Stanya Smith, M.D.
Medical Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic
at ProHealth Care Neuroscience Center
Dr. Stanya Smith immigrated to the United States in 1991. She received her degree as a neurologist and completed a second residency in Chicago. She now sees more than 300 multiple sclerosis patients a year through the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in Waukesha that she also helped establish.
“I’m a neurologist first, but when the opportunity came for us to sit down and really look at the needs of our patients we knew we needed to take a more direct clinical approach to multiple sclerosis,” Smith said. “An MS Clinic had to be number one. This crippling disease affects patients ages 20 to 50. It can be devastating, but with new developments and new treatments we can see possibility there.”
Even though the medical profession still doesn’t understand the disease completely, the progress that has been made is incredible, Smith said.
“No other medical treatments have developed as quickly as this one,” she said.
Maureen Waslicki, marketing communications director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Wisconsin chapter nominated Smith for the award.
According to Waslicki, the Waukesha Clinic is one of very few facilities in the country authorized to administer tysabri, a new therapy treatment available for MS patients.
“I’ll tell you honestly, I’ve never done anything in my life for recognition,” Smith said. “I don’t think any physician would,” Smith said. “I do what I should be doing, and that’s what ever is best for my patients. I don’t think I’d be a good physician if I were (trying to do this for recognition), I appreciate it, it means a lot to be recognized, but to me it doesn’t matter. I’d be doing what I’m supposed to be doing- recognition or not.”
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