Emory MS Program

The Department of Neurology at Emory Clinic, under the direction of Dr. Neil Lava, established a Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis clinic in 2008. This clinic is available to anyone with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, possible multiple sclerosis, or other similar diseases such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Our goal is to make neurological care at Emory Clinic easily accessible, as multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases that affect the central nervous system can be very complex and frightening. We strive to offer comprehensive, efficient and compassionate care to patients in need. With the addition of Dr. William Tyor to the Department of Neurology faculty in late 2008 and Dr. Diana Vargas in 2014, the Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis, Neuroimmunology and Neuro-infectious diseases clinic, as a component of the overall Atlanta VA/Emory MS Center, has become an essential part of our Emory brain health initiative.

We have specialized expertise in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis as well as other immune mediated conditions like Neuromyelitis Optica [Spectrum Disorders], Neurosarcoidosis, Transverse myelitis, Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune encephalitis and infections of the central nervous system.  We offer comprehensive evaluation of patients and multidisciplinary care with access to a full line of therapies. We also are able to provide integrative care with physical therapy, neuro-ophthalmology, cognitive evaluations and treatments, urological evaluations and treatment, and counseling, among other available specialty evaluations at Emory. Participation in clinical trials is available.

Co-directors Neil Lava and William Tyor have over 60 years of combined multiple sclerosis patient care. Dr. Lava was the founder and director of the Albany Medical College Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in Albany New York. Dr. Tyor began his Multiple Sclerosis training at Johns Hopkins and later became Co-Director of that clinic in 1990. After moving to the Medical University of South Carolina in 1992 he established the MUSC MS Center and directed that for 16 years before coming to Emory. In 2014, Diana Vargas joined the Emory faculty. She previously did her clinical fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis at University of Maryland and remained as faculty in the University of Maryland and Baltimore VA MS center of Excellence.  Drs. Lava, Tyor and Vargas are the leading team of clinicians and researchers to help patients deal with multiple sclerosis and other neuro-inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system.

Neil Lava, MD
William Tyor, MD

Emory
Neil Lava, MD, Neurologist
William Tyor, MD, Neurologist
Diana L. Vargas, MD, Neurologist
Lisa Aquillano, PharmD, Pharmacist

Call 404-778-3444 for an appointment at the Emory Clinic.

Atlanta VAMC
William Tyor, MD
Pamela Brown, RN, MSN, NP
Charlyn Thomas, Administrative Assistant

Contact Charlyn Thomas at 404-321-6111, ext 7330, if you are a veteran and want a VA appointment.

William Tyor, MD

The goal of the fellowship is to provide fellows with a one to two-year-long experience [usually two] focusing on gaining expertise in the diagnosis and management of patients with diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis. Training also involves providing the fellow with the opportunities in gaining research experience by tailoring a research proposal based on fellows interest and carrying out those proposed goals at the end of the fellowship.

Training in the diagnosis and management of most NeuoImmunological conditions will be under the direction of designated neurology attending physicians. Training includes participation in various academic activities including Neuroradiology and Neuropthalmology. Fellows are exposed to and expected to learn to manage patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Neuromyelitis optica, Neurosarcoidosis and all types of Autoimmune encephalitis among other more rare conditions. Expertise are gathered in prescribing and surveilling medications of increase complexity like immunomodulators and immunosuppressants. The fellow coordinates and leads bimonthly NeuroImmunology/Neuroradiology case conference were difficult cases are presented and reviewed. The fellow also coordinates bimonthly NeuroImmunology academic conference/journal club were we discuss recent literature, invite speakers and update on current practices. Fellows work educating residents and medical student while on the clinic setting as well as participate in Friday lectures that happen annually. Lectures are also given to psychiatry residents. The fellow must assist grand rounds and is expected to attend at least one national meeting a year with the goal of presenting a poster/abstract. While under the direction of a designated mentor, the fellow will develop and complete unique and collaborative clinical and/or basic science research project(s) in any of the neuroimmunology disorders. It will be expected that fellows will publish results of their work and/or clinical papers.

Learn more about the fellowship and application process.

For additional information about this fellowship, please contact Dr. Diana Vargas Vives. 
Diana Vargas Vives, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Program Director, NeuroImmunology Fellowship Program
Email

Please email your completed application to Dr. Diana Vargas Vives.