Consortium of MS Centers Launches Mentorship Program

Patricia Silva, PhD avatar

by Patricia Silva, PhD |

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Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis CentersThe Foundation of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (FCMSC) is launching aĀ new mentorship program dedicated to medical residents pursuing a neurology fellowship to accelerateĀ and support their work in treatingĀ multiple sclerosis (MS). The initiative was launched atĀ the beginning of the year and seeksĀ to provide information on career opportunities within the specialty, as well as encourageĀ a new generation of physicians to help a growing population of chronic patients.

The new MS Mentorship Program organized its first forumĀ betweenĀ January 23 and 24 in Newark, NJ, gathering renowned specialists in the field of MS healthcare from all over the country, as well as investigators who are responsible for conducting promising research projects and MS “rising stars,” includingĀ researchers who have worked in theĀ fieldĀ for five to seven years. During the forum, an exclusiveĀ group of resident scholars gave presentations to attendees and ledĀ “peer” mentor teams.

“This is such an important initiative that I fully expect will lead to meaningful change,” saidĀ Irene Cortese, MD, of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Bethesda, MD who participated in the forum, during which specialists, peer mentors and resident attendees also discussedĀ drafts for MSĀ professional training programs.

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Some of the themes at the forumsĀ included the latest data onĀ both MS immunology and pathology, as well as novel monitoring techniquesĀ and its outcomes, long-term prognosis and care. In addition, specialists also emphasized new trends in the field and neurological healthcare, obstacles, resources, new diagnosticĀ technologies and career opportunitiesĀ associated withĀ MS.

“The MS Mentorship Forum was an eye opening experience for me,” stated Veronica Penyak, MD, theĀ resident scholar from theĀ Northwestern McGraw Medical Center inĀ Chicago, ILĀ in a press release. “The program gave me an opportunity to get away from my busy third year resident schedule, and focus specifically on neuroimmunology.Ā 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.”

The main purpose of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and its foundation is to offer current and future MS healthcare professionals access toĀ comprehensive data, continued formation, as well as support skill development. The interactive MS Mentorship Program lasts a year and is being financed with a medical education grant from Biogen.