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John Brandsema, MD

About John Brandsema, MD

John Brandsema, MD, is a pediatric neurologist in the Division of Neurology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He has a special interest in treating children with neuromuscular disorders and is enthusiastic about the promise that medical and scientific advances hold for people with these conditions.

“Genetic breakthroughs are increasing accuracy of diagnosis while novel targeted therapeutics are changing lives,” Dr. Brandsema says.

Dr. Brandsema is involved with clinical trials of novel therapeutics for neuromuscular disorders.

His philosophy of care centers around developing strong partnerships with families and empowering parents to understand their child’s medical condition.

“I want them to know that we will work together to achieve the best possible quality of life for their loved one,” Dr. Brandsema says.

Children benefit from a team approach to care that includes not just their family and neurologist, but professionals across medical specialties, he says. Dr. Brandsema expects this model of care will continue to evolve as collaborative research leads to a greater understanding of rare neurological disorders.

Titles

Attending Physician

Certifications

Pediatric Neurology – Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Research Interests

Clinical trials for neuromuscular diseases

Education & training

Medical Degree

MD - Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Residency

Pediatric Neurology - The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada

Fellowship

Neuromuscular Medicine - Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

Team affiliations

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Publications

Publications
2019

Kim AG, Upah SA, Brandsema JF, Yum SW, Blinman TA. Thoracoscopic thymectomy for juvenile myasthenia gravis. Pediatr Surg Int. 2019 May;35(5):603-610. doi: 10.1007/s00383-019-04441-0. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

2018

Burgart AM, Magnus D, Tabor HK, Paquette ED, Frader J, Glover JJ, Jackson BM, Harrison CH, Urion DK, Graham RJ, Brandsema JF, Feudtner C. Ethical Challenges Confronted When Providing Nusinersen Treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. JAMA Pediatrics. 2018 Feb 1;172(2):188-192.

2017

Tiao J, Feng R, Berger EM, Brandsema JF, Coughlin CC, Khan N, Kichula EA, Lerman MA, Lvovich S, McMahon PJ, Rider LG, Rubin AI, Scalzi LV, Smith DM, Taxter AJ, Treat JR, Williams RP, Yum SW, Okawa J, Werth VP. Evaluation of the reliability of the Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index and the Cutaneous Assessment Tool-Binary Method in juvenile dermatomyositis among paediatric dermatologists, rheumatologists and neurologists. Br Jr Dermatology. 2017 Oct;177(4):1086-1092.

2015

Brandsema JF, Darras BT. Dystrophinopathies. Seminars in Neurology. 2015 Aug;35(4):369-84.

2010

Brandsema JF, Stephens D, Hartley J, Yoon G. Intermediate-dose idebenone and quality of life in Friedreich ataxia. Pediatr Neurol. 2010 May;42(5):338-42.

2009

Rea D, Brandsema JF, Armstrong D, Parkin PC, Deveber G, Macgregor D, Logan WJ, Askalan R. Cerebral arteriopathy in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Pediatrics. 2009 Sep;124(3):e476-83. Epub 2009 Aug 24.

2001

Pogue BW, Pitts JD, Mycek MA, Sloboda RD, Wilmot CM, Brandsema JF, O'Hara JA. In vivo NADH fluorescence monitoring as an assay for cellular damage in photodynamic therapy. Photochem Photobiol. 2001 Dec;74(6):817-24.

Patient experience rating

(based on 52 submissions)
  • Provider listened carefully
    4.7 of 5
  • Trust provider with care
    4.7 of 5
  • Provider gave enough info about child's health
    4.8 of 5
  • Would recommend the provider
    4.9 of 5
Learn about the patient experience rating system

About the Patient Experience Rating System

The patient experience rating is an average of all responses to the care provider-related questions from surveys submitted by patient families and verified by our survey partner National Research Corporation (NRC Health), an independent company that specializes in patient experience. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question. Responses are measured using percent positive scoring. Percent positive is the percentage of respondents who answered with the most desirable response. We are committed to transparency and sharing the voices of our patients and families. Comments are reviewed before posting to ensure accuracy, privacy, and relevance. To provide meaningful feedback, comments are displayed on provider profiles once a sufficient number have been received. All feedback is also shared internally to support learning, recognition, and continuous improvement. The comments reflect the experiences and perspectives of the patients and families who submitted them. The comments are not endorsed by and do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.