The IMSMP would like to thank everyone who attended the 2013 Tisch MS Research Center Patient Education Symposium.  This was the largest patient symposium ever held with almost 1,000 patients, family members and caregivers.  We appreciate the time, effort and energy everyone took to travel from far and near making this such a truly outstanding event!

The symposium began with a patient slideshow and video about IMSMP, the largest MS research and treatment center.  The video illustrated Mary Beth Schifano, a patient since 1992 who has utilized the Center to its fullest while facing many challenges with her multiple sclerosis.  The presentations then began on The Healing Environment.

Our Nurse Practitioner, Rebecca Lizarraga offered an overview of the nursing services at the IMSMP and the key role the nurses play in patient care.  Dr. Stephen Kanter next spoke about the importance of remaining physical and active, to the best of your ability.  Director of Social Work, Beth DiBiase, shared strategies and coping mechanisms for dealing with MS, whether you are newly diagnosed or living with chronic illness for many years.  Dr. Deneb Bates concluded the presentations with an overview of naturopathy, diet and wellness for MS.

Our second session focused on medications and symptom management.  Dr. Armistead Williams explained how he looks at the "big picture" when a patient comes to him with a new symptom.  Dr. Andrew Sylvester offered a look at the current disease modifying agents and what is available to use today, while Dr. James Stark gave us a peek at the future and the drugs currently being tested as treatment options to halt disease progression.

The first two sessions also provided a brief question and answer session followed by a patient profile. Patient,  Robert Bloom, as part of The Healing Environment, described being diagnosed, the perception and misconception by others of what MS is and his struggles with telling co-workers.  Patient, Michelle Hiresh, as part of The Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis depicted what is was like to go for Lasik eye surgery only to find out you have multiple sclerosis.  She then explained her worsening of symptoms and poor MRI results as multiple MS treatments failed and she was forced to continuously try something new.  She found stability on intrathecal methotrexate, a treatment discovered by Dr. Sadiq in the Tisch MS Laboratory, shown to halt progressions even in Primary Progressive MS.

The FDA Approved Phase I Clinical Stem Cell Trial, brought everyone back together after lunch.  Dr. Violaine Harris presented the "Decade of Research" it took to obtain the approval.  Dr. Saud Sadiq then took the stage with heartfelt sentiments on his patients, their struggles and  a presentation titled, "What Does This Study mean For Me?"

A more detailed review of the research presentations and future treatments for MS will be covered in the fall issue of Healing MS, the IMSMP newsletter.

We appreciate all the feedback we have recieved so far and try every year to provide a patient education symposium we are all proud of.  We hope to see you again next year!