Andrew Billnitzer

Andrew Billnitzer

Clinical Core

Houston Methodist

Personal Statement

As an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, my career is defined by a commitment to the precise diagnosis and compassionate management of movement disorders. My clinical expertise spans the spectrum of α-synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies, as well as genetic ataxias and tremors. This clinical foundation has allowed me to bridge the gap between patient care and scientific advancement through my involvement in academic and industry-led studies focused on identifying novel biomarkers and pioneering treatments for these conditions.

My dedication to neurodegenerative research is deeply personal, as my own family has been affected by these illnesses. This drives my professional goal to provide state-of-the-art clinical care while ensuring the safety and advancement of research into early disease identification. Beyond the clinic, I am committed to the future of the field through my role as the preclerkship director for neurology at the Texas A&M EnMed medical campus. This unique curriculum, which integrates medicine with biomedical engineering, offers fertile ground for collaborative innovation in therapeutic technology.

Community engagement is also a cornerstone of my work. I serve on the medical advisory board for the Houston Area Parkinson's Society, where I translate complex medical data into patient-friendly materials and lead seminars to empower those living with Parkinson’s. By fostering these community links, I strive to reduce the disease burden and improve the quality of life for my patients and their families.

In the Houston ADRC Clinical Core, I utilize my clinical skills to perform skin biopsies for baseline participant visits. Additionally, I support Dr. Toledo in conducting comprehensive clinical visits, ensuring that our cohort is evaluated with the highest degree of clinical rigor to support the broader goals of the center.

Biography

Dr. Andrew Billnitzer is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, where he specializes in the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, dementia with Lewy bodies, and genetic ataxias. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso. His rigorous postgraduate training includes a neurology residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and a specialized fellowship in movement disorders at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

His clinical practice is deeply integrated with research, as he actively participates in academic and industry-led studies exploring novel biomarkers and therapeutic interventions for α-synucleinopathies. He also extends his expertise to the public as a member of the medical advisory board for the Houston Area Parkinson's Society, where he develops educational materials and leads seminars for patients and their families.

As a member of the Houston Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Clinical Core, Dr. Billnitzer provides essential clinical support by performing skin biopsies for baseline visits and assisting in comprehensive clinical evaluations. His dual focus on clinical excellence and engineering-driven medical education makes him a vital asset to the center’s multidisciplinary mission.