Kilmer Memorial Lecture Series
May 2, 2025
Distinguished Guest Speaker: W. David Arnold, M.D.
W. David Arnold, M.D. is a physician-scientist specializing in neuromuscular medicine. He serves as the Executive Director of the NextGen Precision Health initiative at the University of Missouri, where he leads efforts to advance translational research and precision medicine. He is a tenured professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with a research focus on aging, neuromuscular function, and genetic neurological disorders. W. David Arnold’s research program is focused on translational neuromuscular physiology in the context of health, aging and disease. His work aims to understand mechanism and develop treatment for age-related loss of physical function as well as genetic and acquire neurological disorders. W. David Arnold has played a key role in translating discoveries into first-in-human trials, particularly in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and CMT. In addition to his research program, he co-directs the M.D./Ph.D. program at the University of Missouri, supporting the development of physician-scientists. He is also actively involved in mentorship, grant funding, and scientific leadership, including NIH-supported projects on neuromuscular aging and genetic therapies. Specifically, he is the associate director of the Rehabilitation Medicine Scientist Training Program (RMSTP), supporting the development of early-career rehabilitation physician-scientists.
About David D. Kilmer, M.D.
David Kilmer received his bachelor's degree in kinesiology from UCLA, graduating magna cum laude. He received his medical degree from the UC Davis School of Medicine in 1985, graduating with Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor society distinction. Upon completing his PM&R residency at UC Davis in 1989, he joined the faculty of the PM&R department. In 1991, he became the Director of UC Davis Medical Center's Electromyography (EMG) Laboratory and Director of the Adult Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinics. In 1999, he became the Acting Chair of the Department of PM&R and in 2000 was appointed as Chair of the Department, remaining as such until his untimely passing in 2009.
David Kilmer was an internationally renowned clinician, teacher, and researcher. He was known for the state-of-the-art and compassionate rehabilitation care he provided to patients with traumatic neurological conditions, amputations, and neuromuscular diseases. He was a gifted researcher, who published extensively in the medical literature on the effects of exercise in patients with neuromuscular disease, and he made numerous contributions that have influenced the care of these patients worldwide.
He twice won the faculty teaching award and was greatly respected by medical students, residents, and colleagues. In 2005, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the UC Davis School of Medicine and the Citation for Excellence from the Cal Aggie Alumni Association.
He served on the board of directors for the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and membership on the editorial board for the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. David Kilmer was a founding member of the neuromuscular medicine subspecialty board, jointly under the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.