Elizabeth Morrison: Multiple Sclerosis
Submitted by Elizabeth H. Morrison, M.D., M.S.Ed.
1/14/09
Patients Helping Patients
My neurologist diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis in 2001 although I had been having symptoms for many years. I was a busy academic physician at the time, 37 years old. I was accustomed to feeling healthy and in charge but suddenly people were treating me like a patient. Once I adjusted to the diagnosis, what I wanted more and more was to use my experience to benefit others. So I decided to complete an MS fellowship and to refocus my research career on MS. I am now an MS specialist in a collaborative practice with a wonderful neurologist, Dr. Carolyn Taylor: www.northwestneurology.net. We’ve started an MS center together in Bellingham, Washington and we take care of people with MS throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Sometimes you have to ignore well-meaning advice. Most colleagues reacted very positively to my career change but a few said to me, “Won’t it bother you to see patients with severe MS?” or worried that I might work too hard. There are hard days sometimes but that’s true for everyone. I have always believed that when we extend ourselves to serve others, in the long run everyone can benefit. You have to look beyond the arbitrary limits that some people attempt to place on you.
My story is only one of many examples of patients helping patients. Others have done it differently and their stories are wonderfully diverse. What unites us is that we are all empowered patients. If you have a chronic condition, please consider joining the movement so you can inspire others through your powerful example!
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