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Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence

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About the Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence

The Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence (MSCoE), established by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in 2003, are dedicated to furthering the understanding of MS, its impact on Veterans, and effective treatments to help manage the disease and its symptoms. There are two national MSCoE coordinating Centers within the VHA, MSCoE-East, jointly located in Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC, and MSCoE-West, jointly located in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. By partnering with Veterans, caregivers, health care professionals, MS advocates, community health care institutes, and Veteran service organizations, MSCoE strives to minimize impairment and maximize quality of life for Veterans with MS.

Mission

  • Improve the quality and consistency of health care services delivered to Veterans with MS across the country.
  • Expand care coordination between VA medical facilities through the development of a national network of MS providers within the VHA.
  • Provide resources to VA providers through a collaborative approach to clinical care, education, research, and informatics.

Functional Cores

MSCoE is organized around four functional cores:

1. Clinical Care

Improving the clinical care of Veterans with MS by developing a national network of MS providers in VHA. Advocating for appropriate and safe use of MS therapies, as well as monitoring, through collaborations with the national VA Pharmacy Benefits Management Service. Providing national consultation services to VA health care providers. Mentoring fellows, residents, and medical students on MS clinical care practices.

2. Research and Development

Conducting clinical, health services, epidemiologic, and basic science research relevant to the care of Veterans with MS. Disseminating research findings through publications, presentations, abstracts, and clinical practice guidelines. Enhancing collaboration among VA medical facilities and increasing the participation of Veterans in research activities. Providing research mentorship for the next generation of VA MS scientists.

3. Education and Training

Providing a national program of MS education for health care professionals, Veterans, and caregivers to improve knowledge, enhance access to resources, and promote Veteran self-efficacy and treatment adherence. Collaborating with national MS and Veteran service organizations to increase educational opportunities, share knowledge, and expand participation. Utilizing our website to create enduring educational opportunities. Coordinating a specialized post-doctoral fellowship training program to develop expertise in MS health care.

4. Informatics and Telemedicine

Employing state-of-the-art informatics to improve strategies and practices of MS health care delivery. Maintaining a national MS Data Repository of Veterans with MS that is utilized in VA clinics and MS research.

Program Directors

MSCoE-West Director

Jodie K. Haselkorn, MD, MPH
Physiatrist, VA Puget Sound HCS; Professor,
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine; Adjunct Professor, Department of Epidemiology; Affiliate Professor, Department of Medical History and
Ethics, University of Washington School of
Medicine, Seattle, WA

MSCoE-West Co-Director

Rebecca Spain, MD, MSPH, FAAN
Neurologist, VA Portland HCS; Associate Director of Clinical Care, MSCoE-West; Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR

MSCoE-East Director

Mitchell T. Wallin, MD, MPH
Neurologist, Washington DC VAMC; Associate
Professor, Department of Neurology, Georgetown University; Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Washington, DC

  

Additional Information

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