ALS Clinic Recognized as an ALS Center of Excellence
The LSUHSC-NO ALS Clinic was recently recognized as an ALS Association Certified Treatment
Center of Excellence, making it one of only two designated centers in Louisiana.
An estimated 5,000 individuals are diagnosed annually in the United States. The LSUHSC-NO ALS Clinic is committed to providing exemplary interprofessional care to individuals facing the challenges of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Under the leadership of Medical Directors Drs. Rima El-Abassi and Stephen Kantrow, the experienced and compassionate team works closely with patients and their families to maximize their health, functioning and ability using available therapy, equipment, exercise and nutrition.
“The ALS Association designation as a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence underscores LSU Health New Orleans’ commitment to providing quality care, fostering collaborations and actively engaging in ALS-related research,” says LSU Health New Orleans Chancellor, Dr. Steve Nelson.
The ALS Clinic provides a streamlined healthcare approach, bringing together neurologists, social workers, a registered dietitian, occupational and physical therapists, a respiratory therapist, a speech-language pathologist, and a patient care representative from the ALS Association. This collaborative effort ensures that patients can see all their providers in one setting, simplifying their health care experience.
“In the search for meaning in our lives and in our work, no place is richer and more
filled with grace and compassion than the multidisciplinary ALS clinic,” says clinic
Co-Director, Dr. Stephen Kantrow. “For all of us who work in this clinic, and for
the students who join us there, the opportunity to care for each other finds its fullest
expression.”
In addition to comprehensive care, the LSU Health New Orleans ALS Clinic serves as
a training ground for students from the schools of Medicine and Allied Health. Students
gain valuable experience, learning from the clinic's interprofessional team and taking
that knowledge into the community.
The interprofessional healthcare team is made up of: Rima El Abassi, MD (Neurology); Stephen Kantrow, MD (Pulmonology); Mark Blanchard, OTD (Occupational Therapy); Deidre Devier, MSW, PhD (Neurology); Elizabeth Ehrensing, MCD, CCC-SLP (Speech Language Pathology); Maria Kay, PT (Physical Therapy); Heidi Leffler, LCSW (Social Work); Helena Midkiff, RT (Respiratory Therapy); Natalie Thomas, MSW (ALS Association); and Natalie Versaggi, MS, RD (Dietary).
In addition to being an ALS Center of Excellence, the ALS Clinic is also a Muscular Dystrophy Association designated center and an Amyotrophic Lateral Association recognized treatment center.