Those who are devoted readers of my blog know my MS story by now. They know that I was diagnosed in 1986 during the “Dark Ages” of MS, when there were no approved medications, no Internet to help patients find important information, and nowhere to turn for support from the convenience of their home.

Times have changed.

A few years ago I worked for an incredible organization, The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), who have since become accredited to provide continuing medical education for physicians. CMSC, along with The France Foundation and Nurse Practitioner Alternatives (NPA) have worked tirelessly to create Advances in Multiple Sclerosis (AIMS). AIMS is a curriculum of educational programs designed to provide high quality, up-to-date information on advances in the treatment of MS.

The AIMS site includes both live and on-demand learning opportunities, and is accessible and free of charge to any practitioner by visiting the AIMS site.

The face of MS is changing everyday with new and exciting research taking place worldwide. If you’re like me, you not only want need to be your own best advocate, but you also want need your doctor to be knowledgeable about the latest research and trends in MS.

That is why I am asking you to visit the AIMS site. Find out what they have to offer, from LIVE activities and conference coverage to podcasts. Then recommend your clinicians do the same.

It’s in your best interest to let them know about this phenomenal website.

Here are 7 reasons your clinician should check out AIMS:

1. LIVE meetings - Here’s an opportunity for practitioners to hear cutting-edge MS updates from renowned faculty in person. (NOTE: AIMS is holding a regional meeting on Saturday, October 11 in Orlando, Florida if your practitioner is interested. Go to the AIMS website for more information.)
2. LIVE webinars - Here’s a convenient option for busy practitioners to hear topical updates.
3. MS Tool - Allows practitioners to participate in a self-assessment survey to generate a customized learning plan.
4. Recorded webinars and podcasts - Allows for on-demand education on a variety of critical topics from environmental and genetic influences, patient adherence, Vitamin D and much more.
5. A printable MS primer - Offers a hand reference tool with information about immunopathology and disease process, use of MRI, new and emerging therapies, patient adherence, common adverse events and injection-related concerns.
6. Continuing Education Credits - Neurologists, nurse practitioners, physicians’ assistants, nurses and other health care providers involved in the management of MS can obtain continuing education credit to help fulfill their professional requirements.
7. The cost is free - This program is provided free of charge, and new offerings will continue to be added to the curriculum.

What are you waiting for? Check out the AIMS site and then let me know what you think!

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