President
KCNT1 Epilepsy Foundation
Dr. Justin E. West is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Southern California, with an extensive background in both clinical practice and medical research. He holds a BA in Biology from Pomona College and earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. West completed his residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Georgetown, followed by an additional year of fellowship training at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital.
Dr. West has been involved in cutting-edge research including work on novel left ventricular assist devices, Fontan procedures, and fast-track protocols to optimize surgical outcomes during his time in the cardiothoracic research lab at the University of California, Irvine. He has also served as the Director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Breastlink Medical Group and is the founder and Medical Director of Finesse Plastic Surgery, where his commitment to personalized care and excellence attracts patients from across the country and internationally.
Beyond his surgical practice, Dr. West is deeply invested in advancing research for an ultra-rare epilepsy affecting his seven-year-old son Andrew. As the co-founder, President, and Director of Clinical Medicine for the KCNT1 Epilepsy Foundation, he has played a pivotal role in driving translational research and drug discovery for this condition. He has assembled a distinguished Science Advisory Board and Board of Directors, identified critical gaps in scientific knowledge, and initiated innovative drug repurposing and observational studies. Notably, Dr. West’s efforts led to his son becoming the first patient in the world to test a new at-home monitoring device, showcasing its efficacy in documenting clinical seizures.
Dr. West's innovative approach includes exploring unconventional therapies as well as investigating novel biomarkers for epilepsy. His efforts have advanced the field, leading to the development of more than a dozen drug development programs and 24 academic research initiatives focused on KCNT1.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM PDT