National MS Society recognizes UB expert for her research, patient care

Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, professor in the Department of Neurology in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB and a physician with UBMD Neurology, has received the Impact Award of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The society describes the award as one given to “a business or individual whose leadership helps ensure those with MS live their best lives.”

Weinstock-Guttman is widely known as a leading expert on MS in adults and children. The executive director of the New York State Multiple Sclerosis Consortium, one of the nation’s largest MS registries, she has pioneered new therapies and interventions to treat the disease while helping to develop a more nuanced understanding of the many ways that MS affects patients.

Her research includes studying the cholesterol link to MS, bone health and exercise programs for aging MS patients, and biomarkers that may help predict improved quality of life for patients. She also directs the Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center of Buffalo, one of the initial six centers of excellence established by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Through her practice with UBMD Neurology, Weinstock-Guttman works with patients to provide comprehensive care that in addition to the use of drugs and other therapies, includes diet and exercise, neurocognitive assessment, physical and occupational therapy, and social services.

Penny Pennington, an adviser on public policy and research programs for the National MS Society and a member of the board of directors of Advancing Research in Multiple Sclerosis, a patient advocacy group, notes it is the combination of her research, patient care and advocacy skills that made Weinstock-Guttman so deserving of the award.

“Dr. Weinstock-Guttman’s critical research, combined with her phenomenal patient orientation and concern for impacting her patient’s daily lives, is what made her the best person to receive this important award,” she says.

Weinstock-Guttman received the award last fall at the society’s 39th Annual Ambassador’s Ball in Washington, D.C.