These collaborations earned Marshall Health recognition as the state ’ s first Center for Comprehensive Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ( NMSS ) in June 2021 . To earn the distinction , an organization must demonstrate coordinated , multidisciplinary care for MS patients . According to NMSS , Marshall Health ’ s clinicians continually demonstrate a wealth of knowledge , experience , and the important attention to detail necessary in treating people living with MS .
“ When it comes to treating MS , it is necessary that the patient and everyone on his or her care team be on the same page ,” said Ferguson , who became the first neurologist in WV to receive a Partners in Multiple Sclerosis ( MS ) Care designation in neurology by NMSS in 2016 . “ Over the years , we have built efficiencies into our model through collaborations across Marshall Health as well as with a number of community physicians . The medical community in Huntington has truly come together to help us make sure our MS patients receive the care they need .”
A model for multidisciplinary assessment and management of MS patients , the Comprehensive MS Clinic housed within Marshall Neurology includes on-site physicians , therapists , MS-certified nursing staff , and clinical pharmacists all present during clinic visits to most effectively manage the unique needs of this patient population . The team works together to help modify or slow the disease course , treat attacks , manage symptoms , improve function and safety , and address the emotional toll multiple sclerosis can take on a patient .
With some patients driving as far as 200 miles one way to see a specialist , Ferguson said a proactive approach to care management is a must . The clinic has an identified nurse liaison who connects directly with patients and primary care providers . The liaison ensures the lines of communication remain open about upcoming visits and answers questions from previous appointments . The liaison also gathers medical history , test results , and other documentation ahead of next scheduled appointments .
A dedicated clinical pharmacist , Dustin Baum , PharmD , also works with neurology patients as part of the MS care team . The pharmacist is involved in every new assessment and plays an integral role in patient management . Baum also initiates pharmacist-directed conversations about medication compliance , access to medication , payment options , and checks in on every patient at scheduled intervals after a new medication treatment is initiated .
“ Together , all of these individuals make same-day appointments and testing available so that it reduces the travel burden for patients ,” Ferguson said .
Designation as a NMSS Center for Comprehensive Care also requires ongoing continuing education specific to MS for the physicians and nursing staff .
According to NMSS , more than 3,000 people in WV and nearly 1 million nationwide are living with MS . Marshall Health is one of only 145 comprehensive care centers designated by the NMSS across the United States . To learn more about multiple sclerosis care at Marshall Health , visit marshallhealth . org / services / multiple-sclerosis or call Marshall Neurology at 304-691-1787 .
Image : Paul Ferguson , MD
AUTHOR
Sheanna M . Spence , MSJ
NIH awards Marshall University professor $ 1.8 million for nicotine addiction research
Brandon J . Henderson , PhD , an assistant professor of biomedical sciences at the Marshall University Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine , has been awarded a Research Project Grant ( R01 ), one of the most competitive grants issued by the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ).
Henderson was awarded the $ 1.86 million five-year grant ( R01DA050717 ) from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to study the neurobiological and neurophysiological changes that occur due to vaping nicotine in flavored products . Henderson ’ s research team is working to better understand how electronic nicotine delivery systems , or vaping , alter neurobiology to trigger nicotine addiction in adolescents .
The study will implement an adolescent mouse model system that examines nicotine reward and reinforcement translatable to human vaping . The team will then use modern-day neuroscience tools to determine specific changes in the regions of the brain most impacted by addiction using fluorescence microscopes and electrophysiology .
“ Our previous work that led to this award shows that some flavors by themselves may be addictive . Therefore , it is critical that we understand how flavors and nicotine , independent of each other or combined , change the brain and contribute to addiction ,” Henderson said .
Image : Brandon J . Henderson , PhD
West Virginia Medical Journal • June 2021 • 19