By Alexandra Pecci; Northshore Magazine; September 4th, 2026
Intelligence, compassion, and expertise are qualities that make great doctors. But there’s another trait that’s sometimes overlooked, even by doctors themselves: Curiosity. For someone like Dr. Drasko Simovic, a never-ending curiosity is key to not only advancing medicine, but also helping people find answers and get the treatment they need.
“Maintaining curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning ensures that the care we provide remains precise, up-to-date, and impactful for our patients,” he says.
Simovic is owner and medical director of EMG Laboratory, which specializes in using electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction, and neuromuscular ultrasound testing to diagnose nerve and muscle disorders. These technologies apply small electrical pulses to nerves to record their electrical activity and evaluate how well nerves and muscles are functioning.
When patients experience symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, electrodiagnostics help doctors figure out whether they’re suffering from a common condition, like carpal tunnel or pinched nerves, or something more serious, like muscular dystrophy or ALS.
“This information is critical because many neuromuscular conditions can present with similar symptoms but require very different treatments,” Simovic says. “Our goal is to precisely identify where the problem is located, whether in the nerve root, peripheral nerve, or muscle, and determine its severity and nature.”
That precise diagnosis is “essential” in making the right treatment decisions, he says.
HOW IT WORKS
Physicians often refer patients to EMG Laboratory so they can receive this specialized testing, which involves inserting a very thin electrode needle into the muscles to record their electrical activity.
“These signals are analyzed using advanced computerized equipment to measure how fast and effectively nerves transmit impulses and how muscles respond,” Simovic says. “The test helps determine whether symptoms are caused by nerve injury, muscle disease, or a problem in the communication between them.”
In addition to this more traditional electromyography testing, which analyzes how the nerves and muscles are functioning, the test might also include a neuromuscular ultrasound, which allows doctors to actually see the nerves and muscles in real time and analyze their structure.
“By combining advanced techniques such as EMG and neuromuscular ultrasound, we are able to bridge the gap between structure and function, seeing the anatomy while also understanding how it works,” Simovic says. “This integrated approach allows for greater diagnostic precision and more personalized care.”
AN ADVANCING FIELD
The neurodiagnostics field has advanced significantly since Simovic first opened EMG Laboratory, which has offices in Lawrence and Hyannis, in 1997. It’s evolved from traditional electrodiagnostic testing to include newer technologies like neuromuscular ultrasound. The combined approach allows for more comprehensive and precise diagnoses.
“This combination enhances our ability to detect subtle abnormalities, assess dynamic changes, and better understand complex conditions,” Simovic says. “As a result, we are able to provide more accurate diagnoses and contribute to more personalized and effective treatment plans.”
Simovic, who is board-certified in neurology, electrodiagnostic medicine, clinical neurophysiology, neuromuscular ultrasound, and disability analysis, has also played a part in advancing the field himself. EMG Laboratory was the first group of 17 EMG labs across the country to achieve accreditation from the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. Today, it holds that organization’s highest level of recognition, Accreditation with Exemplary Status.
Simovic is advancing the field in other ways, too. In addition to his work at EMG Laboratory, Simovic is an assistant professor of neurology at Tufts University School of Medicine. His current clinical research focuses on combining electromyography with neuromuscular ultrasound to improve diagnostic accuracy in everyday clinical practice, which he says not only helps patients, but contributes to the broader field of neuromuscular medicine.
“By integrating these techniques, we can better identify subtle abnormalities that might be missed when using a single method alone,” he says. “This approach is particularly useful in conditions such as focal nerve entrapments and traumatic nerve injuries.”
That dedication to advancing the field comes back to Simovic’s profound and constant curiosity, combined with an unwavering drive and deep desire to help patients get the care they need.
“My passion lies not only in understanding these complex conditions but also in applying that knowledge directly to patient care,” he says. “Every test represents an opportunity to provide clarity and direction for someone seeking answers.”