RUSH’s State-of-the-Art Infusion Program with Thomas Shoemaker, MD

As pioneers in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurologic conditions, RUSH delivers life-changing treatment for patients in its state-of-the-art infusion program. Thomas Shoemaker, MD, a neurologist in the RUSH University System for Health, joins Rounding at Rush to discuss RUSH’s infusion program, what he and his colleagues have learned about infusions during the COVID-19 pandemic and where the future of neurologic treatments is heading at RUSH.

Dr. Shoemaker specializes in treating neuro-immunologic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, neurosarcoidosis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. The RUSH Multiple Sclerosis Center has been recognized as a Center for Comprehensive Care through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Rush’s Neurology and Neurosurgery programs, which include the MS Center and infusion program, are ranked number four in the nation and best in Illinois by U.S. News and World Report.

“For our MS patients, it seemed like our only treatment was IV corticosteroids for the longest time, which would often require inpatient admission for three to five days,” explains Dr. Shoemaker. “In the infusion center, we can quickly administer corticosteroids and IV immunoglobulins to many patients on an outpatient basis so that they can go home for the day and return again on an outpatient basis to finish their treatment. Infusing patients this way naturally makes it less cumbersome on them.”

CME credit link: https://cmetracker.net/RUSH/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/EventID/482333