Clinics at MSU, Grand Rapids, designated ALS Center

Contact: Tom Oswald, University Relations: (517) 432-0920, cell (517) 281-7129, oswald@msu.edu; Pat Grauer, Osteopathic Medicine: (517) 353-0616, pat.grauer@hc.msu.edu


Feb. 11, 2008



EAST LANSING, Mich. — A unique partnership, composed of Michigan State University’s colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and Human Medicine and two West Michigan institutions, has been formed to help in the battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or, as it’s commonly known, Lou Gehrig’s disease.


It was announced today that the Muscular Dystrophy Association is designating two clinics as the state of Michigan’s first MDA/ALS center. One clinic is operated at the MSU Clinical Center by the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the other at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, which is affiliated with the other Grand Rapids Partner – Saint Mary’s Health Care.


The Michigan State University MDA/ALS Center, which is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of ALS, is the 38th in the country to achieve certification by the Muscular Dystrophy Association.


Osteopathic physician David Kaufman, chairperson of MSU’s Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, said it was a combination of the excellence of care offered at these two sites, the research expertise at MSU, and the College of Human Medicine’s expanded presence in Grand Rapids, that made it happen.


“The MDA/ALS Center is an excellent example of the cooperation among the three major organizations and two communities,” Kaufman said. “Together, we now have the opportunity to work toward a world-class center that will serve the patients and families who suffer from this disease.


“In addition, we are especially proud that MSU was the bridge that allowed this unique opportunity to develop to help both communities.”


David Simpson is director of the MSU clinic, while Brian Averill heads the Grand Rapids Clinic. Both are osteopathic physicians.


One of the unusual aspects of these clinics is that patients are treated by a team of health care professionals. The team can include physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians and respiratory therapists.


The project was organized under the direction of a lead physician from each organization: David Baumgartner, vice president for medical affairs at Saint Mary’s Health Care; John Butzer, medical director, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital; and MSU’s Kaufman.


ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Its causes and cure remain unknown. It’s estimated that approximately 30,000 Americans are living with ALS.


At MSU, there are a number of research projects underway which may contribute to understanding ALS. These include studies of the role of environmental contaminants, how the disease develops, discovery of agents that might protect nerves, and development of drug therapies.


MDA is the world’s largest nongovernmental sponsor of ALS research and services. People with ALS may receive treatment at any of MDA’s 225 hospital-affiliated clinics around the country.


MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. The association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.