The Ted M. Burns Humanism in Neurology Award recognizes the influence of the most compassionate and innovative neurologists in the field.
We are proud to announce the recipient of the 2022 Ted M. Burns Humanism in Neurology Award: Barbara S. Giesser, MD, FAAN, Pacific Neuroscience Institute. The Ted Burns Award goes to a member of the neurology profession who brings creativity, advocacy, and innovation to their work. By honoring these outstanding neurologists, this award strives to inspire others to improve healthcare delivery and the lives of their colleagues and patients.
For the past 40 years, Dr. Barbara Giesser has specialized in diagnosis and personalized treatment for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Her approach emphasizes integrating lifestyle and wellness strategies into the neurologic treatment plan. She has also conducted peer-reviewed research on exercise as a therapeutic method. In addition, she has served as a consultant for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The award selection committee praised Dr. Giesser’s commitment to humanism in patient care, education, and advocacy work, saying, “Dr. Giesser displays a humanism that is unparalleled and captures the essence of what it means to be a caring mentor, educator, and healthcare provider. She epitomizes the aims of the Ted M. Burns Award to celebrate neurologists whose work embodies humanism in patient care, education, advocacy, and everyday encounters.”
Additionally, “Dr. Giesser is a nationally recognized advocate for MS education and awareness, and she is lauded by colleagues, patients, and students for her patient-centered approach.” Since 1982 she has been a leader in patient advocacy and education, with over 100 publications, including peer-reviewed research, reviews, and textbooks. Dr. Giesser received numerous accolades and awards, including the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center “Exceptional Physician Award,” as well as joining the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame in 2018. She also received recognition as one of the “Best Doctors in America” since 2005.
“I am thrilled and honored to be recognized for doing what I love. I accept this award on behalf of the wonderful mentors and role models whom I have been fortunate to encounter in my life, most importantly my parents and my patients,” says Dr. Giesser. “When one is faced with the technological advances and administrative labyrinths inherent in modern healthcare that may strip individual patients of their humanity, it is very reassuring that the AAN and ABF are facilitating formal recognition of humanism in the practice of medicine at this time.”
Join us for a special virtual event honoring Dr. Giesser on March 16 at 8 p.m. ET. You can find additional details and register for the event here.
Click here to learn more about the Ted M. Burns Humanism in Neurology Fund, including ways you can support the important work coming from researchers like Dr. Giesser and others.
The American Brain Foundation believes that when we find the cure to one brain disease, we will find cures to many others. Learn more about the groundbreaking brain disease research we fund here.