View Larger Image
Erika Santos Horta, M.D., a neuro-oncologist and neuro-immunologist.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Names UAMS a Center for Comprehensive MS Care
| LITTLE ROCK —The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has been designated a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The designation recognizes UAMS’ knowledge and expertise in treating patients with the potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system, and signifies a partnership aimed at connecting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to the information, resources and support that is available to help them live their best lives.
“We believe individuals with MS receive optimal care and support when strong collaborative relationships exist between health care professionals and the society,” according to the formal agreement between UAMS and the New York-based nonprofit corporation.
“The goal is comprehensive, coordinated care to manage the disease and promote comfort, function, independence, health and wellness,” according to the society. “Only by sharing expertise in a coordinated and collaborative manner can the complex needs of individuals with MS and their families be met.”
“The UAMS designation as a Center for Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care is the recognition of the excellent multidisciplinary service offered by the UAMS Neuro-immunology clinic,” said Erika Santos Horta, M.D., a neuro-oncologist and neuro-immunologist who treats multiple sclerosis and is an assistant professor in the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Neurology. “This new level of collaboration with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will allow our patients to have more resources and to be more supported in their journey.”
Lee Archer, M.D., chair of the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Neurology and director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program, said, “UAMS is committed to offering the best treatment to MS patients. This designation helps make patients and physicians aware that UAMS is a place where top-notch MS care is available.”
In 2014, the national society designated Archer and his team as a Partner in MS Care, making them the first group of medical professionals in the state to earn the designation.
The Multiple Sclerosis Program at UAMS provides a multidisciplinary approach to address the complex needs of MS patients. The team includes a neurologist, a neuro-hospitalist, a neuropsychologist, a primary care nurse practitioner and a neuro-oncologist.
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and eight institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and the Institute for Community Health Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS’ clinical enterprise. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 3,275 students, 890 medical residents and fellows, and five dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 12,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube or Instagram.###