2009 Carolinas Consortium on MS
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Simon Gregory
Finding and Working with MS Genes
Dr. Gregory is Assistant Professor of Humam Genetics in the Duke Universite Department of Medicine. He presented his work on identifying the genetic markers for MS.
Dr. Mary Hughes
MS Care of Tomorrow
Dr. Hughes is the Chair of the Department of Neurology at the Greenville (SC) Hospital System. She presented new and developing healthcare resources in South Carolina.
(1A) Mood, Memory and MS
Presented by Jill Conway, MD, MS Specialist, Carolinas Medical Center
People with MS often experience problems with cognitive skills such as problem solving, language and memory. Learn why this occurs and what interventions and treatments can help.
(1B) Nutrition and MS
Presented by Nada G. Abou-Fayssal, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosciences, MUSC
The role of nutrition in overall wellness has been well researched. Should people living with MS follow the same nutritional guidelines as others? Learn how what you eat can affect your quality of life.
(1C) Symptom Management
Presented by Michael Kaufman, MD, Director, MS Center, Carolinas Medical Center
The symptoms of MS are wide ranging – from fatigue to numbness to vision to cognition problems. Learn about the latest interventions for managing symptoms to improve daily living.
(1D) 411 on MS: For People who are Newly Diagnosed
Presented by Kym Orsetti Furney, MD, Internist, Mecklenburg Medical Group of Carolinas
When the diagnosis is MS, questions abound. What can I expect? How will my life change? What’s the next step? Learn about the disease, medications, lifestyle changes, relationships and much more.
(2A) Pain and MS
Presented by Mary Hughes, MD, Neuroscience Associates, Greenville (SC) Hospital System
Chronic pain is not unusual in people living with MS. Learn why it can occur, how it can impact your day-to-day living and what doctors recommend to manage it.
(2B) Research Updates
Presented by Jill Conway, MD, MS Specialist, Carolinas Medical Center
MS research is being conducted all across the country, with many trials in the Mid-Atlantic chapter area. What
new medications are in the pipeline? What are the latest theories about the cause? Are we getting closer to finding
a cure? Get the latest information.
(2C) Participating in Clinical Trials
Presented by John Absher, MD, President, Absher Neurology
Many physicians in the region are recruiting people with MS to participate in clinical trials. Should you be one of
them? What questions should you ask? Learn more about the benefits and risks and what’s expected when you
participate in a clinical trial.
(2D) Get Your Camera in Focus: Keeping an Eye on MS
Presented by Tariq Bhatti, MD, Ophthalmologist, Duke University Medical Center
MS can cause problems such as blurred vision and double vision, both frightening symptoms to cope with. Learn how MS impacts vision and the latest interventions.