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  6. Neuroimmunology Symposium

Neuroimmunology Symposium

Brain graphicAugust 13-15, 2026 | The Admiral Hotel - Mobile, AL

 
Register Now
 

▼   General Information

Statement of Purpose

This Program is designed to enhance provider competency, performance and improve patient outcomings for patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Neuromyelitis optica, and encephalitis. This program is also designed to enhance patient and caregiver knowledge regarding their perspective diagnosis, introduce local resources, and address the holistic needs of patients and their families.

Target Audience

This program is appropriate for all healthcare professionals who encounter and treat Neuro-immunological diseases including Neurologists, Primary care providers, rheumatologists, nurses, social workers, residents/ med students, home health care/ hospice/ palliative care professionals, psychologists, pharmacists.

Objectives

  • Review updated diagnostic criteria for MS, NMOSD and Autoimmune Encephalitis.
  • Review FDA-approved immune therapies, over the counter, and other regulated supportive therapies.
  • Identify local resources for patient support groups.
  • Identify local organizations that facilitate various patient assistance programs.

ADA Statement

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities ACT, we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your special needs requests. Please contact Alex Fortin (251)-660-5108 EXT 1914

▼   Registration and Fees

Advanced registration is requested. Your fee included course materials, breakfasts, lunch, refreshments, and receptions. Early Registration Fees available until 6/26/2026 and is subjected to a $50 cancellation fee, late registration is non- refundable.

Register online.

  • USA Faculty: $150.00
  • All Other: $75.00
  • Residents/Students: $0.00
  • Patients with MS/family: $0.00
▼   Conference Location
▼   Speakers

Guest Speakers

Benjamin Jones, M.D.

Graham Driskell, PharmD

*Additional Speakers will be added when confirmations are received.

University of South Alabama Faculty and Staff

William Kilgo, M.D. | Associate professor of Neurology Neuroimmunology specialist

John Soltys, M.D. Ph.D. | Assistant Professor of Neurology Neuroimmunology Specialist

Stephen Aita, Ph.D. | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Assistant Professor of Neurology

Alex Fortin, LMSW | Neurology Department Social Worker

Luis Purisaca-Neira, M.D. | 3rd year Neurology Resident

Jaryn Barnickel, CNCT | Neurology Technologist

*Additional Speakers will be added when confirmations are received.

▼   Schedule
Thursday, August 13  
6:00 p.m. Dinner / meet and greet

 

Friday, August 14  
7:00 a.m. Check in
7:00-10:00 a.m. Vendor Set up
8:00 a.m. The ABC’s of MS - An Introduction presented by William Kilgo, M.D., F.A.A.N and John Soltys, M.D., Ph. D.
9:10 a.m. Mimics of MS presented by Benjamin Jones, M.D. 
10:10 a.m. Vendor Break, please take time to meet our sponsors located in the vendor space
10:45 a.m.

The MS Infusion Journey: From Diagnosis to Treatment Experience presented by Derek Blake, RN *this is not a CME accredited presentation
12:00 p.m. Lunch / Healthy Kitchens presented by Robert Israel, M.D., F.A.C.P 
Breakout Sessions  
1:10 p.m.
  • Room 1: Rehabilitation considerations for clients with MS presented by Tara Andrews, PT, DPT, NCS and Katie Dewey, PT, DPT, NCS
  • Room 2: Prioritizing Mental health when living with a chronic illness presented by Alex Fortin, LMSW, TIC-CSp
2:10 p.m.
  • Room 1: Aging with MS and Comorbidities presented by William Kilgo, M.D., F.A.A.N
  • Room 2: NMOSD Update presented by John Soltys, M.D., Ph.D.
3:10 p.m.
  • Room 1: Discover APTAT: Access Potential Through Assistive Technology presented by Ashley McLeroy, MSME
  • Room 2: High Efficacy DMT presented by William Kilgo, M.D., F.A.A.N
4:10 p.m. Break
5:00 p.m. 

Multi-disciplinary team panel

  • William Kilgo, M.D., F.A.A.N
  • John Soltys, M.D., Ph.D.
  • Alex Fortin, LMSW, TIC-CSp
  • Meaghan Atchinson, RN, BSN
6:30-8 p.m.  Dinner / Where research is going presented by John Soltys, M.D., Ph.D. 

 

Saturday, August 15  
8:00 a.m. Make the most of your clinic visit presented by William Kilgo, M.D., F.A.A.N
9:00 a.m.  National Multiple Sclerosis Society presented by Lauren Corley, MPH 
10:15 a.m. Advanced Care Planning presented by Alex Fortin, LMSW, TIC-CSp
11:15 a.m.

Lunch / Taking Medications and Supplements Safely in MS presented by Graham Driskell, Pharm D
12:15 p.m. The Neuropsychology of Multiple Sclerosis presented by Stephen Aita, Ph.D.
1:30 p.m. Interactive art activity present by Jaryn Barnickle, CNCT
2:10 p.m.  Symptomatic Management of MS presented By Luis Purisaca Neira, M.D
3:15-5 p.m.

Neuromyelitis optica, autoimmune encephalitis and beyond presented by John Soltys, M.D., Ph.D.
▼   CME Credit
  • ACPE - 14.00
  • AMA PRA Category 1 Credit - 14.00
  • ANCC - 14.00
  • APA - 14.00
  • ASBSWE - 14.00
  • Attendance - 14.00
  • IPCE - 14.00
▼   Contact Information

Alex Fortin
Phone: 251-660-5108 ext. 1914 | Fax: 251-660-5792 | Email: fanail@health.southalabama.edu 

Department of Neurology
University of South Alabama
1601 Center Street, Room 2270-C
Mobile, AL 36604