ALS Multidisciplinary Centers and Clinics

What is the Multidisciplinary Model? This clinic model provides high-quality, state-of-the-art ALS care and clinical management along with access to the latest treatments for individuals living with ALS. It brings together physicians including neurologists, pulmonologists, and psychiatrists with a team of specialists like physical, occupational and speech therapists, nutritionists, social workers, and palliative care staff. This team of specialists, through this clinic model, always joined by one of the Chapter’s Care Services Coordinators, provides comprehensive, specialized, sensitive care that addresses all the needs of individuals living with ALS in one place at one time. Research suggests that patients who receive treatment at an ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic live longer and have a better quality of life.

In Our Chapter: The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter supports six ALS Multidisciplinary Clinics including two Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence. In 2021, there were 535 clinic visits by individuals living with ALS who are served by the Greater Chicago Chapter. Our Care Services Coordinators are integrated into the weekly, bimonthly and monthly clinics as liaisons between individuals and their medical team.

Individuals living with ALS: Click HERE to register with our Chapter.

University of Chicago Medical Center, Certified Center of Excellence

The University of Chicago Medical Center ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic was established in 2009. The UCMC ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic achieved the status of becoming the first-ever Certified Treatment Center of Excellence in Illinois in early spring of 2013.  The University of Chicago Medical Center has maintained that status every year since.

"We are thankful to the Greater Chicago Chapter for their support and guidance, which enabled us to build an ALS Multidisciplinary clinic at the University of Chicago. This year the clinic expanded from meeting twice a month to meeting three or four times a month. Our ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic provides a holistic approach to the patient that facilitates the ease with which patients can receive care and enhances patient safety and quality of life.”  -Dr. Raymond Roos, Clinic Director

University of Illinois Health & Sciences Systems, Certified Treatment Center of Excellence

In 2007, we began a partnership with the University of Illinois Health & Sciences Systems to create a monthly ALS Clinic, which is now under the direction of Dr. Charles Abrams, Clinic Director.  In early summer of 2013, The University of Illinois Health & Sciences Systems achieved its status of becoming the second Certified Treatment Center of Excellence in Illinois. The University of Illinois Health & Sciences Systems has maintained that status every year since. 

"We feel privileged to have the opportunity to care for patients with ALS in our ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence. We strive to provide the highest level of multidisciplinary care and support for all patients with ALS and their families.” -Dr. Charles Abrams, Clinic Director

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Affiliate of the Greater Chicago Chapter

The Hines V.A. ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic was established in 2016 under the direction of Dr. David Kvarnberg. Audrey Scafidi, LPN, Care Service Coordinator, represents the Greater Chicago Chapter at the alternating bi-monthly clinics and the V.A. staff lead bi-monthly support groups to provide follow-up support.

“The Hines VA ALS clinic care team and the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter have worked well together for several years to bring the best possible comprehensive care to veterans with ALS. The Chapter assists with referrals into the VA system for expedient access to care and benefits. They also provide ongoing care to veterans with a community-based support system and resources that compliments the care they receive from the VA.  I look forward to continued future collaboration with the Greater Chicago Chapter in assisting to bring the best possible care to the veterans!”  -Dr. David Kvarnberg, Clinic Director

NorthShore University HealthSystem, Affiliate of the Greater Chicago Chapter

NorthShore University HealthSystem, is the first multi-disciplinary clinic experience for patients and families in the northern Chicago Suburbs, coming together with the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter in 2016.

"Since our inception in June 2016, the NorthShore ALS clinic has been honored to care for patients from throughout North and Northwest Chicagoland. Our multidisciplinary clinic is currently located in our NorthShore Neurological Institute clinic in Glenview, IL. With the generous support of the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter, we are able to provide comprehensive care for patients and families living with ALS." -Dr. Octavia Kincaid, Department of Neurology at NorthShore University HealthSystem

Rush University Medical Center: Affiliate of the Greater Chicago Chapter

The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter began a partnership with Rush University and developed the ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic in 2015. Under the direction of Dr. Madhu Soni, this clinic has an exceptional multidisciplinary team of specially trained healthcare professionals who address the many different needs of ALS patients during a single half-day visit.

“We appreciate the support from the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter in helping us to establish a comprehensive ALS Clinic at Rush University Medical Center. We look forward to the future growth of our clinic and we are excited to partner with the Chapter in helping our patients battle ALS." -Dr. Madhu Soni and Dr. Ryan Jacobson 

Illinois Neurological ALS Multi-Disciplinary Clinic: Affiliate of the Greater Chicago Chapter

The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter works in collaboration with the Illinois Neurological ALS Multi-Disciplinary Clinic to support the patients and families of Central Illinois. The INI team is led by Dr. Christopher M. Zallek, and is conveniently located in Peoria, Ilinois.

The ALS Association collaborates with some of the best ALS physicians and clinics across the United States to help ensure that people living with ALS have access to specialized care, based on best practices. The ALS Association’s Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence and Recognized Treatment Centers provide compassionate care in a supportive, family-oriented atmosphere.
 
This multidisciplinary care model brings together a team of health care professionals specially trained to address the needs of people living with ALS, allowing them to receive care from each discipline during a single visit. The care team typically includes a neurologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, nurse, dietitian, speech language pathologist, social worker, mental health professional and an ALS Association Chapter liaison.