Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/01/2022 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) is pleased to introduce DropCite (dropcite.com), a ground-breaking way to interact with research presentations, for its poster session being presented at its Annual Meeting, June 1-4, 2022 in National Harbor, MD. DropCite's product is designed to enhance researchers' connections and discussions with conference attendees.

DropCite's patent-pending software empowers scientists to collaboratively assess and highlight important new research. It captures immediate reactions to presentations and poster sessions at conferences, stimulates qualified commentaries about preprints, and produces expert crowd-sourced evaluations of new scientific research. It leverages the collective knowledge of research teams anytime, anywhere by giving them advanced inline commenting and evaluation tools that work easily across institutional and geographic boundaries.

By using DropCite to share posters at the CMSC Annual Meeting 2022, researchers will receive commentary about their work from conference attendees before, during and after the poster session.

"DropCite is introducing a new way to present posters as interactive slide decks, enhancing the experience for authors, viewers, and conference organizers," said Dr. Bob Morris, DropCite's Founder and CEO. "We believe it will change the way new research is reviewed and evaluated."

"CMSC is pleased to be debuting this interactive technology at our Annual Meeting. Being able to enhance the interaction between poster presenters and the healthcare community will further our mission of stimulating and facilitating research in the field of multiple sclerosis," said June Halper, CEO, CMSC.

The CMSC Annual Meeting is the most comprehensive multidisciplinary MS educational event in North America, providing cutting edge research findings and the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment in MS for all members of the healthcare team.

The CMSC educational program includes a full agenda of lectures, symposia, clinical courses, posters and platform presentations, and networking opportunities. Eleven learning tracks were named by the Professional Education committee covering science of MS; research; MS management; symptomatic management; nursing; rehabilitation; mental health; advocacy; skills development; technologic advancements; and wellness.

For more information about DropCite Inc, contact Tom Miller, Chief Marketing Officer, at tom@dropcite.com

For more information about CMSC and its Annual Meeting, contact Annie Scully at annie.scully@mscare.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/22/2021 -- An original investigation of the outcomes and risk factors associated with COVID-19 from a cross-section of multiple sclerosis patients from the COViMS North American registry was published online on March 19th in JAMA Neurology. Led by Amber Salter, PhD, this research of outcomes experienced by 1,626 people in the COViMS registry between April and December 2020 found these conclusions:

- Ambulation disability, older age, and Black race are associated with worse COVID-19 clinical course in a North American MS population.

- Rituximab use, and recent treatment with corticosteroids, as well as risk factors known in the general population such as obesity and cardiovascular comorbidities were associated with worse COVID-19 clinical severity.

Knowledge of these risk factors may improve the management of patients with MS and COVID-19 by helping clinicians identify patients requiring more intense monitoring or COVID-19 treatment.

The COViMS Registry is a joint effort of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers(CMSC), the National MS Society and the MS Society of Canada. It was created early in the pandemic for health care professionals to report cases of COVID-19 infection in people with MS and related conditions. Its goal is to understand how people with MS fare on exposure to the virus and to identify factors that might be associated with COVID-19 outcomes.

Read "Outcomes and Risk Factors Associated with SARS-COV-2 Infection in a North American Registry of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis," by Amber Salter, PhD, Robert J. Fox, MD, Scott D. Newsome, DO, June Halper, MSCN, David K. B. Li, MD, Pamela Kanellis, PhD, Kathleen Costello, MSCN, Bruce Bebo, PhD, Kottil Rammohan, MD, Gary R. Cutter, PhD, and Anne H. Cross, MD, published online March 19, 2021 in JAMA Neurology here: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2777735

To obtain additional information about COViMS or to report a case of COVID-19, please visit www.covims.org.

About CONSORTIUM OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CENTERS (CMSC)
The CMSC includes a professional network of 13,500 healthcare clinicians and scientists worldwide. Its membership represents the full spectrum of MS healthcare professionals: physicians, nursing professionals, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, rehabilitation and mental health professionals, researchers, and patient advocates. The work of the CMSC directly influences the quality of care for hundreds of thousands of people living with MS. For more information visit: www.mscare.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Leading MS Conference for Healthcare Professionals Seeks Poster and Platform Presentations for 2021 Annual Meeting

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/12/2020 -- The largest multi-disciplinary meeting in Multiple Sclerosis care and research invites healthcare professionals and scientists to submit abstracts for the 35th Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC). This is an opportunity to present research that focuses on timely issues involving Multiple Sclerosis (MS) basic and clinical research, patient care, and treatment outcomes. The posters and platforms will be presented at the in-person CMSC Annual Meeting, taking place June 2-5, 2021 at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA as well as live streamed.

"The Poster and Platform presentations are a popular feature of the CMSC Annual Meeting and provide attendees with unprecedented high caliber research and studies that can be applied to their clinical practices and benefit the comprehensive care of MS patients," said June Halper, CEO, CMSC. "In 2021, many of the accepted abstracts will be presented in person, but they will also be presented virtually to reach a wider audience."

Topics to be presented and discussed at the CMSC Annual Meeting include: Diagnosis & Prognosis; Basic Science; Mental Health and Psychosocial issues; Comprehensive Clinical Care; Disease Modification and its Outcomes; Epidemiology, Genetics, and Epigenetics; Neuroimaging and Neurophysiology; Rehabilitation Research and Strategies; Symptom Management; Advances in Technology as well as Programs and Methods of Care, Patient Reported Outcomes and Programs that Support Quality of Life.

The deadline for abstract submissions is January 11, 2021. Authors will be notified of their acceptance by February 29, 2021. Acceptance will be based entirely upon the quality of the work and appropriateness of the topic, although preference will be given to data-based submissions for Platform presentations.

Submission of an abstract implies a commitment to present at the meeting. The Platforms are oral presentations and the Posters are presented in written form. Both formats feature research, works in progress and methods of MS care. The Platform presentations will take place on Thursday, June 3, 2021 during the CMSC Annual Meeting and the Posters will be hung beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2nd, with a Poster review session on June 3rd.

The CMSC abstracts will be published and distributed during the Annual Meeting and are included in a special edition of the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC),the leading peer-reviewed publication on multidisciplinary MS care. Abstracts will also be posted on the CMSC Annual Meeting website for year-round access at www.mscare.org/2021. Numerous awards for best Poster and Platform presentations are given during the CMSC Annual Meeting.

Additionally, emerging scientists working in the field of MS are encouraged to submit abstracts for the Whitaker Research Track at the CMSC Annual Meeting. Dr. John N. Whitaker was a world famous researcher in multiple sclerosis who encouraged budding scientists to enter the field and develop their skills and talents. The Whitaker Research Track presentations will take place on Friday, June 1st, as a program of the CMSC Annual Meeting. This program for students, post-doctoral fellows, and young investigators is funded by the Foundation of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (FCMSC) . The deadline for the Whitaker Research Track abstracts is also January 11, 2021.

More information on the 2021 CMSC Annual Meeting, which will be a hybrid event that entails onsite and virtual educational and product offerings, and its Call for Abstracts can be found at www.mscare.org/2021

About CONSORTIUM OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CENTERS (CMSC)
The CMSC includes a professional network of 13,500 healthcare clinicians and scientists worldwide. Its membership represents the full spectrum of MS healthcare professionals: physicians, nursing professionals, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, rehabilitation and mental health professionals, researchers, and patient advocates. The work of the CMSC directly influences the quality of care for hundreds of thousands of people living with MS. For more information visit: www.mscare.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/10/2020 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), President, Michael Racke, MD, announced that the Board of Governors and CMSC members endorse the following statement issued by leading medical organizations:

"The Trump administration's official withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) puts the health of our country at grave risk. As leading medical organizations, representing hundreds of thousands of physicians, we join in strong opposition to this decision, which is a major setback to science, public health, and global coordination efforts needed to defeat COVID-19.

The WHO plays a leading role in protecting, supporting, and promoting public health in the United States and around the world. The agency has been on the frontlines of every global child health challenge over the last seven decades, successfully eradicating smallpox, vaccinating billions against measles, and cutting preventable child deaths by more than half since 1990. Withdrawing from the WHO puts these investments at risk and leaves the United States without a seat at the table—at a time when our leadership is most desperately needed.

As our nation and the rest of the world face a global health pandemic, a worldwide, coordinated response is more vital than ever. This dangerous withdrawal not only impacts the global response against COVID-19, but also undermines efforts to address other major public health threats. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians and American Medical Association strongly oppose this short-sighted decision. We call on Congress to reject the Administration's withdrawal from the WHO and make every effort to preserve the United States' relationship with this valued global institution. Now is the time to invest in global health, rather than turn back.

Endorsed by
AAP President Sally Goza, MD
FAAP, AAFP President Gary L. LeRoy, M.D.
AMA President Susan R. Bailey, M.D.
ACP President, Jacqueline W. Fincher, MD, FACP"

Added June Halper, CEO, CMSC, "As the leading healthcare organization for Multiple Sclerosis professionals, we strongly endorse this statement from the medical community. CMSC agrees that the Trump administration's official withdrawal from WHO would be a major setback in eradicating COVID-19 as well as other major public health threats."

About Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC)
The CMSC includes a professional network of 13,500 healthcare clinicians and scientists worldwide. Its membership represents the full spectrum of MS healthcare professionals: physicians, nursing professionals, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, rehabilitation and mental health professionals, researchers, and patient advocates. The work of the CMSC directly influences the quality of care for hundreds of thousands of people living with MS. For more information visit: www.mscare.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/08/2020 -- In light of the recent cancelation of its live annual meeting, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) is pleased to announce important virtual events launching on May 26, 2020. The CMSC is the leading non-profit organization for multiple sclerosis healthcare professionals, researchers and professionals-in-training.

Based on feedback from its membership, the leadership of the CMSC has scheduled the following:

- Selected lectures from the CMSC Annual Meeting on May 26-29; accredited presentations on the management of MS, pharmacotherapeutics, hot topics in MS, and comprehensive care will be posted in partnership with the MJH Life Sciences, an organization dedicated to comprehensive education in all aspects of healthcare on their Neurology Live platform. Leading MS experts will discuss "CNS Immune Responses that Underlie Progressive MS: Future Challenges in the COVID-19 Era;" "Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: Emerging Treatment Options;" and "Stem Cell Research Update;" to name a few of the presentations over the 4-day online event.

- Independently accredited satellite symposia will be live streamed following the lecture series each day from May 26 through the 28. A final satellite will be broadcast the evening of June 4.

- More About MS: Coming of Age with Multiple Sclerosis, a unique patient program for those wanting to increase their knowledge of MS, will take place on May 30th. This virtual conference will include discussions on Aging and MS, Advances in MS Research, Rehabilitation and Wellness in MS, MS Perspectives from a Neurologist who has MS, and an open question and answer session.

- An interactive virtual Exhibit Hall experience for healthcare professionals and a Poster Tour as well as Product Theaters will take place from June 1-4. Online engagement activities will provide healthcare professionals with new information about currently available therapeutics as well as new products under investigation for MS.

- A virtual Workforce of the Future Mini-Forum will take place on Wednesday, June 17th, 7-8:30 pm ET hosted by the Foundation of the CMSC (FCMSC). Foundation scholars and fellows of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will hear presentations from Dr. Fred Lublin, Dr. Nancy Sicotte, Dr. Ahmed Obeidat, and Dr. Marwa Kaisey during this unique forum for education and career building.

Attendees of the CMSC Virtual Meeting can earn up to 18 contact hours of continuing education. In addition, all accredited programs will be archived and available on the CMSC website for one year for those professionals that are unable to participate during the live virtual Annual Meeting dates.

"The CMSC supports all efforts to eliminate the COVID-19 from our country and the world and was saddened to cancel its live annual meeting. We are excited that through our partnership with Neurology Live and other digital platforms, we are now able to provide important elements of the Annual Meeting, and More About MS in a novel and exciting way," said June Halper, CEO, CMSC.

For more information and to register for these complimentary programs visit the CMSC website at: https://cmscscholar.org/2020-virtual-meeting/

About CONSORTIUM OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CENTERS (CMSC)
The CMSC includes a professional network of 13,500 healthcare clinicians and scientists worldwide. Its membership represents the full spectrum of MS healthcare professionals: physicians, nursing professionals, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, rehabilitation and mental health professionals, researchers, and patient advocates. The work of the CMSC directly influences the quality of care for hundreds of thousands of people living with MS. For more information visit: www.mscare.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Leading Educational Non-Profit for Multiple Sclerosis Healthcare Professionals to Provide Virtual and Web-Based Accredited Programs

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/30/2020 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting scheduled for May 27-30, 2020 in Orlando, FL has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and collateral effects. This is the first time in its history that the CMSC Annual Meeting has been canceled, and it is the largest educational conference in North America for Multiple Sclerosis healthcare professionals.

In a statement to all stakeholders in the Annual Meeting, June Halper, CEO of CMSC said: "We recognize that our members have educational needs that would have been met at our Annual Meeting. CMSC pledges to sustain and to expand our educational activities throughout the remainder of the year via virtual and online platforms to address those needs."

More than 200 abstracts were accepted for the 2020 Annual Meeting. These new research and scientific abstracts that include platform, poster, and Whitaker Research will be published in a special supplement of the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC).

In 2021, the 35th CMSC Annual Meeting is scheduled to take place June 2-5, at the San Diego Convention Center, in San Diego, CA.

The CMSC is a professional network of 13,500 healthcare clinicians and scientists worldwide. Its membership represents the full spectrum of MS healthcare professionals: physicians, nursing professionals, advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, rehabilitation and mental health professionals, researchers, and patient advocates. The work of the CMSC directly influences the quality of care for hundreds of thousands of people living with MS.

Ms. Halper continued, "The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic is something that none of us has faced in our lifetime. Protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our members, our patients and the community-at-large remains our first priority."

"We are making it a point to provide timely and relevant information to the CMSC community in the most efficient and safe way possible. We will be communicating these new initiatives in the next few weeks," added Ms. Halper.

For more information about CMSC and its Annual Meeting, visit: www.mscare.org/2020. For access to the IJMSC go to: https://ijmsc.org/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers to Host Free Patient, Family and Caregivers Program in Seattle, WA

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/11/2019 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), the leading organization for healthcare professionals involved in MS care, announces More About MS This new one-day educational forum specifically designed for those living with and affected by MS will take place Friday, May 31st, 2019, in conjunction with the CMSC Annual Meeting at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington.

The CMSC Annual Meeting, running from May 28-June 1, is the largest educational conference and professional development event for all healthcare clinicians, researchers, scientists and professionals in training engaged in the MS field. At More About MS, people living with or affected by MS will have the opportunity to join a special program at the Annual Meeting to network with one another and to learn from leading MS experts about ways to better manage their disease and improve their quality of life.

More About MS opens with a luncheon for patients, care partners, and family members, followed by a tour of exhibits featuring products, services and wellness solutions for optimum quality of life.

The educational sessions, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm, will focus on "Managing My MS." The More About MS Program Chair, Randall T. Schapiro, MD, FAAN, will kick off the sessions with opening remarks and lead a discussion on "Managing the Symptoms of MS." Dr. Schapiro founded one of the first comprehensive MS Center in a private practice in the United States in 1977, renamed "The Schapiro Center for Multiple Sclerosis" at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology in 2004. Dr. Schapiro also founded the first MS Achievement Center, a wellness day care program in the early '80s.

"Managing the symptoms of MS is the backbone to improving the quality of life for an individual with MS," said Dr. Schapiro.

The educational agenda also includes: "Managing the Disease;" by John Schafer, MD; "Managing Depression," led by Frederick W. Foley, PhD; and "Health Care in 2019," presented by Ezra Golberstein, PhD. More About MS concludes with an interactive panel discussion with the presenters and Q&A with the attendees.

The More About MS program is complimentary and registration is required at https://www.mscare.org/event/moreaboutms

About Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC)
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals, researchers and professionals in training. The CMSC mission is to promote high quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 12,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 33rd CMSC Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of MS healthcare professionals in North America, will take place May 28 – June 1, 2019, in Seattle, WA. For more information visit: www.mscare.org. Follow CMSC on Twitter: @mscare and Facebook: CMSCmscare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

$10,000 Donation Made to the Foundation of Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (FCMSC)

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/20/2018 -- Lisa DeSantis, Continuing Education Manager for the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and Special Projects Manager/Grant Writer for the Foundation of the CMSC (FCMSC), was recently honored as a Difference Maker by the TIAA.

The Difference Maker 100 program launched earlier this year, as part of TIAA's centennial, to recognize the positive impact nonprofit employees have on the world. Individuals were invited to submit their own story or recommend others for consideration. The final Difference Maker 100 Honorees were selected by a panel of judges based on their impact, creativity, perseverance and motive.

DeSantis was selected as a "100" honoree out of more than 4,000 nominations. For the last four years, DeSantis has programmed educational events for the CMSC's Continuing Education Program, which provides accredited educational programming for physicians, PA's, nursing professionals, pharmacists, and other medical professionals and clinicians. This programming includes live events such as MS Forums, Nursing Care in MS, Managing MS: A Team Approach; NP Connections: The Role of the Nurse Practitioner in MS Care, as well as the CMSC Annual Meeting. A full agenda of webinars and learning courses are also part of the continuing education program of CMSC.

In October 2018, TIAA made a $10,000.00 donation to the FCMSC on DeSantis' behalf as a result of this honor. FCMSC initiatives work to create and train the workforce of the future by providing research opportunities and funding scholarships and fellowships to encourage the next generation of medical students to pursue MS as a specialty in clinical care and research.

Her work in MS is also personal for DeSantis as she lost her father to MS in 1993 and her brother was diagnosed with MS in 2015. Since joining CMSC she has seen great advances in the care and treatment of approximately 1 million people affected by MS as well as their outlooks. "An MS diagnosis no longer means a future of severe disability and little hope. Instead, those diagnosed can immediately begin regiments of disease-modifying therapy that can halt disease progress for many years," said DeSantis.

DeSantis graduated from Rutgers College in 1999 with a BA in Political Science and earned her J.D. in 2002 from Rutgers Law School. After 12 years as an attorney, she came to CMSC in 2015. She currently resides in Paramus, New Jersey with her husband Kevin and son Ryan. DeSantis is PTA Vice-President at West Brook Middle School and volunteers with several youth sports organizations in which her son is involved.

"Lisa's contributions at CMSC are invaluable, as healthcare professionals around the world have benefitted from learning about the latest advancements and treatments for MS care through her expertise and tireless efforts as continuing education manager," said June Halper, CEO, CMSC.

For more information on CMSC visit www.mscare.org. For more information about the TIAA Difference Maker 100 Honorees and the program, visit TIAADifferenceMaker100.org.

About The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC)
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote high quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 11,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. For more information visit: www.mscare.org. Follow CMSC on Twitter: @mscare.org and Facebook: CMSCmscare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Online Portal Features Diverse Voices of Hope and Insight

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/08/2018 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers' online project MS Teamworks has added new educational and inspiring content from patients and MS experts to its innovative digital collection of powerful multiple sclerosis (MS) stories. Authentic video stories from people living with MS, healthcare professionals, and specialty talks on MS Treatment and Management, MS in the Pediatric Population, Mental & Emotional Well-Being and MS, and Special Considerations in MS Care make up the MS Teamworks content library. MS topics such as "MS: Why Numbers Matter," "Neuro-Ophthalmology," and "What Does It Mean to Be in a Clinical Trial," are also part of the programming.

The unique format and innovative content of these talks reflects the public's increasing need for new, more accessible information on a chronic neurological disorder that affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide with almost one million people in the United States.

The MS Teamworks talks are free and accessible to the public. The new patient-focused stories include:

- "We Can Relate," a facilitated discussion with an MS patient about her unique challenges and how she overcomes them.

- "MS Won't Stop Me," a frank discussion on the challenges of living with MS and what motivates a person to persevere.

- "The Secret to Our Success," providing insight into what makes up a successful doctor-patient relationship.

The new MS Care Team talks come from top clinicians, experts and educators on MS and include:

- "Why I'm an MS Nurse", featuring Carrie Sammarco, DrNP, FNP-C, MSCN discussing her work with MS patients and what motivates her to work in the field.

- "Why I'm an MS Doctor," with Scott Newsome, DO, MSCS, FAAN, sharing how his mother's battle with MS inspired him to work with others with the disease.

- "Making Connections in MS,"a candid conversation among three NPs about the importance of having a good patient-clinician-relationship.

- "Making an Impact on MS Care" spotlights the CEO of CMSC, June Halper, and CMSC Director of Education, Tina Trott, speaking on the importance of establishing an MS care team to promote patient advocacy, research and education.

New MS Management and Treatment videos include "Forging a New Path in MS Treatment," and "Can Stem Cells Help My MS?". Mental and emotional well-being are discussed in new talks on "Mediation and Yoga," "Work-Life Balance," and "It's Not Just Bedroom Talk," a review of sexual issues commonly experienced by patients with MS and expert recommendations for addressing these issues.

Talks on special considerations in MS Care include "African Americans and MS," and "Aging and MS." Tanuja Chitnis, MD, FAAN, addresses pediatric MS in two separate talks: "Pediatric MS" and "Teen Talk: MS in Teenagers."

"MS Teamworks continues to provide accessible messages of hope to all members of the MS community and to illustrate the power of coming together as a team to provide a future for those living with MS," said June Halper, CEO, CMSC.

MS Teamworks is produced by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and Catamount Medical Education and made possible by a grant from EMD Serono. To access and share the MS Teamworks video talks, visit: www.msteamworks.com. Follow MS Teamworks on Instagram and Twitter: @msteamworks.

About CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote high quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 11,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe.

For more information visit: www.mscare.org. Follow CMSC on Twitter: @mscare.org and Facebook: CMSCmscare.

About Catamount Medical Education
Catamount Medical Education's mission is to create learning experiences that maximize the impact on patient care. Education is delivered through live programs, including satellite symposia, local and regional meetings, and online events, as well as through self-directed, enduring formats such as podcasts, videos, Webinars, monographs, newsfeeds, and other enduring formats. Catamount seeks to add value to its education and ensuring a direct impact on patient care by incorporating practical tools for the clinician (e.g., exam room posters, pocket cards, patient education materials) into every educational experience.

Learn more at http://www.catmeded.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Rehabilitation Specialist Honored for High-Quality Multiple Sclerosis Care & Leadership

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/29/2016 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers(CMSC) is pleased to announce that Susan E. Bennett, PT, DPT, EdD, NCS, MSCS, has received its 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented during its 30th Annual Meeting in National Harbor, MD, on June 3, 2016.

The CMSC Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose decades-long commitment has driven significant advances in the care of people with MS.

"This is the first-time that an individual from the rehabilitation field has received this award. Sue Bennett is a pioneer in rehabilitation practices and the role it plays in the comprehensive care of neurological disorders, especially with MS. She has also been an invaluable leader and role model for CMSC, and her unwavering commitment to enhancing the care and quality of life of people with MS, and their families, reflects the highest ideals of the CMSC and all of our allied organizations," said June Halper, CEO, CMSC.

Dr. Bennett is a Clinical Professor at the University of Buffalo in the Departments of Rehabilitation Science, Neurology and Neurosurgery. She is also the Director, MS Comprehensive Care Center, Jacobs MS Center for Treatment and Research, and an American Board of Physical Therapy Neurologic Certified Specialist and a CMSC Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist.

Dr. Bennett served as President of CMSC from 2012 to 2014 and prior to that served as Treasurer of the CMSC. She currently is Project Director, Rehabilitation Fellowship Program and Chair of the CMSC Rehabilitation Research Interest Group. Dr. Bennett has also been involved in APTA professional activities at the national and state level.

Dr. Bennett has published numerous papers in the International Journal of MS Care as well as presented Platforms and Presentations at the CMSC Annual Meetings and other leading neurology conferences. In 2010, her group Platform presentation on "Validity, Reliability and Sensitivity of Gait Measures in MS," at the CMSC Annual Meeting, in San Antonio, TX, received the Labe Scheinberg Award for Research, which recognizes the Platform that will most likely impact MS care.

For more information about CMSC and its membership offerings and educational programs for healthcare professionals, please visit http://www.mscare.org.

About Consortium Of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC)
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote high quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 11,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The CMSC 30th Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of MS professionals in North America, took place June 1-4, 2016, in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. For more information go to www.mscare.org. Follow CMSC on Twitter: @mscare.org and Facebook: CMSCmscare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

International Leaders in Multiple Sclerosis Care and Research Will Present at the 30th CMSC Annual Meeting

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/23/2016 -- The preeminent conference for multiple sclerosis health care professionals, the 3 0th Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, presents opening day lectures with some of the top minds in MS research, treatment and comprehensive care. Taking place June 1-4, 2016 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, the robust educational agenda includes opening lectures as well as panel discussions and continuing education programs for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

"The CMSC Annual Meeting features national and international MS experts who represent the best in clinical care and research," said June Halper, Chief Executive Officer, CMSC. "Attendees will walk away with a greater understanding of the comprehensive management of the disease and learn about the next evolution of MS care."

Fred D. Lublin, MD, FAAN, FANA, opens the CMSC Annual Meeting with the John F. Kurtzke Memorial Lecture on "Do Relapses Really Matter?"

Dr. Lublin will offer a fresh examination employing the most recent evidence and expert opinion about how relapses affect clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis.

On Thursday, June 2nd, the Presidential Lecture by Daniel Pelletier, MD, will cover "Genetic Variations Relating to Glutamate Concentration in the Brain." Dr. Pelletier will examine glutamate and other in vivo biomarkers in MS, and how current research employs advanced imaging technologies to estimate the concentrations of targeted molecules in the brain, opening a new era of genotype-phenotype studies using more specific endophenotypic quantitative traits to discover relevant biological pathways associated with progressive disease.

The John Whitaker Memorial Lecture takes place on Friday, June 3rd. Jerry S. Wolinsky, MD will present "Milestones in MS – Mostly Missed When They Happened." This presentation will be a personalized account of what may have been milestones for change that were initially ignored. The goal is to emphasize how what may have seemed at the time to have been curious observations at the bedside or in the laboratory can have rather profound consequences years later.

Jack Antel, MD will deliver the Donald Paty Memorial Lecture on Saturday, June 4th. "Multiple Sclerosis: Can the Damage be Undone?" will discuss how preventing or reversing the tissue damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) will be dependent on recognizing the underlying mechanisms.

In addition to the daily opening lectures, the CMSC Annual Meeting presents unique educational opportunities that include roundtable discussions and the Meet the Professor Dinner on June 1st. Suhayl Dhib-Jalbut, MD will review the status of Personalized Medicine in MS.

There are also full courses on "Diagnosing and Misdiagnosing MS;" "Current Topics and Trends in MS Rehabilitation;" and timely topics that include "Treatment of Depression and Other Mental Health Problems in MS;" "Metabolism in MS and Related Conditions;" "Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis;" and" Advances in Screening, Assessment, and Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction in MS."

The 3 0th CMSC Annual Meeting is the only North America event that provides health care professionals, from a wide range of medical disciplines and from all over the world, with the latest information, treatment advancements, and research in comprehensive care in multiple sclerosis.

For more information on the CMSC Annual Meeting and to register, visit: http://www.mscare.org/2016

About Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC)
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote high quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 11,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 30th CMSC Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of MS professionals in North America, will take place June 1-4, 2016, in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC.

For more information go to http://www.mscare.org.

Follow CMSC on Twitter: @mscare.org and Facebook: CMSCmscare.

Editor's Note: If you would like to attend the CMSC Annual Meeting as a member of the media, please contact Annie Scully at annie.scully@mscare.org / 201-310-9252

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Pavan Bhargava, MBBS, MD of Johns Hopkins Selected to Conduct Progressive MS Research

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/17/2016 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) announces that Pavan Bhargava, MBBS, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has been awarded the John F. Kurtzke, MD, FAAN Clinician-Scientist Development Three-Year Award in Multiple Sclerosis. The award is co-sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, The American Brain Foundation and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, with funding through the Foundation of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.

Dr. Bhargava's three-year research project will be on "Targeting Leptomeningeal Inflammation for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis." He aims to develop a method to utilize mouse models to screen various therapeutic agents that could target inflammation in the coverings of the brain (meninges) that play a role in causing progression in people with multiple sclerosis.

"This system will help us to better understand how this inflammation develops and can also be used to test the effect of promising therapies on this inflammation. Therapies that succeed in this system can then be moved to trials in people with progressive multiple sclerosis," said Dr. Bhargava.

This Clinician-Scientist Development Award was established in 2009 to honor the contributions of the late Dr. Kurtzke and inspire new MS healthcare professionals to follow in his path. The award also aims to recognize the importance of good clinical research and encourage young investigators in clinical studies.

Dr. Kurtzke was a pioneering neuroepidemiologist and Professor of Neurology at Georgetown University who is best known for his creation of the Expanded Disability Status Scale and for his research on multiple sclerosis (MS). After graduating from Cornell University Medical College in 1952, Dr. Kurtzke started his career in the field of neurology as Chief of the Neurology Service at the Veteran's Affairs (VA) Medical Centers in Coatesville, PA, from 1956 to 1963, and then in Washington, DC, from 1963 to 1995, where he became Professor of Neurology at Georgetown University, where he was Professor Emeritus. Dr. Kurtzke passed away in December of 2015.

In addition to the John F. Kurtzke Clinician-Scientist Development Award in Multiple Sclerosis, the Foundation of the CMSC has funded over 400 MS Workforce of the Future and Professionals-in-Training projects as well as research fellowship awards in honor of other pioneering MS neurologists through grants and private contributions.

For more information on additional scholarships, fellowships, and projects made possible by the FCMSC, please visit http://cmscfoundation.org/initiatives2

About The Foundation of CMSC
The FCMSC was founded in 1999 with the mission to stimulate the growth, development and provision of patient care services, education and research in the field of MS and to enhance the quality of life of those affected by MS through supporting the activities of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers' (CMSC).

For more information go to www.cmscfoundation.org

About Consortium Of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC)
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote high quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 11,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The CMSC 30th Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of MS professionals in North America, will take place June 1-4, 2016, in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC.

For more information go to http://www.mscare.org.

Follow CMSC on Twitter: @mscare.org and Facebook: CMSCmscare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Dr. Fred D. Lublin, Delivers John F. Kurtzke Memorial Lecture at MS Conference for Healthcare Professionals

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/15/2016 -- An international authority on the clinical and scientific aspects of multiple sclerosis, Dr. Fred D. Lublin of the Mount Sinai Medical Center will open the 30th Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting with a lecture on "Do Relapses Really Matter?" His John F. Kurtzke Memorial Lecture, on June 1st, will offer a fresh examination employing the most recent evidence and expert opinion about how relapses affect clinical outcomes in MS. The CMSC Annual Meeting, taking place June 1-4, 2016, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, is the only event in North America that provides health care professionals, from a wide range of disciplines, with the latest information, treatment advancements, and research in multiple sclerosis.

Acute MS relapses are disturbing and disruptive events to patient with MS, often requiring hospitalization. The disease can also be active during times of remission, and the clinical manifestation of MS relapses are probably the "tip of the iceberg".

"How relapses influence disease worsening and clinical outcomes in MS over the long term continues to be debated and accurate ways to determine what constitutes a relapse in MS and the severity of relapses have been lacking," said Dr. Lublin. "My opening lecture at the CMSC Annual Meeting will provide insight on how with emerging efficacy data, MS care professionals can begin to re-evaluate what is an "acceptable" relapse rate. "

About Dr. Lublin
Dr. Lublin is a Director of the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Sinai, and he is the Saunders Family Professor of Neurology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. As a neuroimmunologist, Dr. Lublin has a special interest in immune functions and abnormalities affecting the nervous system. He is currently involved in several new clinical research protocols on promising agents for the treatment of MS, and he was the national coordinating investigator for the NIH-funded multi-center trial of combination therapy in MS. He is a Co-Chief Editor of the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.

Dr. Lublin's lecture opens four days of a diverse and intense agenda that includes lectures, workshops, symposia, roundtables, panel discussions and poster and platform presentations. Nine learning tracks were named by the Professional Education committee covering basic science/environmental factors; psychosocial: cognition, depression; disease management; symptom management; nursing; rehabilitation; comprehensive care; research; and professional skills development.

The CMSC Annual Meeting offers conference delegates continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, pharmacists, and social workers. Credits for physical therapists are pending. Several independently supported satellite programs will also offer additional accredited learning opportunities in multiple sclerosis.

The all-inclusive registration fee for the CMSC Annual Meeting includes access to the entire conference program, exhibits, organized meals, networking forums and most social events. There is a discounted rate for CMSC and IOMSN Members and an early online registration discount. Medical students and professionals in training including neurology residents, fellows, and full-time students can receive a special student rate. For more information and to register (including select scholarship opportunities) visit: http://www.mscare.org/2016 or call 201-487-1050.

About Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC)
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote high quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 11,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 30th CMSC Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of MS professionals in North America, will take place June 1-4, 2016, in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC.
For more information go to http://www.mscare.org.

Follow CMSC on Twitter: @mscare.org and Facebook: CMSCmscare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Leading Organizations for MS Healthcare Professional Seek Poster And Platform Presenters for Conference Taking Place June 23-24 In New York City On Cognition-Related Issues & MS

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/11/2016 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), in collaboration with the International MS Cognition Society (IMSCOGS) and Nurse Practitioner Alternatives (NPA), announces a call for abstracts for the 5th Annual Meeting of IMSCOGS, taking place June 23-24, 2016 in Lower Manhattan. The international meeting will focus on the broad spectrum of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis and the abstract call is for poster or platform presentations focusing on topics related to cognition in MS patients.

The call for abstracts invites participants to submit abstracts on the following topics: cognition and neuroimaging; assessment tools for cognition; cognitive rehabilitation and exercise; medication and cognition; cognition and functional status; and cognition in pediatric MS.

"CMSC is thrilled to work with IMSCOGS on their annual meeting, which spotlights the very best in cognitive research as it relates to MS," said June Halper, Chief Executive Officer, CMSC. "The poster and platform sessions will serve as a wonderful opportunity for researchers to present cutting-edge findings in the field."

The target audience for the conference includes neurologists, neuroradiologists, psychologists, nursing professionals, rehabilitation specialists, neuropsychologists, mental health professionals, and all related healthcare professionals. The conference aims to increase participant knowledge in relation to diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment in MS and to address quality of life issues common to those with MS who experience cognitive impairment.

John DeLuca, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Research at Kessler Foundation and Chair of the IMSCOGS Conference Organizing Committee, said "IMSCOGS prides itself on its conferences, which are an excellent forum for current research and innovation in MS cognition and provide a supportive educational experience for young researchers. Poster and platform presentations are a key component of our annual conferences and we look forward to the submissions, which will certainly reflect the excellent quality of current research on cognition in MS."

The 5th Annual Meeting of the International MS Cognition Society (IMSCOGS) will take place at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York, New York on June 23-24, 2016. The headquarters hotel for the meeting is the New York Marriott Downtown. The deadline for abstract submission is January 15, 2016, and notification of acceptance will take place by March 1, 2016. All abstracts should be prepared and submitted as per the submission requirements located at http://cmscscholar.org/imscogs-abstract-submission.

About CMSC
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 2016 CMSC Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of MS professionals in North America, will take place June 1-4, 2016, in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. For more information go to http://www.mscare.org

About IMSCOGS
IMSCOGS, the International Multiple Sclerosis Cognition Society, brings together researchers and health professionals with an interest in cognition in MS and all related areas. This includes the natural history of cognition in MS, measurement of cognitive performance, how it links to disease and MR variables, assessment and management of cognitive impairments, and other psychological, social and medical factors that relate to cognition. IMSCOGS drives the research agenda for cognition in MS. It also contributes to health policies and guidelines at national and international levels in relation to cognition in MS.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Leading MS Conference for Healthcare Professionals Seeks Poster and Platform Presentations for 2016 Annual Meeting

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/06/2015 -- The Continuing Professional Education Committee of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) invites healthcare professionals to submit abstracts for the 30th Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. This is an opportunity to present either Posters or Platforms that focus on their work in timely issues involving multiple sclerosis (MS) basic and clinical research, patient care, and treatment. The Posters and Platforms will be presented at the Annual Meeting of CMSC, taking place June 1-4, 2016 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. The CMSC Annual Meeting is the leading event in North America for all healthcare professionals involved in MS clinical care and research.

"The CMSC Annual Meeting provides healthcare professionals and scientists with the most current information on MS patient care, research and treatment in order to expand their MS knowledge base and positively impact patient care," said June Halper, Chief Executive Officer, CMSC. "The Poster and Platform presentations are an exciting part of the Annual Meeting and we look forward to offering our learners high caliber content at the 2016 event in Maryland."

All healthcare professionals are welcome to submit abstracts. Authors do not need to be members of CMSC, or be sponsored by a member. Submissions that reflect collaboration between medical specialties are encouraged.

The categories within the field of MS to be presented and discussed at the CMSC Annual Meeting include: Diagnosis & Prognosis; Basic Science; Cognition, Depression, and Psychosocial issues; Comprehensive Clinical Care; Disease Modification; Epidemiology & Genetics; Neuroimaging & Neurophysiology; Rehabilitation, Research & Strategies; Symptom Management; Technology Advances as well as Quality of Life Care and Patient Reported Outcomes.

The deadline for abstract submissions is December 11, 2015. Authors will be notified of their acceptance by February 19, 2016. Acceptance will be based entirely upon the quality of the work and appropriateness of the topic, although preference will be given to data-based submissions for Platform presentations.

Submission of an abstract implies a commitment to present at the meeting. The Platforms are oral presentations and the Posters cover research, works in progress and methods of MS care. The Poster session will take place on Thursday, June 2, 2016 and Platform presentation will be on Friday, June 3, 2016 during the 30th Annual CMSC Meeting.

The CMSC abstracts will be published and distributed during the Annual Meeting and are included in a special edition of the I nternational Journal of MS Care(IJMSC) the leading peer-reviewed publication on multidisciplinary MS care. Abstracts will also be posted on the CMSC Annual Meeting website for year-round access at http://www.annualmeeting.mscare.org. Numerous awards for best Poster and Platform presentations are given during the CMSC Annual Meeting.

Young investigators working in the field of MS are also encouraged to submit abstracts for the Whitaker Research Track at the CMSC Annual Meeting.

Dr. John N. Whitaker was a world famous researcher in multiple sclerosis who encouraged budding scientists to enter the field and develop their skills and talents. The Whitaker Research Track presentations will take place on Friday, June 3, 206, and a panel headed by Dr. Michael Racke will award the Whitaker Prize for MS Research. This program for students, post-doctoral fellows, and young investigators is funded by the Foundation of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (FCMSC).

The deadline for the Whitaker Track abstracts is December 11, 2015. The submission form can be found at http://cmscscholar.org/whitaker-abstract-submission/

More information on the 2016 CMSC Annual Meeting and its Call for Abstracts can be found at http://cmscscholar.org/2016-annual-meeting/ and http://cmscscholar.org/cmsc-abstract-submission/

About CMSC
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts The CMSC member network includes more than 11,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 30th CMSC Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of MS professionals in North America, will take place June 1-4, 2016, in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC.

For more information go to http://www.mscare.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hackensack, NJ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/26/2015 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), the leading professional and educational organization for healthcare specialists providing care and conducting research in multiple sclerosis (MS), has issued a position statement that asserts that prescribers must retain the right to decide on the best treatment and medication for each individual MS patient.

Endorsed by the CMSC Board of Directors, the position statement asserts:

"During the past two decades, the spectrum of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been altered based on the availability of effective disease modifying agents; however, symptomatic management always has been and continues to be the bedrock of patient care in MS as symptoms impact quality of life for patients. The leadership of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) has stated that prescribers must retain the right to decide on the best treatment for each individual patient. The varied and individualized course of MS mandates full access to symptomatic management as well as disease modifying therapies which, in the best judgment of the prescriber, offer optimal treatment outcomes. Medications to treat symptoms are carefully decided on an individual basis and by best practice regimens.

Efforts by physicians and other prescribers to discuss and appeal coverage decisions have been thwarted by the lack of peer support at insurance companies with whom to discuss treatment needs. Lack of understanding of the disease course and the challenges of MS treatment result in poor decision making practices by the insurance plans and specialty pharmacies and subsequent denial of prescribed medications. This leads to an inability to adequately serve the people living with MS, negatively affecting the patient's quality of life.

CMSC proposes a collaborative care model in which providers, patients, and insurers work together to address these concerns. The CMSC would be honored to work closely with all entities providing reimbursement and coverage for MS care and related services to provide our knowledge and expertise to enhance appropriate as well as cost-effective decision-making in MS."

Added June Halper, MSN, APN-C, FAAN, MSCN, CEO of CMSC, "We look forward to working with everyone involved in providing and prescribing MS care and treatment thus ensuring the most positive outcome for each MS patient."

For more information on the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), visit www.mscare.org

About Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 30th Annual CMSC Annual Meeting will take place June 1-4, 2016, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, in National Harbor, Maryland.

For more information go to www.mscare.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Dr. Alan Thompson Delivers Donald Paty Memorial Lecture at MS Conference for Healthcare Professionals

Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/08/2015 -- Of the 2.3 million people with MS worldwide, at some point in their lives, over 50% may face the challenges of progressive MS. Addressing their needs is important as there are virtually no treatment options and progression is the main determinant of disability in MS and carries the greatest economic burden.

Alan Thompson, MD, FRCP, University College London (UCL), will address "Overcoming the Challenge of Progressive MS," on Saturday, May 30th at 8:00 a.m., during the Donald Paty Memorial Lecture at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, May 27-30, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. The 29th Annual CMSC Meeting is the only event in North America that provides health care professionals, from a wide range of disciplines, with the latest information, treatment advancements, and research in multiple sclerosis.

Currently Dean of the UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences, and Program Director for Neurological Disorders, UCL Partners Academic Health Science Centre, one of Dr. Thompson's principal research areas is Progressive MS and the understanding of the pathological mechanisms that result in neurological disability and recovery. "The challenges for developing an effective treatment for Progressive MS are numerous," according to Dr. Thompson, "and during my lecture, I will help define the diagnosis and underlining symptoms, discuss current trial medicines and some opportunities for the future."

Dr. Thompson will also discuss the mission of the International Progressive MS Alliance, an organization that has united MS Societies and clinical academics worldwide and encourages them to focus on and overcome the barriers delaying the much-needed research for Progressive MS.

Dr. Thompson's lecture culminates four days of a diverse and intense agenda that includes lectures, workshops, symposia, roundtables, panel discussions and poster and platform presentations. Throughout the entire conference, nine learning tracks cover basic science; psychosocial: cognitive, depression; disease management; symptom management; nursing; rehabilitation; comprehensive care; research; and skills development.

The CMSC Annual Meeting offers conference delegates continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and occupational therapists. Credits for psychologists are pending approval by APA. Several independently supported satellite programs will also offer additional accredited learning opportunities in multiple sclerosis.

The all-inclusive registration fee for the CMSC Annual Meeting includes access to the entire conference program, exhibits, organized meals, networking forums and most social events. There is a discounted rate for the CMSC Members and advance online registrations receive a discounted rate. Medical students and interns can receive a special student rate.

For more information and to register (including select scholarship opportunities) call 201-487-1050 or visit: http://www.mscare.org/2015

About Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Center
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 2015 CMSC Annual Meeting will take place May 27-30, in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information go to www.mscare.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The “CMSC Annual Meeting 2015” App Facilitates Learning & Networking During Conference in Indiana

Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/30/2015 -- The 29th Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) announces that its mobile app, "CMSC Annual Meeting 2015" is now available for attendees to download to make their experience at the event even more productive and rewarding. This leading conference for healthcare professionals and researchers involved in MS clinical care and research will take place May 27-30, 2015 at the JW Marriott and Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN.

The free mobile app is an important guide for viewing and selecting education sessions, creating a personal conference agenda, highlighting exhibitors, and messaging or arranging meetings with other attendees. The app will also keep conference learners up to date on event news and networking opportunities, with real- time access to social media sites and conference updates.

The app can be downloaded as "CMSC Annual Meeting 2015" from the Apple App Store, Android Marketplace, Google Play Store or http://guidebook.com/g/mscare2015

Windows Phone 7 and Blackberry users can also access the same information via a mobile site at http://guidebook.com/guide/27216

"Mobile devices are essential communication tools and the latest information about the CMSC Annual Meeting is just a finger tap away," said June Halper, MSN, APN-C, MSCN, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer, CMSC "We strongly encourage all attendees to download this free app and take advantage of its interactive features that will facilitate greater interaction amongst the MS experts and healthcare community gathered at our annual conference."

The CMSC Annual Meeting 2015 includes a full agenda of opening lectures from some of the top minds in MS clinical care and research, workshops, symposia, roundtables, poster and platform presentations and ample networking opportunities. The CMSC Annual Meeting offers conference delegates continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers. Credits for psychologists and occupational therapists are pending approval by APA and AOTA, respectively. Several independently supported satellite programs will also offer additional accredited learning opportunities in multiple sclerosis.

The CMSC Annual Meeting 2015 is the only event in North America that provides healthcare professionals, including neurologists, scientists, primary care physicians, nurses, rehab professionals, psychologists, educators, and social workers with the latest information, treatment advancements, and research in comprehensive care in multiple sclerosis.

For more information on the 2015 CMSC Annual Meeting and to register at advanced online rates, call 201-487-1050, or visit: http://annualmeeting.mscare.org/

About Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 2015 CMSC Annual Meeting will take place May 27-30, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For more information go to http://www.mscare.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Medical Residents Eyed for MS Fellowships

Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/02/2015 -- The Foundation of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (FCMSC) established a new MS Mentorship Program to encourage and support medical residents as they pursue a fellowship in neurology. The goal is to inform residents about career opportunities in the MS specialty, and to recruit a new generation of MS healthcare experts to meet increased demands of a growing patient population.

The program's first MS Mentorship Forum, hosted in Newark, NJ, on January 23-24, 2015 featured nationally recognized thought leaders in multiple sclerosis care and research along with "rising stars" in MS who are five to seven years into their specialty careers. These expert and "peer" mentor teams shared knowledge and experiences with a carefully selected group of resident scholars.

During the MS Mentorship Forum, medical residents learned up-to-date information about immunology and pathology of multiple sclerosis; emerging strategies for monitoring outcomes; and issues of long-term prognosis and care. The forum also successfully highlighted overall neurological healthcare trends, challenges and exciting career opportunities within the MS specialty and subspecialties, various professional resources, and emerging technologies for diagnosing and treating the chronic illness, which affects more than 2.3 million people world-wide.

The MS Mentorship Forum also discussed components for a formalized on-going MS Mentorship program and drafted recommendations for MS professional training programs, including some in post-residency appointments that could be a resource for medical students worldwide.

The forum and its proposed programs piqued the interest of many specialists, peer men-tors and resident attendees who offered their support for the initiative.

"The MS Mentorship Forum was an eye opening experience for me. The program gave me an opportunity to get away from my busy third year resident schedule, and focus specifically on neuroimmunology," said Veronica Penyak, MD, Northwestern McGraw Medical Center, Chicago, IL. "I was able to network with junior and senior faculty to see how these accomplished physicians built their careers. Not only did we learn from didactic lectures, we were able to get junior faculty one-on-one to sit down and help us work through a case, which brought up many interesting conversation points. I am now so enthusiastic to apply for my neuroimmunology fellowship."

Faculty member, Irene Cortese, MD, of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD added, "This is such an important initiative that I fully expect will lead to meaningful change."

The FCMSC and Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) are dedicated to providing comprehensive information, continuing education, skill development and support for MS healthcare professionals. The mentorship program is funded by Biogen through a medical education grant. The MS Mentorship Program is a one-year, interactive experience for selected resident scholars. The next Mentorship Forum will take place during the CMSC Annual Meeting May 27-30, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information about the FCMSC, visit http://cmscfoundation.org.

About the Foundation of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (FCMSC)
The FCMSC was founded in 1999 with the mission to stimulate the growth, development and provision of patient care services, education and research in the field of MS and to enhance the quality of life of those affected by MS through supporting the activities and initiatives of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers' (CMSC). For more information go to http://www.cmscfoundation.org.

About the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS health-care professionals and researchers. The mission of the CMSC is to promote quality multiple sclerosis care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international health-care clinicians and scientists committed to multiple sclerosis care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The next CMSC Annual Meeting, the most compre-hensive multidisciplinary MS educational event in North America, will take place May 27-30, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. For information and press registration, please go to http://www.annualmeeting.mscare.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Annual Meeting (CMSC), May 27-30, 2015, Indianapolis, IN

Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/25/2015 -- "Social Media and MS," will be the topic of discussion at the Meet the Professor program at the 2 9th Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers(CMSC). Gavin Giovannoni, MBBCh, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, will explore the role social media plays in sharing information and educating patients, or MSers, as he prefers to call them.

This informational and networking dinner will take place Wednesday, May 27, 2015, on the first night of the CMSC Annual Meeting. As the most comprehensive multidisciplinary MS educational event in North America, the CMSC Annual Meeting, taking place May 27-30, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN, provides the most up to date information on research findings and the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of MS.

An avid user of social media, Dr. Giovannoni's discussion will be relevant to the healthcare professionals in attendance and provide guidance on the different social media platforms and how to utilize them in MS care and others areas of medical practice and research.

"The rapid development and influence of social-media has empowered MSers and is beginning to have an impact on how they are managed. Social-media can also be used to conduct research and set research agendas that are relevant to people with the disease."

Professor Giovannoni did his undergraduate medical training at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. He moved to London in 1993 to do a PhD at the Institute of Neurology, Queen Square. After completing his research in 1996 he was appointed as Scarfe Lecturer, under Professor W. Ian McDonald. His was appointed to the Chair of Neurology, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, in 2006. His clinical interests are multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system.

The "Meet the Professor" is part of a robust multiple sclerosis educational program that includes a full agenda of lectures, workshops, symposia, roundtables, panel discussions and poster and platform presentations. Nine learning tracks cover basic science; psychosocial: cognitive, depression; disease management; symptom management; nursing; rehabilitation; comprehensive care; research; and skills development.

The CMSC Annual Meeting offers conference delegates continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers. Credits for psychologists and occupational therapists are pending approval by APA and AOTA, respectively. Several independently supported satellite programs will also offer additional accredited learning opportunities in multiple sclerosis to neurologists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals involved in multiple sclerosis care.

The CMSC Annual Meeting is being held at the JW Marriott and Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, home of the Indy 500 and a vibrant downtown area with a wide variety of attractions and diverse restaurants.

The all-inclusive registration fee for the CMSC Annual Meeting includes access to the entire conference program, exhibits, organized meals, networking forums and most social events. There is a discounted rate for the CMSC Members and early online registrations receive a discounted rate. Medical students and interns can receive a special student rate.

For more information and to register (including select scholarship opportunities) call 201-487-1050 or visit: http://www.mscare.org/2015

About CMSC
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 2015 CMSC Annual Meeting will take place May 27-30, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For more information go to http://www.mscare.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/16/2015 -- The recently released issue of the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC), the leading peer-reviewed publication on multidisciplinary multiple sclerosis (MS) care and clinical research, features an article on "Development and Effectiveness of a Psychoeducational Wellness Program for People with Multiple Sclerosis." This pilot study by Kimberly Beckwith McGuire, PhD, ABPP, MSCS, FACHP, Jelena Stojanovic-Radic, PhD, Lauren Strober, PhD, Nancy D. Chiaravalloti, PhD, and John DeLuca, PhD, ABPP, found that a psychoeducational wellness program is an effective supplement to traditional medical management to improve the overall quality of life (QOL) and well-being of individuals with MS.

"MS is a complex disease, and affects many aspects of our patients' lives. Even though this was a preliminary non-randomized controlled study, the 10-week psychoeducational wellness group program proposed by McGuire and co-authors led to significant improvement on measures of mood, stress, and pain, which are all known to deeply affect QOL," said Francois Bethoux, MD, Editor in Chief of IJMSC.

The current 2015 issue of IJMSC also has two articles to help clinicians better understand and address the needs of patients and their families. "What Are the Support Needs of Men with Multiple Sclerosis, and Are They Being Met?" is a literature review by Dominic Upton, PhD, and Charlotte Taylor, MSc. The article calls attention to the fact that men with MS have different needs than women with MS with regard to well-being and mental health, and emphasizes the need for gender-specific approaches, particularly with regard to support groups.

Through a series of focus group interviews, "Informing the Children When a Parent Is Diagnosed as Having Multiple Sclerosis," by Ylva Nilsagard, PhD, and Katrin Bostroem, PhD, found that information about a parent's disease should be provided at the time of diagnosis to children and then offered regularly throughout the disease course. The information should be suited to the child's level of maturity, involve a health-care provider, and be individualized to reflect the parent's clinical picture.

The effect of MS on QOL and issues related to symptom management are highlighted in three articles. The article "Disease-Related Determinants of Quality of Life 10 Years After Clinically Isolated Syndrome," by R. Philip Kinkel, MD, and colleagues, reports on data collected 10 years after a clinically isolated syndrome in the CHAMPIONS study, and shows that conversion to clinically definite MS and increased disability as evaluated on the Expanded Disability Status Scale are associated with lower QOL scores. These findings, which are similar to those in the previously published 5-year analysis, confirm the importance of preventing further disease exacerbations and progression of disability in order to preserve the well-being of MS patients.

Lori Mayer, MSN, MSCN, CCRP, and others found in "Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Gait Function and Quality of Life for People with Multiple Sclerosis Taking Dalfampridine" an improvement of walking as well as QOL in patients using a functional electrical stimulation device for footdrop over a period of 3 months. These patients were already treated with dalfampridine, illustrating the strategy of combining interventions to maximize patient benefits.

The final article focuses on urinary dysfunction as another example of a physical symptom of MS that can profoundly affect QOL. "Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Prevalence and Management Among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis," by Kristin M. Khalaf, PharmD, MS, and colleagues, found that most of the participants in their study reported at least one urinary symptom, but not all of them had discussed the issue with their health-care provider. The study concludes that proper LUTS (lower urinary tract symptom) assessment and management should be addressed with every patient with MS as part of the clinical work-up.

All articles published in IJMSC in the past three years are accessible through various types of searches on PubMed Central (PMC), a free electronic archive of full-text biomedical and life sciences journal literature at the US National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Each journal citation in PubMed also includes a prominent link to the original full-text version of the article at htt://www.IJMSC.org

To view the current issue of IJMSC and past issues, visit http://www.IJMSC.org

About IJMSC
The International Journal of MS Care(IJMSC) is the official peer-reviewed journal of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and the leading publication on MS clinical care and research. It is also the official publication of the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) and the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Therapists (IOMSRT). The bimonthly IJMSC publishes high-quality research, reviews, and consensus papers on a broad range of clinical topics of interest to MS health-care professionals, including neurological treatment, nursing care, rehabilitation, neuropsychological status, and psychiatric/psychosocial care. The mission of the journal is to promote multidisciplinary cooperation and communication among the global network of MS health-care professionals, with the goal of maximizing the quality of life of people affected by MS.

The IJMSC has won many editorial and design excellence awards, including the APEX Award, Communicator Award, and Hermes Creative Award.

For more information on the journal, visit http://www.ijmsc.org

About CMSC
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading international educational, training, and networking organization for MS health-care professionals and researchers. The CMSC's mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation, including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international health-care clinicians and scientists committed to MS care, as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe.

For more information, visit http://www.mscare.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and The France Foundation Present New CME/CNE Series for Healthcare Professionals

Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/12/2015 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and The France Foundation have designed a new educational program covering the gender specific issues that affect women with MS. "Strategies to Improve the Care of MS in Women," will provide knowledge and expertise to clinicians in evaluating and managing females with MS.

Kicking off the program is a "live" web-based panel discussion, "Special Considerations for the Overall Health Care Management of the Female Patient with MS," on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

This interactive multispecialty clinical practice discussion will cover the challenges, best practices, and special considerations specifically related to women with MS. Topics that will be discussed include family planning, managing pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause as well as guidance on an OB/GYN approach to MS patients.

"Multiple Sclerosis is the leading cause of neurological disability in young adults worldwide, and affects women more than 3 times as often as men. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to share information on gender issues in MS, and hope this is just the beginning of an important dialogue between health care providers and their patients, about the many ways MS intersects with women's lives across their reproductive life span," said panelist Jacqueline Bernard, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical Center.

The faculty for the live discussion on "Special Considerations for the Overall Health Care Management of the Female Patient with MS" represents a wide spectrum of expertise. Dr. Bernard is joined by Patricia K. Coyle, MD, Professor of Neurology and Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs Director, MS Comprehensive Care Center, Stony Brook University, and Men-Jean Lee, MD, Associate Professor, Beth Israel Medical Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

The live panel discussion will include a Q&A session offering participants an opportunity to ask specific questions about managing MS in women. To register for the March 18th live CME/CNE accredited activity, go to: http://www.cmeAIMS.org/panel

"Strategies to Improve the Care of MS in Women," also includes five short video-based webinars led by MS experts. The first informative roundtable discussion focuses on "Diagnosis and Management of Sexual Dysfunction," presented by Susan Rubin, MD, NorthShore University HealthSystem, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, and again Dr. Jacqueline Bernard of the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Dr. Rubin and Dr. Bernard will also be featured in upcoming short videos on "Pregnancy and the MS Patient: Pre-pregnancy through Post-Partum," and "Key Considerations for the MS Patient and Breastfeeding."

Dr. Bernard and Dr. Coyle will present "Menarche, Menstruation, Menopause, and MS," and the fifth video presentation will be on "Contraceptive Techniques," with Dr. Rubin and Joy A. Derwenskus, DO, Associate Professor in Neurology--Ken and Ruth Davee Department, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

To launch the video for "Diagnosis and Management of Sexual Dysfunction," go to: http://www.cmeaims.org/women-video1-cme.php.

More information on the "Strategies to Improve the Care of MS in Women," can be found at: http://www.cmeaims.org/ms-in-women.php.

About CMSC
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 2015 CMSC Annual Meeting will take place May 27-30, in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information go to http://www.mscare.org

About THE FRANCE FOUNDATION
The France Foundation is accredited with commendation by the ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education) to provide continuing education credit for physicians, and accredited by the ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education) to provide continuing education credit for pharmacists. Since inception in 1999, The France Foundation has been on the forefront of the planning, development, and implementation of multidisciplinary accredited education. TFF specializes in curriculum-based education aimed at improving learners' performance as health care providers.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Innovative Educational Approach to Multiple Sclerosis Care

Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/03/2015 -- Two innovative CME/CNE programs are now being offered by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), the leading educational and professional development organization for MS healthcare professionals. "Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis" and "Treatment and Management of Multiple Sclerosis" are new virtual simulation programs that are designed to enhance healthcare professionals' treatment of patients with MS through an interactive educational platform.

"Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis" utilizes advanced 3D real-time technology that responds to a physician's clinical decisions and helps them build a clinically definite MS diagnosis for three patient types according to the 2010 McDonald Criteria.

Participants will recognize and utilize key features for the neurologic examination and patient's history that support the diagnosis of MS. They will also increase their ability to apply neuroimaging findings and correlate with disease activity and progression in MS to enhance clinical judgments and treatment decisions.

"Treatment and Management of Multiple Sclerosis" also utilizes the real-time advanced 3D technology and responds to a physician's clinical decisions as they treat virtual patients with MS according to best clinical practices. Physicians can work through seven challenging, highly interactive scenarios utilizing game technology in a "risk-free" environment where every decision receives invaluable feedback from MS experts.

Participants in "Treatment and Management of Multiple Sclerosis" will be able to identify the spectrum of clinical manifestations in MS and develop treatment strategies for cognitive changes, depression, and motor symptoms that can facilitate improved adherence to the therapies. The program also provides information on a team-based approach to management of the disease and incorporates appropriate pharmaco-therapeutics and strategies to enhance patient adherence.

Medical professionals will learn more about identifying and treating MS relapses utilizing medications, rehabilitation, and symptomatic care. They will also learn about the important role non-specialists can play in a multidisciplinary team for the treatment of MS, including appropriate indications for referral to an MS specialist.

This advance simulation approach to continuing education has received favorable feedback from the medical community. "This is the best online CME I have participated in. The interactive approach leads to learning and retention of information," said a NP in Family Medicine.

The virtual simulations programs are designed for neurologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals who care for patients with MS. Accreditation is provided through the joint partnership of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), Nurse Practitioner Alternatives, and Syandus Inc. The CMSC is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Nurse Practitioner Alternatives is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation.

These activities were supported by educational grants from Bayer, Biogen Idec, EMD Serono, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, and Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Access to the Virtual MS Patients Simulations can be found at http://www.cmscscholar.org or by visiting http://www.alivemed.com and entering the code 53P4.

About CMSC
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 2015 CMSC Annual Meeting will take place May 27-30, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For more information go to http://www.mscare.org

About SYANDUS
Syandus is a leader in intelligent simulation learning technology. Focused in medicine and life science, the company creates digital experience-driven learning environments for clinical training, patient engagement, and life science education. Its unique approach, developed with multiple awards from the National Science Foundation, combines game technology and clinical algorithms to create responsive personalized learning experiences. Syandus collaborates with medical societies, universities, medical schools, and faculty experts to translate complex topics into approachable learning simulations suitable for the target audience. Syandus' proprietary platform consists of simulation technology, app based delivery (mobile, PC, Mac), and comprehensive analytics of user interactions, performance, and outcomes.

For more information go to http://www.syandus.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) & its Foundation Fund New Projects to Advance MS Care

Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/17/2015 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and the Foundation of CMSC (FCMSC) announce the recipients of 7 research awards. These projects will help healthcare care professionals and members of CMSC to provide optimum care to people with multiple sclerosis in the areas of rehabilitation, psychosocial, epidemiology, and therapeutics.

The CMSC funded research projects, all in the area of rehabilitation care, that were recently granted funds include:

"Physical Therapy Enhanced with a Virtual Environment: Impact on Ambulation, Mood and Cognition," by Francios Bethoux, MD, Mellen Center for MS Treatment & Research, Cleveland Clinic, and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC).

"Computerized Cognitive Training and Cognitive-Motor Interference in MS," by Jacob Sonoff, PhD, Exercise Neuroscience Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"Long-term Neuroplasticity after Rehabilitation for Progressive MS," by Victor Mark, MD, University of Alabama at Birmingham MS Center.

The FCMSC funded research projects include research entitled:

"The Spectrum of Psychiatric Disease Among Veterans with MS: Prevalence and Utilization of Mental Health Services," by John R. Rinker II, MD, University of Alabama at Birmingham MS Center, mentored by Foundation member, John F. Kurtze, MD, FAAN

"A Qualitative Study of Posttraumatic Growth in Partner of Individuals with MS," is psychosocial project by Sonya Kim, PhD, CRC of NYU School of Medicine-Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and mentored by Hiltel S. Pantich, MD.

"Piloting a Handheld Platform to Investigate Changes in Quality of Life (QOL) Treatment satisfaction and Adherence Associated with Initiation of Oral DMTs" is a therapeutics project by Tanuja Chitnis, MD, Partners MS Center, Bingham and Women's Hospital. Mentored by Kenneth P. Johnson, MD.

A rehabilitation project on "Passive Continuous, In-Home Symptom and Gait Measure for Patients with MS – A Feasibility Study," by Pamela Newland, RN, PhD, CMSRN, Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barners Jewish College, is being mentored by Steven R. Schwid, MD.

"Through the generosity of our supporters, donors, and grants, we can continue to fund important research projects that will help clinicians, medical students, and scientists better understand this complex disease and improve patient diagnosis and care until a cure is found," said June Halper, CEO of the CMSC.

For more information on CMSC and its Annual Meeting, the most comprehensive multidisciplinary MS educational event in North America, visit www.mscare.org, and for more information on FCMSC visit http://www.cmscfoundation.org.

About the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS health-care professionals and researchers. The CMSC's mission is to promote quality multiple sclerosis care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international health-care clinicians and scientists committed to multiple sclerosis care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The next CMSC Annual Meeting, the most comprehensive multidisciplinary MS educational event in North America, will take place May 27-30, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN.

CMSC's and IOMSN's official, peer-reviewed journal, the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC), publishes high-quality research, reviews, and consensus papers on a broad range of clinical topics of interest to MS health-care professionals, and is mailed to its membership at no charge. All IJMSC content is available at http://ijmsc.org.

For more information on the CMSC, visit http://www.mscare.org.

About the Foundation of CMSC
The FCMSC was founded in 1999 with the mission to stimulate the growth, development and provision of patient care services, education and research in the field of MS and to enhance the quality of life of those affected by MS through supporting the activities of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers' (CMSC). For more information go to http://www.cmscfoundation.org

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New Digital MS Self-Management Tool Available on iTunes

Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/02/2014 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) in partnership with Syandus is pleased to announce a new virtual support group for MS patients entitled "Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis: Taking Control of My Therapy."

"Treatment adherence is a significant challenge for multiple sclerosis patients during the course of disease," said June Halper, CEO of CMSC. "This virtual simulation was created to educate MS patients and their caregivers to help them improve adherence, advocate for themselves, and assist them in establishing a stronger relationship with their healthcare providers."

Lack of adherence to therapy (medicines, treatment protocols, and life style) significantly impacts health outcomes and cost of care. Because reasons for nonadherence are often multifaceted, it is difficult for patients to address their self-care needs, concerns, and challenges from a static educational program. The virtual conversation platform enables patients and their caregivers to interact with friendly, knowledgeable virtual patients in a private conversational setting.

"Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis: Taking Control of My Therapy;" features three virtual patients of mixed gender, age and ethnicity in a support group moderated by a virtual nurse who specializes in MS. The three patients share their knowledge gaps, misconceptions and emotional fears that they experienced when they were first newly diagnosed. The user then chooses the viewpoints that are most relatable and guide the support group discussion. There are over 100 interaction points throughout the conversation and the user can request more information and resources.

Some examples of the patients perspectives that are shared and discussed in the virtual conversation include: "I don't understand most of what my doctor says;" "Maybe the doctor is wrong and I don't have MS;" "I really hate needles/injections;" "I don't think my doctor listens to my concerns;" and "My MS medications do not seem to be working."

"Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis: Taking Control of My Therapy," module is the first of a series in "Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis." CMSC, expert clinical faculty, and participating MS patients together with Syandus worked on this digital self-management tool to meet the ongoing educational needs of MS patients and their caregivers for years to come. The outcome of these virtual conversations, through this unique information and empathy-sharing model, is to help the user have the correct perceptions, processes, and motivations for self-management.

"Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis: Taking Control of My Therapy." is currently being rolled out nationally throughout the 256 CMSC Member Centers and throughout the MS Coalition. Clinicians, who have viewed the app, stated it accurately captures the types of conversations they have with patients in their offices.

Access to "Virtual Conversations in Multiple Sclerosis" is available here:

PC and Mac: http://myalivemed.com/Topic/54P2/PR/MS-Conversations

iTunes Store: http://appstore.com/myMSconversations

About CMSC
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 2015 CMSC Annual Meeting will take place May 27-30, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For more information go to http://www.mscare.org

About SYANDUS
Syandus is a leader in intelligent simulation learning technology. Focused in medicine and life science, the company creates digital experience-driven learning environments for clinical training, patient engagement, and life science education. Its unique approach, developed with multiple awards from the National Science Foundation, combines game technology and clinical algorithms to create responsive personalized learning experiences. Syandus collaborates with medical societies, universities, medical schools, and faculty experts to translate complex topics into approachable learning simulations suitable for the target audience. Syandus' proprietary platform consists of simulation technology, app based delivery (mobile, PC, Mac), and comprehensive analytics of user interactions, performance, and outcomes.

For more information go to http://www.syandus.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm