Advances in research are changing the face of multiple sclerosis every day. The Northern California Chapter is committed to helping healthcare providers keep abreast of these changes. For information on professional education, please feel free to contact Jaclyn at 1-800-344-4867, (415) 230-6677, or Jaclyn.Smoczynski@nmss.org.
Professional In-Services
The Northern California Chapter gladly provides free in-service trainings to medical professionals so they can better serve the MS community. These programs communicate current information about research and symptom management to increase understanding of the disease.
In-services are available for physicians, nurses, counselors, long-term care professionals, social service specialists, rehabilitation professionals, and complementary medicine practitioners. For more information, or to schedule an in-service, contact Jaclyn at 1-800-344-4867, (415) 230-6677, or Jaclyn.Smoczynski@nmss.org.
Physician Programs
To ensure quality care for people with MS, the National MS Society regularly offers Continuing Education programs for medical professionals. Some programs can be completed by mail or online; others promote networking by meeting in local healthcare facilities. Check out these great opportunities:
- Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS). The Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC) has collaborated with the Professional Testing Corporation in developing an examination to validate an individual's knowledge on important aspects of MS care and treatment. For more information, visit www.ptcny.com.
- CME Credits for Primary Care Physicians.
- Physicians can earn up to four hours of CME credit by completing a two-part video series produced by the National MS Society in collaboration with the Network for Continuing Medical Education. For more information, contact Jaclyn at 1-800-344-4867, (415) 230-6677, or Jaclyn.Smoczynski@nmss.org.
- Physicians can obtain ten hours of CME credit by mail with our MS Practice Guide for Primary Care Physicians. For more information and a home-study packet, contact Suzanne Stromme, Program Planner for Alta Bates Medical Center , at (510) 204-1590 or stromms@sutterhealth.org.
Nurse Programs
Nurses are key players in the treatment of MS. That’s why the National MS Society supports several programs designed to meet the specific needs of nurses. In order to learn the most up-to-date information, nurses nationwide receive MS Exchange, a newsletter produced by the National MS Society and the Consortium of MS Centers.
- Nurses can earn 1.4 contact hours online through our partnership with the Nursing Spectrum website.
- A nurse can obtain additional certification by becoming an MS Certified Nurse (MSCN). The International Organization of MS Nurses (IOMSN) has created a certification process for nurses who specialize in MS. Nurses who would like more information can visit the website for the IOMSN or the Professional Testing Corporation.
- Nurses new to the care of people with MS may benefit from a series of articles written by RNs who specialize in the field. In collaboration with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, the National MS Society presents "An Introduction to MS Nursing Care." .
For more information on any of these opportunities, contact Jaclyn at 1-800-344-4867, (415) 230-6677, or Jaclyn.Smoczynski@nmss.org.