Multiple Sclerosis Wellness Research Symposium

A monochromatic blue image of a brain on an abstract background

The 6th Annual Wellness accredited half-day symposium, presented by the OHSU MS Wellness Research Group, explored the role of mind and body therapies in MS and generated research questions for future cross-disciplinary studies. This symposium brought together experts from OHSU, University of Toronto and RAND Corporation.

Speakers explored the neurobiological mechanisms of mind and body therapies in health and disease, the use of mind and body therapies in MS, evidence-based effectiveness of mind and body therapies in MS, and the economic impact of these therapies.

Who should attend

Basic scientists and clinicians with an interest in mind and body research. This symposium welcomes participants at all stages of expertise.

Contact

Event archive

2020 learning objectives

  • Review the role of mind and body therapies in health and disease states
  • Understand the neurological mechanisms by which mind and body therapies can influence health
  • Describe prevalence and patterns of use of mind and body therapies in MS
  • Discuss the evidence based effects of mind and body therapies in people with MS, including mindfulness-based interventions and stress reduction techniques on symptom management and quality of life
  • Understand the economic impact of mind and body therapies, including the cost-effectiveness of mind and body therapies and the consequences of barriers to access of these therapies

2020 agenda

1 – 1:15 p.m.: Introduction and welcome
Rebecca Spain, M.D., M.S.P.H.
OHSU

1:15 – 2 p.m.: An overview of mind and body therapies in MS
Elizabeth Silbermann, M.D.
OHSU

2:05 – 2:50 p.m.: Neurobiological mechanisms of mind and body therapies
Barry Oken, M.D., Ph.D.
OHSU

3:10 – 3:55 p.m.: Evidence-based effects of mind and body therapies in MS
Robert Simpson, MBChB, Ph.D.
University of Toronto

4 – 4:45 p.m.: Economic impact of mind and body therapies
Patricia Herman, N.D., Ph.D.
RAND Corporation

4:45 – 5:15 p.m.: Panel discussion

1–1:15 p.m.: Introduction and Welcome 
Rebecca Spain, M.D., M.S.P.H. 
OHSU

1:15–2 p.m.: An overview of  the microbiome in health and disease
Thomas Sharpton, Ph.D. 
Oregon State University

2:05–2:50 p.m.: The role of the  microbiome and the gut–brain axis 
Michael Lane, M.D. 
OHSU

3:10–3:55 p.m.: Evidence for the  influence of the microbiome in EAE 
Laura Piccio, M.D., Ph.D. 
Washington University in St. Louis

4:00–4:45 p.m.: Evidence for the  influence of the microbiome in MS 
Ilana Katz Sand, M.D. 
Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital

4:45–5:15 p.m.: Panel discussion