The MCG ALS Clinic recently became the 31st nationally certified ALS practice site in the United States and the only one in Georgia.  The certification announcement was made at the ALS Association of Georgia’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner.  Dr. Michael Rivner, an MCG Health System neurologist accepted the award on behalf of clinic faculty and staff.  The ALS Association of Georgia also gave him the Collaborative Partner Award for demonstrating great compassion and exceptional commitment to serve those affected by the disease.  Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

The ALS Association of Georgia also held its inaugural patient education symposium the same weekend. Dr. Rivner was on hand to present “Later in the Journey:  Future Decision-Making.”  He was joined on the program by physical therapist Charlotte Chatto, PT, and occupational therapist Ben Hertz, OT, both of MCG Health System, who presented “Mobility, Exercises and Activities of Daily Living.” Dr. Edward Hartmann answered questions during the “ALS 101” audience Q&A.

The MCG ALS Clinic was formed in 2004 through a partnership between the MCG Neuroscience Center and the ALS Association of Georgia and serves patients from Georgia and South Carolina.  Because ALS patients loose the use of their muscles, it becomes difficult for them to make multiple trips for several appointments.  So, the clinic features a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and coordinated approach to patient care in which patients can see their physicians as well as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, augmentive communication specialists, social workers, dieticians and respiratory therapists on the same day.

MCG Health System is composed of three organizations - MCG Health Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group.  MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services.  MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia, and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for delivering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.  For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.