The Newly Diagnosed Teleconference Series is an opportunity to hear useful information directly from experts in the field. These experts will discuss information that is most relevant to someone who has been diagnosed with MS within the last two years.
Each teleconference lasts just one hour and is accessible via a toll-free number. You can ask questions or just listen to the information. Best of all, you can do so from the privacy of your own home. Participate in all three calls or just the one that interests you**.
To request an audio recording of any of the following calls, please contact the Hampton Roads Chapter office at 757-490-9627.
--MS 101: Understanding MS
--Moving Past Your MS Diagnosis
--Employment/Disclosure for the Newly Diagnosed
MS 101: Understanding MS
October 7, 2010 from 7-8 pm
For many people who have recently been diagnosed with MS, learning more about the disease can help ease the anxiety and confusion that sometimes comes with diagnosis. This call will discuss the basics about multiple sclerosis. You will learn about the courses of the disease, treatments, common symptoms, myths about the disease and much more.
Appropriate For: People with MS who have been diagnosed with he past two years and want to learn more about a medical overview of MS.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Jason Silversteen
Dr. Jason Silversteen is a board certified neurologist specializing in MS. He has recently joined the Neurology group at Christiana Care Specialists in Newark, DE. He completed his medical training at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. His neurological training was completed at Hahnemann University Hospital/Drexel College of Medicine. He was a National Multiple Sclerosis Fellow and completed training at The University of Texas Southwestern MS Center under the tutelage of Dr. Elliot Frohman. With the assistance of the Delaware Chapter of the National MS Society and Christiana Hospital, he is currently working on creating a Multiple Sclerosis Center at Christiana Hospital. His research interests lie in the areas of neuro-regeneration and symptomatic management of MS.
Moving Past Your MS Diagnosis
October 14, 2010 from 7-8 pm
We know it can be difficult to hear the words "You have MS." There are so many questions that arise in the first few years about what the diagnosis means for you, how it will impact your life and relationships, and how to manage the chronic nature of the disease. This teleconference will address how to move past the common emotional reactions of shock, fear, anger, and denial that you may experience when first receiving an MS diagnosis, how to cope with the new "uninvited guest" in your relationships with family and friends, and how to maintain your quality of life in years ahead.
Appropriate For: People with MS who have been diagnosed with he past two years and want to learn more about handling the emotional and physical aspects of diagnosis.
Guest Speaker:Pat Meier, M.S.W., L.I.S.W.
Pat Meier, M.S.W., L.I.S.W., is a licensed clinical therapist in the state of Ohio and a practicing life coach. She has a master’s degree from Columbia University and currently has a private practice in Cincinnati. Pat worked for the National MS Society, NYC Chapter, in the 1990’s and over the past two years has been involved in presenting workshops for the Greater Cincinnati Chapter, as well as teleclasses for the National MS Society. She is currently in process of becoming certified as a personal life coach through The Institute for Life Coach Training.
As a therapist she works with adults, adolescents and families. Her specialties include depression and anxiety, relationship issues, grieving and loss issues, trauma, family systems work, coping with change, and divorcing and blended families.
She comes from a “whole person” perspective and works with her clients on their beliefs, core values, and habits to achieve a more fulfilled lifestyle.
Employment/Disclosure for the Newly Diagnosed
October 21, 2010 from 7-8 pm
For many people diagnosed with MS, employment questions often rise to the top of the list. Questions such as:
- "How will MS impact my career?"
- "Do I have to disclose my diagnosis to my employer?"
- "How do I navigate through my diagnosis and my career?"
This teleconference will address employment issues for those newly diagnosed and provide general guidelines for maintaining employment with a new diagnosis of MS.
Appropriate For: People with MS who have been diagnosed with he past two years and want to learn more about disclosure and navigating the workplace with a new diagnosis.
Guest Speaker: Jerry R. Hogenmiller, Esquire
Jerry R. Hogenmiller is an Attorney with Thomson, Rhodes, & Cowie, P.C. in Pittsburgh, PA. His area of practice includes employment law, where he defends employment claims such as discrimination. As a result, Jerry Hogenmiller has the experience to advise clients as to how these claims can be prevented. Mr. Hogenmiller is a member of the Clinical Advisory Committee of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the National MS Society and is involved with fundraising, development, leadership, and pro bono services for numerous charities and non-profit organizations.