PHOENIX (June 6, 2016) – Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that can affect many neurological functions. While there is no cure, the symptoms can be managed with proper care. Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix recognizes the specific symptoms of MS patients, and has created the Banner – University Medicine Comprehensive Center for Multiple Sclerosis as part of the Banner – University Medicine Neuroscience Institute.

The new center, scheduled to open July 20, 2016, will bring together neurology and physiatry to create a unique care model addressing the full spectrum of needs for a patient and their family during their MS journey. The center will be led by Neurologist Barry Hendin, MD, and Physiatrist, Robert Djergaian, MD.

“One of the biggest hurdles MS patients have is the fragmentation of their care plan,” Hendin said. “By bringing different specialties together to create this comprehensive center, we can address the full spectrum of symptoms for our patients in a collaborative environment.”

Banner – University Medicine’s Comprehensive Center for Multiple Sclerosis will include an interdisciplinary care team, organized by a registered nurse navigator, to help patients manage their individualized treatment plans. By choosing the new center, patients and their families can expect to experience:

• Swift response to patients who face acute exacerbation.
• Engagement of patients in education, wellness and self-management rather than disease management.
• Appreciation of the stress and burden of care and our recognition of the need to support families/caregivers.
• Ability to use the latest therapeutic interventions and availability of research trials.

“There have been remarkable advancements in the treatment of this chronic disease,” Hendin stated. “As beneficiaries of the latest research and treatments, we believe we can make a significant difference to improve the lives of those living with MS with a personalized care plan.”

Banner – University Medicine Comprehensive Center for Multiple Sclerosis is scheduled to open July 20, 2016. To make an appointment, or receive more information, call (602) 839-6533 or visit us on the 3^rd floor of 755 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix.

Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is a large teaching hospital that has provided medical care to Arizona and the Southwest since 1911. It is part of Banner – University Medicine. The hospital specializes in heart care, cancer care, high-risk obstetrics, neurosciences and stroke care, rehabilitative medicine, organ transplants and Emergency care, including a Level 1 trauma center. Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit health care system with 29 hospitals in seven states. The institution, which has trained thousands of doctors over decades as a teaching hospital with Graduate Medical Education programs, is now the academic medical center for the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. For more information, visit   www.bannerhealth.com/UniversityPhoenix.