The Providence St. Luke’s
Physiatry & Neuromuscular Clinic provides a multidisciplinary team approach
to caring for persons with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Given that ALS can affect every person
differently, the care involves diverse and specialized skills and knowledge.
Our approach utilizes a comprehensive, integrated medical and rehabilitative
treatment program aimed at reducing the burden of the disease for both persons
with ALS and their caregivers. The multidisciplinary clinic approach eliminates the
need for persons with ALS having to visit multiple health care providers at
different times and different places. Previous studies have shown that
multidisciplinary teams improve the quality of life and survival for persons
with ALS.
Our team is led by
neurologist Dr. John Chapin and physiatrist Dr. Jon Morrill. Both
physicians are fellowship trained in neuromuscular disorders, and both are
board certified in electrodiagnostic medicine. They are assisted by
Caitlin Shino, a nurse practitioner specializing in neuromuscular
disorders. The team also has physical, respiratory and speech therapists,
as well as a registered nurse, dietitian, and social worker. The team meets
after each clinic to discuss and implement a personalized treatment plan for
each person.
The center is actively
involved in research, including clinical trials and basic science studies. The
center is sponsored by the ALS Association and works in collaboration with the
Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience at the Washington State University
Elson S Floyd College of Medicine.