Massachusetts General Hospital has announced a new multispecialty initiative consisting of more than 2,000 experts dedicated to changing the way patients and caregivers interact with an ever-expanding array of brain and spine-related services. This new initiative – Mass General Neuroscience – was created to simplify the patient experience and offer access to the most advanced research and clinical trials.
“The vision here begins and ends with our patients.”
Navigating across multiple specialties can be an arduous and confusing process. Mass General Neuroscience combines the expertise and diverse approaches of clinicians in the departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, and other related disciplines, to look at brain and nervous system diseases in a more collaborative manner. By working closely with each other and with patients and families, these clinicians can optimize the best possible treatment options for those seeking care.
“This community of specialists is on the frontline of research and dedicated to obtaining and delivering the newest treatments available through an easier and restructured process,” says Merit Cudkowicz, MD, MSc, chief of Neurology, co-chair of Mass General Neuroscience. “The vision here begins and ends with our patients.”
New Infrastructure to Improve Care
For example, a patient suffering from facial pain may seek consultation with a general neurologist. Now, as part of Mass General Neuroscience, physicians from various subspecialties, such as Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Neurosurgery, Anesthesia and Psychiatry, each offering their unique perspective, may work together to review the patient’s condition and ensure the patient receives the maximum benefit of care.
This new infrastructure, which will be fully established over the next year, will greatly improve and accelerate the process in which patients receive consultation from a variety of physicians and specialties.
“As new tools have opened a window to how the brain is organized and how it gives rise to thinking, emotion, perception and behavior, the opportunities and potential for close connectivity and collaboration among brain-based specialties has emerged as a high priority for the future of prevention and treatment of human suffering,” says Jerrold Rosenbaum, MD, chief of Psychiatry, co-chair of Mass General Neuroscience. “The energetic commitment to Mass General Neuroscience across multiple departments will make a difference to the world.”
Mass General Neuroscience will take a preventative approach to care …
Unparalleled Neuroscience Collaboration
As a national leader in research, Mass General is uniquely positioned to combine the latest research with world-class clinical care, giving patients access to innovative treatments and care strategies. Additionally, Mass General Neuroscience will take a preventative approach to care, focusing on neuroscience across a patient’s lifespan and integrating it from the earliest possible opportunity, including before birth.
“We joined together to collaborate in an unparalleled way to provide care with the utmost compassion and understanding,” says Bob Carter, MD, PhD, chief of Neurosurgery, co-chair of Mass General Neuroscience. “The goal here, among many, is to not only cure disease, but also prevent it throughout the lifespan of our patients.”
To learn more about how you can support Mass General Neuroscience, please contact us.
