Dr. Joseph Herbert and Justine Wheatley, RN, treat a patient in the MS Care Center.

The development of the hospital’s MS programming has been under the leadership of Joseph Herbert, MD, neurologist and MS expert since 1993 when he joined the NYU Department of Neurology. Today, because of Dr. Herbert’s vision and multiple leadership roles with the NYU-HJD system, the MS program has become an integrated model of rehabilitative care. This model distinguishes our hospital’s MS Care Center from others across the country.

Currently, the MS Care Center serves as the primary hub of operations for Dr. Herbert’s growing MS care network of medical care, which has now expanded to the NYU campus and New Jersey.

The first step in being evaluated is to be seen by Dr. Herbert or one of his associates at the Center. The first visit will begin with a thorough medical history and neurological examination. Based on this, additional diagnostic examinations (tests) or referrals may be recommended. After all of your testing is complete you will be asked to return to the Center. If the diagnosis is confirmed, you will also meet with the Center Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, or Social Worker who will be able to answer any additional questions, provide specific recommendations for how to approach any changes you are experiencing, and provide important educational materials for how to better understand your diagnosis and the treatment and management options available to you.

It is extremely important for the individual diagnosed with MS to become educated about the disease in order to proactively plan his or her medical care. Long-term prognosis and quality of life are enhanced when individuals participate actively in their medical management. Attending MS support groups on a regular basis is an effective way to remain abreast of new medical developments.

Key members of our team are the patient, family, caregivers, and friends. The success of this team approach begins with you, the patient. When you come to our MS Center you will have the opportunity to meet with various members of the medical team. All of the team members are important players in developing a plan of care that will meet your medical, social, and personal needs.

Since a lot of information may be discussed during your visits, we encourage you to bring a family member or friend for companionship as well as assistance in sorting through or writing down key points.

We are always available in between visits to answer your questions or to just listen.