Institution/Department Address (with email/phone/fax): 110 South Paca Street, 3rd Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 Email: wroyal@som.umaryland.edu Tel: 410-302-5605 Fax: 410-328-5425
Primary contact for training information (name, address, fax (if different than above) and email): Walter Royal, III, MD
Brief information on program: The Maryland Center for MS, which was established 30 years ago, is recognized for the design and conduct of clinical trials in multiple sclerosis, comprehensive care of MS patients at all stages of their disease, and the conduct of basic science research to better understand the pathogenesis of MS. This training is provided in collaboration with the MS fellowship program that is based within the Veterans Administration Center of Excellence-East, headquartered at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. The Center cares for one-third of the MS population in the state of Maryland and approximately 1200 patient visits occur annually. Care is provided in the Neurology Ambulatory Care Center at the University of Maryland and in an active MS day program located at an affiliated rehabilitation facility, the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute. Comprehensive care is provided, which includes diagnostic and second opinion consultation for ambulatory of patients, hospitalization for seriously ill patients, and rehabilitative care. The clinical trials program has been very successful and the Center is credited for playing a major role in the development of Betaseron and Glatiramer acetate for the treatment of MS and for participation as a site for pivotal studies involving more recently FDA-approved MS disease modifying therapies. Several industry sponsored clinical trials and peer-reviewed, MS-related grants from NIH, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the VA Research Service are currently active in order to specifically seek a better treatment and understanding of the pathogenesis of MS.
Types of training programs: Resident; Fellowship
How many fellows/residents per year: 6 residents; 1-2 fellows per year
Area/s of Training: Multiple Sclerosis; Neuroimmunology; Other
What aspects: Demyelinating diseases (MS, NMO, Etc.); Neuro-rheumatology; Paraneoplastic; Encephalitis; Peripheral Neuroimmunology; Vasculitis; Autoimmune Epilepsy; Other
Fellowship program structure: Clinical; Research-based
Percentages of clinical and research-based components: 70% Clinical and 30% Research-based
Is On-call duty and/or general clinic participation required?: No
Additional training: Required/Offered? Pathology, Neuro-radiology; Electrophysiology; Neuro-rehabilitation; Other
Visa sponsorship? J1 and H1
Approved by Institution’s ACGME office?: No
Is independent funding required for Fellows?: No
Additional information: None