Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/16/2014 -- The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), Nurse Practitioner Alternatives (NPA), and Spire Learning announce new live, interactive courses on “Optimizing Multiple Sclerosis Management” for neurologists, primary care physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. These complimentary CME/CE-certified educational meetings are being led by experts in neurology and will take place November 8, in Portsmouth, NH; November 15, in Troy, MI; and December 13, in Pittsburgh, PA.

The two-hour educational program combines didactic presentations and interactive, small-group case discussions, and will examine:
- Diagnostic challenges and controversies in MS
- Monitoring of therapeutic efficacy and disease progression
- Treatment selection and individualization of therapy for MS patients
- Comprehensive strategies for overall disease management
- Methods to promote adherence

"The trajectory of MS is complex, and this program is designed to give current insight and real-world experiences to health care professionals on the comprehensive assessment of MS and in monitoring treatment effectiveness throughout the progression of the disease,” said Dr. Scott Newsome, Activity Chair and DO Assistant Professor of Neurology, Director, Neurology Outpatient Services & Neurology Infusion Center, Johns Hopkins Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Hospital.

The program’s faculty are well-known experts and presenters on the latest advances and treatments of multiple sclerosis. Dr. Newsome is joined by Patricia K. Coyle, MD, FAAN, FANA, Stony Brook University Medical Center; Rock A. Heyman, MD, University of Pittsburgh; Andrew R. Pachner, MD, Multiple Sclerosis Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Evanthia Bernitsas, MD, Multiple Sclerosis Center Wayne State University School of Medicine; and Robert P. Lisak, Wayne State University School of Medicine and President of CMSC.

Upon completion of this educational activity, attendees will learn:
- How to implement strategies for the early assessment of MS and monitoring of disease progression.
- Recognize the differences in MS clinical presentation and treatment responses among patients of different racial backgrounds
- Evaluate current and emerging therapies in the management of MS and their risks and benefits
- Utilize educational and communication strategies to explain therapeutic goals and treatment options and address patient adherence.

To register for the free CME/CE credited course on “Optimizing Multiple Sclerosis Management,” and for the full agenda and event details, go to
www.regonline.com/MSPhysicians

ABOUT CMSC
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 2015 CMSC Annual Meeting will take place May 27-30, in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information go to www.mscare.org

About NPA
Since 1995, NPA, owned and managed by NPs, has been developing and providing high quality continuing education offerings for nurse practitioners and other health professionals; researching health policy and the NP role for government, business and industry; and authoring professional texts, articles, and books for print and electronic media. NPA has worked collaboratively with CMSC and the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) since 2007 on over 75 educational activities certified for professional nursing credit.

About Spire Learning
The Spire Learning Experience is carefully constructed to inspire, motivate and reinforce change for healthcare professionals. We research and identify practice gaps and treatment barriers. We design activities to meet clear learning objectives. We implement consistently effective learning experiences. At Spire, continuing medical education is never CME/CE as usual. For more information, visit www.spirelearning.com