Daniel Darvish, MD: Dr. Darvish is the founder of HIBM Research Group, and he is an experienced molecular genetics, laboratory quality management, and information technology executive. He completed medical school training at University of George Washington, Washington, D.C, 1993, and specialty training in Internal Medicine at Olive-View/UCLA program in southern California, 1996. Subsequently, Dr. Darvish dedicated his career to the rapid advance of research towards therapy for HIBM or GNE Myopathy. His post-doctorate training include volunteer and fellowship training in genetics and mammalian genotyping at UCLA and USC during 1998-2001. Dr. Darvish has co-authored numerous published scientific papers on HIBM. Dr. Darvish is the co-founder of patient advocate group Advancement of Research for Myopathies ( ARM ), and molecular genetics laboratory HIBM Research Group (HRG). Dr. Darvish holds a volunteer position as clinical consultant, information technology manager, and administrative director at HRG.
Marvin Pietruszka, MD, JD: Dr. Pietruszka served as the laboratory director for many years before retiring in 2020. He is an expert in internal medicine, pathology, and forensic toxicology. He has unique expertise in chart review, standard of care, slide and record review, clinical/pathological correlation and causation analysis. His experience includes case preparation of medical malpractice, personal injury, and wrongful death. Aside from his volunteer position at HRG, Dr. Pietruszka is the director of Del Carmen Medical Center and Psychemedics Inc. Toxicology Laboratory. Academic positions include clinical associate professor of pathology at University of Southern California.
Yadira Valles-Ayoub, MD, PhD: Dr. Valles-Ayoub served as the research director of HRG for many years before retiring in 2020. She is an expert in developing robust, reproducible, and rapid molecular assays. She completed medical training and specialty in Hematology-Oncology, followed by PhD training in Immunology, at UNAM, Mexico City. She was the head of department of Immunology and professor of Pathology at UNAM during 1979-1986. Subsequently, Dr. Valles-Ayoub moved to the United States and worked at UCLA department of pathology from 1986 - 1996. During her career, Dr. Valles-Ayoub has co-authored numerous scientific articles. Prior to joining HRG in 2004, Dr. Valles-Ayoub's experience includes holding senior scientist and director of research and development positions in industry during 1996 - 2004.