Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is named after the three doctors who first described the disease in 1886: Jean-Martin Charcot (shar-coh), Pierre Marie, and Howard Henry Tooth. Today, CMT refers to any peripheral neuropathy with a genetic cause, whether or not the specific genetic mutation is known.
Access to expert care can make a significant difference in managing CMT symptoms, improving quality of life, and connecting to research opportunities. CMTA Centers of Excellence are multidisciplinary clinics led by CMT specialists who provide comprehensive care tailored to the needs of people living with CMT.
What is a CMTA Center of Excellence?
CMTA Centers of Excellence are clinics directed by physicians who are awarded a Center of Excellence designation after a rigorous review process by CMTA’s Clinical Expert Board. CMTA does not operate or accredit clinics directly but recognizes individual CMT specialists who meet strict standards for clinical expertise, patient care, and commitment to the CMT community.
Each CMTA Center of Excellence offers expert care for individuals with CMT, bringing together a team that may include neurologists, physical therapists, genetic counselors, orthopedic specialists, and other healthcare professionals familiar with the complexities of CMT.
What Kind of Care Do CMTA Centers of Excellence Provide?
CMTA Centers of Excellence provide multidisciplinary evaluations, diagnosis, symptom management strategies, therapy guidance, orthotic recommendations, surgical consultations when appropriate, and genetic counseling. Some clinics serve pediatric patients, some serve adults, and many serve both. Each CMTA Center of Excellence is uniquely structured based on its location and specialty expertise, but all are committed to delivering high-quality, CMT-focused, patient-centered care.
Where Are CMTA Centers of Excellence Located?
There are dozens of CMTA Centers of Excellence across the United States and international locations in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Italy, and Thailand. Each Center is independently operated by its healthcare institution, and the designation follows the physician, not the facility. If a designated physician relocates, the CMTA Center of Excellence designation moves with them unless another designated specialist remains.
CMT Research and the Inherited Neuropathies Consortium (INC)
Many CMTA Centers of Excellence are affiliated with the Inherited Neuropathies Consortium (INC) to support vital CMT research. All INC-participating sites are CMTA Centers of Excellence. Patients seen at INC-participating clinics may have the opportunity to contribute to research studies designed to advance understanding, improve diagnosis, and accelerate the development of treatments. Research participation is voluntary and not required to receive care at a CMTA Center of Excellence.
Find a CMTA Center of Excellence
Use the CMTA Center of Excellence directory to find a nearby clinic. Each listing includes the name of the clinic director who holds the CMTA designation, contact information for scheduling, and details about services provided. When scheduling an appointment, be sure to request a visit with the CMTA-designated clinic director or co-director listed.
If you are a healthcare provider interested in applying for a CMTA Center of Excellence designation, please reach out to laurel@cmtausa.org.
