Here we go! The MSF Cruise for a Cause® is ready to set sail
to Alaska on June 14th, 2013 and we are very excited to introduce
the speakers who will be joining us on our educational journey back to “The
Last Frontier.”
Ben W. Thrower, M.D., is the Medical Director of the Andrew
C. Carlos MS Institute at Shepherd in Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Thrower is a clinical
instructor of neurology at Emory University and participates actively in
clinical research. He serves on the board of directors of the Georgia Chapter
of the National MS Society, has served on the board for the Consortium of
Multiple Sclerosis Centers, and is the Senior Medical advisor to the Multiple
Sclerosis Foundation. In 2005, he was the first physician inductee into the
Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society Volunteer Hall of Fame
Timothy West, M.D., is the Director of the Multiple
Sclerosis Program at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, in Las
Vegas, Nev. Dr. West is very involved in clinical research and has experience
running clinical trials within an MS Center. Dr. West has taught within the
medical school at UC San Francisco for the past three years. He frequently
participates in patient education programs and is very committed to providing
comprehensive care for patients with MS. Part of his clinical fellowship
included special training in neuro-urology, spasticity management, and
neurodiagnostics.
Deborah Backus, Ph.D., is Director of MS Research for the
Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Backus is
responsible for developing and leading a research program that includes
cutting-edge therapies and treatments to improve clinical outcomes and the
quality of life for people with MS. Previously the Associate Director of Spinal
Cord Research, she is an experienced physical therapist clinician, educator,
and researcher.
Emily Cade, M.S., CRC, CCM, CLCP is a Certified Case
Manager, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Certified Life Care Planner,
at the MS Institute at Shepherd Center. Emily was chosen as the 2008 Medical
Provider Volunteer of the Year by the National MS Society, GA Chapter. This
award honors volunteers for their years of dedication and success in helping to
raise awareness for MS, raise funds for MS, and provide direct services and
resources to clients living with MS.
Gerald Bilsky, M.D., is a staff physiatrist for Shepherd
Center's Acquired Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Programs. Dr. Bilsky is
co-chair of Shepherd Center's Ethics Committee. He is recognized as a leader in
the field of physical medication and rehabilitation and has served on numerous
committees and organizational boards of directors. Dr. Bilsky has been
published in regional and national medical journals and frequently gives presentations
in relevant areas of the specialty of rehabilitation medicine.
For more information contact Gabriela Aragon at Aragon
Travel. Phone: (954) 322-1030 or gabriela@aragontravel.com. Or contact MSF Educational Programs
Coordinator Alisa Farber atcruise@msfocus.org or at extension 1-800-225-6495
x148.
