4D: Deep Dive into Degenerative Diseases - ANPT

Episode: DD SIG Navigating the Path Episode 1: National MS Society
Date: March 29, 2025
Host: Chris Burke (Chair, DD SIG)
Guests:

• Lauren Corley (Manager, National MS Society, Southeast Region)
• Greg Brusola (DD SIG Liaison Coordinator)

Overview of Episode Theme

This inaugural episode in the “Navigating the Resources for Patients with Neurodegenerative Diseases” series showcases the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. The discussion centers on resources and support available for people with MS, their caregivers, and clinicians, especially physical therapists. The episode provides a detailed look at how the National MS Society serves its community and highlights valuable, sometimes underutilized tools for clinicians.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lauren Corley’s Role at the National MS Society

• [01:41] Lauren supports the Southeast region, connecting healthcare providers with resources nationally and locally, facilitating engagement, and ensuring clinicians and patients access up-to-date services.

"I support the MS Society in the Southeast region, engaging healthcare providers who treat MS... connect them with all the other options and opportunities we have nationally and also within the Southeast region." — Lauren Corley ([01:41])

2. Access and Joining the National MS Society

• [02:26] No membership fees for people with MS or providers.
• New to MS Program: Virtual, rotating between support group-style sessions and provider-led presentations, especially helpful for newly diagnosed individuals.

"We have no fees associated for anyone living with MS, even the providers who want to access our resources."
— Lauren Corley ([02:26])

• Ask the MS Expert: Monthly webinar with live Q&A.
• MS Navigator Program:
  • Flagship service connecting individuals to local resources, insurance support, financial planning, self-help groups, and emotional support.
  • Providers can refer patients directly through the website.
  • Operates via a coaching model—patients consistently see the same navigator.

"Navigators really help individuals living with MS navigate MS outside the clinic..."
— Lauren Corley ([03:22])

3. Most Utilized Services & Community Programs

• [04:12] Navigator system is the most used.
• Local & Virtual Programs: Include experience summits for Hispanic and Black communities (“Hispanic MS Experience Summit,” “Black MS Experience Summit”).
• MS Walks: Popular in-person community and awareness events.

"Our walks are also I think a really popular event to go and just be a part of the MS community that way."
— Lauren Corley ([04:38])

4. Underutilized Resource: ECHO MS Program

• [05:24] ECHO MS: Virtual case-based learning with regional hubs (e.g., Duke University), open to all types of providers (neurologists, PT/OT, social workers, mental health providers). Free and offers continuing education credits.

"Echo is fantastic because we have our hubs... providers join Echo and just present cases, have discussions... it's a great way for providers... to come together and learn about MS."
— Lauren Corley ([05:32])

5. Practical Needs: Product Discounts & Exercise Resources

• [06:48] Discounts for cooling vests and other products negotiated with wholesalers; accessible via the MS Society website.
• [07:25] Exercise Programs:
  • Video exercise series by a personal trainer living with MS on the MS Society YouTube channel, with levels from beginner to advanced.
  • Providers can share and review content with patients.
  • Online certification available for wellness and exercise for MS.

"She did some great videos... different exercises people can do at home between the rehab visits."
— Lauren Corley ([07:27])

6. Educational and Clinical Resources for Patients & Clinicians

• [08:31] Comprehensive, transparent online resources improve health literacy and provide literature reviewed by the National Medical Advisory Council.
• [09:25] On-demand programs for rehab providers featuring continuing education credits (CMEs), including specific offerings for OTs, PTs, and speech therapists.
• [09:52] Monthly newsletter (“Clinical Connections”) with recent learning and research opportunities.
• [10:31] Nearly all continuing education resources are free, apart from possible processing fees.

"Everything we typically offer is free for providers and patients to participate in."
— Lauren Corley ([10:37])

7. Collaboration with MS Consortium

• [10:54] The MS Society partners with the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), providing access to additional educational resources and the MS Specialist Certification (MSCS). Both in-person and virtual options available.

"Anyone can go and take the MSCS, the MS Specialist certification from CMSC, and that's a really great way to take that exam and really learn about MS."
— Lauren Corley ([11:18])

8. DD SIG Liaison Program Overview (with Greg Brusola)

• [11:50] The DD SIG Liaison Program connects SIG PT members with major neurodegenerative disease organizations, ensuring clinicians have access to recent resources and facilitating two-way collaboration.
• Fact sheets, monthly newsletters, and this podcast project are highlighted as valuable tools for both clinicians and patients.

"Our hope is that we can equip our members with the best resources that are available, the most recent resources that are available to serve the patients better."
— Greg Brusola ([12:37])

9. Connecting with Regional Stakeholder Managers

• [13:48] Clinicians can use a form on the MS Society healthcare professionals page to request connection with their local stakeholder engagement manager.

"You can say... please connect me with your stakeholder engagement manager in the region and they'll send it to the appropriate person and we'll definitely follow up."
— Lauren Corley ([13:48])

10. Partner in MS Care and Provider Locator Map

• [14:42] DD SIG is developing a clinician locator map for specialists in neurodegenerative diseases; the MS Society’s “Find Doctors and Resources” page allows clinicians to claim and complete their profiles for visibility.
• Partner in MS Care designation highlights specialized clinicians; navigators use this list when making referrals.

"You go in and just connect it, fill it out, and then they will come up in our search by zip code and by type of care someone's looking for."
— Lauren Corley ([15:17])

11. Becoming a Partner in MS Care

• [15:41] Requirements include MS-specific continuing education, work with the Society, and comprehensive care evaluation. Credentials such as MSCS are recognized.

"Our Partner in MS Care is our designation of an MS Specialist...with comprehensive care that's being provided..."
— Lauren Corley ([15:52])

12. Study Resources for Certification

• [17:33] Links to study materials for MSCS exam available through local stakeholder managers and CMSC.

"If someone is interested in that, they can also reach out to their local stakeholder. And we do have the links to some of the study materials that help with that exam..."
— Lauren Corley ([17:33])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “MS is not a death sentence. There are many ways to live a full life with MS.”
  — Lauren Corley ([08:38])
• “Our walks are also I think a really popular event to go and just be a part of the MS community that way.”
  — Lauren Corley ([04:38])
• “I think that's the best way to learn about culture is just to taste and experience their food culture.”
  — Greg Brusola ([18:50])
• “Everything we typically offer is free for providers and patients to participate in.”
  — Lauren Corley ([10:37])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:41 — Lauren Corley introduces her role and how she supports providers and patients
• 02:26 — How to join/access MS Society resources, New to MS Program, and Navigator program explained
• 04:12 — Popular services and events (Navigator system, community summits, MS Walks)
• 05:24 — Discussion of the underutilized ECHO MS Program
• 06:48 — Provider inquiry about discounts for cooling vests and practical aid
• 07:25 — Exercise resources: video content and wellness certifications
• 09:25 — Educational tools for clinicians and the Clinical Connections newsletter
• 10:31 — CMEs/continual learning and cost structure
• 10:54 — Partnership with MS Consortium and MS Specialist certification
• 11:50 — Greg Brusola explains the DD SIG Liaison Program
• 13:48 — How to connect with local stakeholder/engagement managers
• 14:42 — “Find Doctors and Resources” profile for clinicians
• 15:41 — Overview and requirements of the Partner in MS Care designation
• 17:33 — Accessing exam study materials for clinicians
• 18:10 — Lauren and Greg share personal interests (beach life, martial arts, food culture)

Episode Tone & Style

• Friendly, conversational, collaborative, and inclusive
• Focused on practical advice and support for clinicians
• Uplifting message about living well with MS and building clinical capacity

Summary Takeaways

• The National MS Society offers robust, free resources for both patients and providers, including educational programs, support groups, webinars, discounts on practical aids, and continuing education.
• The Navigator program and local/virtual events are central for both patient engagement and clinical support across the country.
• Underutilized assets like the ECHO MS program provide powerful peer learning and case consultation for providers.
• Clinicians can increase their visibility and reach to MS patients by completing their profile on the Society’s website and pursuing Partner in MS Care designation.
• DD SIG provides a vital bridge between major neurodegenerative organizations and clinicians, amplifying resource dissemination.
• Beyond clinical resources, personal connection, ongoing education, and a community-centric approach empower better MS care.