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Episode 75 of Ask Dr Jessica we welcome Dr Jeff Gelfand to discuss autoimmune disease, specifically Multiple Sclerosis. About 1 million people in the United States are affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and often it is diagnosed in adolescence or early adult years. In this episode, our goal is to help listeners understand what MS is and to promote awareness about the illness. What are the signs and symptoms? What are the available treatments? How does one get MS --is due to genetic factors, environmental factors, or both? Is MS preventable? One of Dr Gelfand's many gifts is being able to talk about complicated medical topics into simplified, easier to understand verbage.
About Dr Gelfand:
Dr. Jeffrey Gelfand is a neurologist who specializes in caring for patients with autoimmune, inflammatory and neurodegenerative neurological conditions. His expertise encompasses multiple sclerosis, neurosarcoidosis, encephalitis, meningitis, transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, neuromyelitis optica, central nervous system vasculitis, autoimmune dementias and encephalopathies, autoimmune cerebellar ataxia and paraneoplastic neurological syndromes. He also treats neurological problems in people with rheumatic diseases or other systemic illnesses and cares for people with general neurological disorders.
Gelfand received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. At UCSF, he completed a residency in neurology, followed by fellowship training in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology (the study of how the nervous and immune systems interact). He also has a master of advanced study degree in clinical research from UCSF.
As director of the UCSF Division of Neuroinflammation and Glial Biology clinical fellowship program, Gelfand trains specialists in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology after they have completed a residency in neurology. UCSF recognized his excellence in teaching in 2014 with the Robert B. Layzer Award and in 2015 with an award from the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators.
Gelfand is an elected fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. In 2019 he was elected vice-chair of the Autoimmune Neurology Section of the American Academy of Neurology.
Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.
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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.
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