Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology
Leadership
Olaf Stuve, M.D., Ph.D.
Section Head
Lauren Tardo, M.D.
Clinical Lead
Contact
Rhonda Miller
Section Administrator
rhonda.miller@utsouthwestern.edu
The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuroimmunology section is recognized as an academic leader in the nation. The section embodies the core missions of the Department of Neurology, including excellence in patient care, promoting education, and advancing our understanding and treatment of immune-mediated CNS diseases.
Our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their clinical and research contributions in MS, radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS), and transverse myelitis. They have a long history of translating scientific discoveries into clinical care and have established subspecialty clinics that offer innovative and exceptional specialty care. The MS Clinic, Transverse Myelitis program, and Neuromyelitis Optica program are nationally recognized as comprehensive care centers.
Faculty
The Section faculty represent a dedicated team of ten physicians committed to advancing research, education, and clinical care. Six faculty have extramural funding whose research ranges from basic science to clinical with a focus on MS, autoimmune encephalitis, RIS, and neuro-ophthalmological disorders. Our faculty lead multiple specialty clinics, providing a rich learning environment for our trainees. Several faculty are actively engaged both nationally and internationally, serving on prestigious bodies such as the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), editorial boards of leading scientific journals, and steering committees for international trials.
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Neuroimmunology Highlights
4
Comprehensive care centers
10,000
Patients per year
6
Subspecialty Clinics & Programs
3
Fellowship Tracks
10
Faculty Members
6
Faculty with extramural funding
Subspecialty Clinics
Beyond providing care for patients with the full range of neuroimmunological disorders, our faculty lead six subspecialty clinics and programs: MS, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-mediated disease (MOGAD), transverse myelitis, autoimmune encephalitis, Parkland Health MS & Neuroimmunology, and a pediatric MS & autoimmune clinic. Collectively, these efforts are part of the Collaboration on Neuroimmunology: Question, Understand, Educate, Restore (CONQUER) program. Our collaboration with the Radiologically Isolated Syndrome Consortium and an in-house eye lab in both the adult and pediatric clinics further enhance the quality of treatment for our patients with neuroimmunology disorders. We assess and manage rare diseases, attracting patients from both national and international communities.
Research
Physicians and scientists in the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Section focus their research on various clinical and basic science topics relevant to the field. Their clinical research activities span across clinical trials, biomarker studies conducted through the Neuroscience Biorepository, and innovative device development to study structural characteristics of brain lesions. Basic research laboratories within the section focus on identifying mechanism(s) of neuroinflammation in patient populations to facilitate the development of therapies aimed at preventing long-term deficits.
Education & Training
Our neuroimmunology fellowship training program is structured to offer comprehensive clinical experience across various clinical settings. Trainees work with faculty members who possess extensive knowledge of these disorders. Many of the faculty members are considered thought leaders in the field, offering trainees perspectives that are both profound and nuanced. Trainees rotate at UT Southwestern, Parkland Health, and Children's Health. Weekly neuroimmunology section meetings provide a forum for recognizing subtle clinical nuances, exchanging clinical and scholarly ideas, and interfacing with faculty with diverse training backgrounds. The program is designed to give our trainees time to reflect, engage in scholarly projects, and network with future colleagues.
Our Reach Within the Community
In partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, we're committed to delivering comprehensive care to patients with MS. This commitment extends our services to the entire North Texas region and patients from across the nation. The section has also received generous support from The Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association, The MOG Project, CanDo MS, The Yellow Rose Foundation, The Sumaira Foundation, and The Guthrie Jackson Foundation.