Neuroimmunology Symposium
August 13-15, 2026 | The Admiral Hotel - Mobile, AL
Statement of Purpose
This Program is designed to enhance provider competency, performance and improve patient outcomings for patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Neuromyelitis optica, and encephalitis. This program is also designed to enhance patient and caregiver knowledge regarding their perspective diagnosis, introduce local resources, and address the holistic needs of patients and their families.
Target Audience
This program is appropriate for all healthcare professionals who encounter and treat Neuro-immunological diseases including Neurologists, Primary care providers, rheumatologists, nurses, social workers, residents/ med students, home health care/ hospice/ palliative care professionals, psychologists, pharmacists.
Objectives
- Review updated diagnostic criteria for MS, NMOSD and Autoimmune Encephalitis.
- Review FDA-approved immune therapies, over the counter, and other regulated supportive therapies.
- Identify local resources for patient support groups.
- Identify local organizations that facilitate various patient assistance programs.
ADA Statement
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities ACT, we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your special needs requests. Please contact Alex Fortin (251)-660-5108 EXT 1914
Advanced registration is requested. Your fee included course materials, breakfasts, lunch, refreshments, and receptions. Early Registration Fees available until 6/26/2026 and is subjected to a $50 cancellation fee, late registration is non- refundable.
- USA Faculty: $150.00
- All Other: $75.00
- Residents/Students: $0.00
- Patients with MS/family: $0.00
The Admiral Hotel | Downtown Mobile | 251 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602
Guest Speakers
Benjamin Jones, M.D.
Graham Driskell, PharmD
*Additional Speakers will be added when confirmations are received.
University of South Alabama Faculty and Staff
William Kilgo, M.D. | Associate professor of Neurology Neuroimmunology specialist
John Soltys, M.D. Ph.D. | Assistant Professor of Neurology Neuroimmunology Specialist
Stephen Aita, Ph.D. | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Assistant Professor of Neurology
Alex Fortin, LMSW | Neurology Department Social Worker
Luis Purisaca-Neira, M.D. | 3rd year Neurology Resident
Jaryn Barnickel, CNCT | Neurology Technologist
*Additional Speakers will be added when confirmations are received.
| Thursday, August 13 | |
|---|---|
| 4:00 p.m. | Hotel & Conference check in |
| 6:00-8:00 p.m. | Dinner / meet and greet |
| Saturday, April 11 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. | Check in |
| 7:00-10:00 a.m. | Vendor Set up |
| 8:00 a.m. | Introduction to MS (“ABCs” of MS) |
| 9:10 a.m. | Diagnostic Criteria/Misdiagnosis of MS |
| 10:10 a.m. | Break |
| 10:45 a.m. | Infusions |
| 11:30 a.m. | Lunch set up |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch / Anti-inflammatory diet |
| Breakout Sessions | |
| 1:10 p.m. |
|
| 2:10 p.m. |
|
| 3:10 p.m. |
|
| 4:10-4:45 p.m. | Vendor Break |
| 5:00-6:00 p.m. | Multi-disciplinary panel |
| 6:30-9:00 p.m. | Dinner / Where is research going? |
| Sunday, April 12 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. | Check in |
| 8:00 a.m. | Make the most of your clinic visit |
| 9:00 a.m. | The National MS Society |
| 10:00 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 a.m. | FMLA and Disability - advanced care planning |
| 11:15 a.m. |
Lunch / Taking over the counter supplements safely |
| 12:15 p.m. | Cognition and MS |
| 1:30-2:00 p.m. | Interactive art activity |
| 2:10 p.m. | Symptomatic management of MS |
| 3:15 p.m. |
Neuromyelitis optica, autoimmune encephalitis and beyond |
- ACPE - 14.00
- AMA PRA Category 1 Credit - 14.00
- ANCC - 14.00
- APA - 14.00
- ASBSWE - 14.00
- Attendance - 14.00
- IPCE - 14.00
Alex Fortin
Phone: 251-660-5108 ext. 1914 | Fax: 251-660-5792 | Email: fanail@health.southalabama.edu
Department of Neurology
University of South Alabama
1601 Center Street, Room 2270-C
Mobile, AL 36604