Maryland MS Specialist

[Ikoiko]

I may be moving to Silver Spring, MD in the next year. Does anyone know of a good MS specialist in the area? I prefer an academic setting, but may consider a doctor in private practice. I may be willing to go to Johns Hopkins or Georgetown University.

[Jules A]

Hopkins has a MS Center. I think University of Maryland might also.

[MSer102]

Hopkins is one of the premier medical centers in the world. A lot of people would put them first on their list and consider other clinics only if they can't get into Hopkins. The Maryland Center for Multiple Sclerosis at the University of Maryland Medical Center also has an excellent reputation.

[woodstock]

Both Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland have MS centers. I would highly, highly recommend the Johns Hopkins MS clinic. I've been there since dx and have found their treatment to be top notch. Yes, it is a drive from Silver Spring, however when you really think about it you typically only see your neuro twice a year.

I've also participated in a study at Johns Hopkins and found it to be quite interesting, informative, and rewarding.

[ME610]

MD Living

I live in Baltimore, MD.... So I have grown up a stone's throw from excellent medical care. A few points to ponder

1. LOVE my regular/non MS Specialist neuro.

2. I went to U of MD for a second opinion.... HATED them... they treated me like I had no reason to be there and rushed me through the appointment.....my doctor routinely spends 45-60 minutes with me each appointment.

3. Since I live in the area I have heard that Hopkins does A LOT of stuff well, and a lot of stuff "just OK".... in other words, just because it is Hopkins don't assume that it is any better than any other institution offering care. BTW I taught blocks from the hospital for 10 years... and heard it from the neighborhood... our very poor parents hated to go to Hopkins to have babies/routine care.....that being said, don't let me take away the care that they offer... GREAT hospital and glad it is in my city!

Maybe I am a bit jaded or thankless since I can get QUALITY/CUTTING EDGE care and still sleep in my own bed every night.

[Cest La Vie]

Another Suggestion

Hi! I live in the Silver Spring area and get treated through NIH which is very close in Bethesda. I have no experience with UMD or Hopkins but I will say that NIH moves really fast.

I was diagnosed the day before Thanksgiving of last year and they had me on a round of steroids all before the end of the following week. I saw my regular Neuro who referred me to NIH. NIH did everything for me. My MRIs, the LP and the steroid treatments. They have a great staff and they made sure I understood everything and they are always available if you have questions.

Good luck with your move and your search!

[NaiEve]

I also live in Silver Spring and I really like my Neurologist. She's at the Neurology Center (which has offices all around the area) and I'd recommend her heartily.

I've not needed a specialist as of yet, but I've heard GW is good and there's a dr out in Va who is very well respected/known. (But she doesn't take most insurance)

Let me know if I can do anything to help as you adjust to the area!
- Eve

[Ikoiko]

Thanks for the answers. I do not drive and it would be hard for me to get a ride to Baltimore during business hours. Most convenient would be somewhere within cabbing distance.

I like the idea of NIH, but I thought they only did research studies. Do they take private patients?

[bluegiraffe]

I live in Bethesda Maryland and have seen doctors at Georgetown and Hopkins and the neurology center in Rockville.

I think they are all good, Hopkins is great but a bit far to Baltimore.

Cest La Vie,
I thought NIH was for clinical trials solely.
Do you see an MS specialist privately there ?

[Ikoiko]

NaiEve,

What is the name of your neuro, and is she an MS specialist?