Kathryn Xixis, MD
Kathryn Idol Xixis, MD is an Assistant Professor of Neurology and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Virginia. She completed her combined Pediatrics and Child Neurology training at Duke University. Prior to matriculating to the University of Virginia, Dr. Xixis worked for several years at East Tennessee State University where her work with residents and medical students ignited her interest in medical education. She currently serves as Program Director for the Child Neurology Residency Program at UVA, and she is a member of the UVA Academy for Excellence in Education. Additionally, Dr. Xixis has a clinical interest in neurofibromatosis and helped to establish the UVA Comprehensive Pediatric Neurofibromatosis Clinic. Outside of medicine, Dr. Xixis enjoys spending time with her family including her husband, Terry, and their two young sons, James and William.
Diana Castro, MD
Board Certified Neurologist and Neuromuscular Physician
Founder and Director Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center
Founder and Director Neurology Rare Disease Center
Dr. Castro, a board-certified neurologist, and neuromuscular physician is a pioneer in the research and management of patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Myasthenia Gravis, and Acquired Neuropathies, like Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). Since completing training in pediatric neuromuscular medicine, Dr. Castro has conducted multiple clinical research trials in SMA, DMD, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), among other conditions.
Being an intricate part of developing innovative therapies for rare neuromuscular conditions is one of her biggest passions, along with her strong bonds with all her patients and their families. This unique relationship with her patients drives her to continue searching for therapeutic options for them.
In addition to managing a busy patient load and conducting research, Dr. Castro has had many peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and has given multiple national and international lectures in English and Spanish. She also sits on several national medical advisory boards and steering committees.
After more than ten years, Dr. Castro left academia to create a non-profit private practice and research institute for neuromuscular conditions. The research institute opened in November 2022, and the non-profit neuromuscular practice in January 2023. We are currently enrolling some research studies and have several protocols in the pipeline. We offer care to all neuromuscular patients, regardless of their insurance situation.
