7 Quick Questions with Neurological Xuemei Huang

Xuemei Huang, MD, is a neurologist and Chair of the Department of Neurologists at UVA Health. He specializes in diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s disorders. His research also helps us better understand and treat Parkinson’s.

“We almost have the right biomarker to diagnose Parkinson’s disease and distinguish it from other disorders that look like Parkinson’s,” he shared. “I am very happy that some of my team’s efforts have contributed to a new generation of treatment to Parkinson’s disease that must be available in one or more next year.”

Meet Parkinson’s Disease Specialist

We asked 7 brief questions to Huang us to get to know him better.

1. What is the most inspiring and forming your approach to patient care?

My mentor in my training years.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

Get to know people, especially patients and people who work with me in my department.

3. What is your biggest fear when you are a patient?

I don’t need to see a doctor often. But my parents were 90s. When I took them to see a doctor, I was worried about overdiagnosis and excessive care.

4. What do you do to get rid of stress?

I do the Zumba class every night. This is a treat for myself at the end of the day. No matter how hard my day, I didn’t count what I didn’t achieve. I counted what I finished today, so I could sleep well at night and be the best version of me tomorrow for my patients and people I need to serve.

5. Dogs or cats?

Cat because it’s easy.

6. The last film you see? Thumb up or down?

It ended with us. I like the book, but the film is different.

7. The best advice you have ever heard of?

About 15 years ago, someone who really cared about me said, “If you want to succeed, get rid of your accent.” I immediately refused the idea as racist.

But many years later, I realized this was not about eliminating my accent. This is about improving my communication. I hired a trainer to talk and spent six months working in my English, breathing, etc., to make me a better communicator.