a clinician scientist who holds the Hamilton Hospitals Assessment Centre Endowed Chair in Neuromuscular Disorders and is also director of the Neuromuscular and Neurometabolic Clinic at McMaster University Medical Centre. The clinic offers a range of services from molecular and metabolic testing through to the physical medicine and rehabilitation aspects of long-term care.

He conducts research in the areas of muscle metabolism and experimental therapeutics for neuromuscular and metabolic diseases. His work also involves evaluating nutrition, exercise and pharmacological strategies to enhance muscle function in health (sports) and in those with neuromuscular and neurometabolic disorders.

In announcing the awards, MDC cited several of Tarnopolsky's research projects, including the study of the stimulant modafinil to reduce excessive sleepiness and enhance mood in patients with myotonic muscular dystrophy; the use of testosterone, protein and drugs to enhance muscular strength in boys with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy; and the development of nutritional and exercise-based therapies in the treatment of mitochondrial disease.

Tarnopolsky was also cited for his exceptional bedside manner, and his willingness to assess, in a timely fashion, many clients registered with MDC.

“Dr. Tarnopolsky is a prime example of the exceptional faculty at McMaster University,” said John Kelton, dean and vice-president health sciences. “Mark is a brilliant researcher in his field, a caring physician and a role model for students.”

The Dr. David Green Award is named for the founder of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, and is presented annually to a scientist or researcher who has made significant contributions to MDC in the areas of meuromuscular research or the advancement of care for patients with neuromuscular diseases. There are four regional winners, one of whom is then chosen as the national winner.

Tarnopolsky earned both his MD and PhD from McMaster, and is also an associate member of the Department of Kinesiology. Earlier this year he and two other kinesiology faculty members received a $310,000 grant from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council to study immobilization-induced muscle protein loss in humans.

He has previously received the Golseth Young Investigator Award from the American Academy of Electrodiagnostic Medicine and the Premier's Research Excellence Award.

Tarnopolsky is also known around the McMaster campus for his dedication to adventure racing, a multisport, similar to triathlon except it primarily occurs in wilderness areas and involves navigation, hiking, running, mountain biking and canoeing.