Every year on Doctors' Day, we take a moment to recognize the dedicated physicians who devote their lives to improving patient care. At the Myasthenia Gravis Association (MGA), our clinic partnerships are essential to our mission of providing comprehensive support for individuals living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Today, we celebrate the doctors who make these partnerships possible and highlight the vital role they play in our community.
Strengthening Care Through Clinic Partnerships
What is a Clinic Partnership?
A clinic partnership is a collaborative effort between MGA and medical institutions to enhance patient care. Through these partnerships, MGA staff work closely with neurology teams to support individuals with MG during their clinic visits. This model ensures that patients receive not only top-tier medical treatment but also access to additional resources, education, and advocacy services that help them navigate life with MG.
Why Clinic Partnerships Matter
MG is a rare and often misunderstood neuromuscular disease. By partnering with experienced neurologists, MGA strengthens the support network for individuals with MG by:
Providing education – Ensuring individuals and caregivers have access to up-to-date information about MG management and treatment options.
Connecting individuals with resources – Offering guidance on support groups, financial assistance, and community events.
Enhancing patient advocacy – Empowering individuals to be proactive in their healthcare and ensuring their voices are heard.
The Benefits for Patients and Physicians
For both patients and healthcare providers, clinic partnerships offer numerous advantages, including:
Improved patient experience – Individuals have direct access to MGA staff, who help navigate challenges related to diagnosis, treatment, and daily life with MG.
Stronger physician support – Doctors can focus on clinical care while MGA provides supplementary resources and assistance to individuals.
A holistic approach to MG management – By combining medical expertise with advocacy and education, we create a more well-rounded support system for individuals.
The Role of MGA Staff in Clinic Settings
MGA staff members serve as patient advocates and educators during clinic visits. Their responsibilities include:
Answering questions and addressing concerns about MG.
Providing educational materials on treatment options, symptom management, and lifestyle adaptations.
Assisting with support group referrals to connect patients with others who share their journey.
Offering emotional support to individuals and caregivers during challenging times.
Meet Our Dedicated Clinic Partners
We are honored to work alongside outstanding physicians who specialize in MG care. Here are some of the exceptional doctors making a difference:
Kansas City, MO – St. Luke’s Hospital – Country Club Plaza
Dr. Michael Schwartzman – Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine. Dr. Schwartzman helped establish the MG clinic at St. Luke's in 2000, advancing treatment protocols for MG patients.
Dr. Nathan McGraw – Established an MG clinic at St. Luke's Hospital in 2022, enhancing access to specialized services for the MG community.
Community Program Coordinator: McKenna Fulton
Kansas City, KS – University of Kansas Medical Center
Dr. Richard Barohn – Established the MG clinic at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2002 and has been a leading figure in neuromuscular research.
Dr. Mazen Dimachkie – A key contributor to MG clinical trials and research in neuromuscular disorders.
Dr. Constantine Farmakidis – Specializes in electrophysiological studies in MG, improving diagnostic techniques.
Dr. Omar Jawdat – Director of the Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine Fellowship Program, with extensive research in MG.
Dr. Mamatha Pasnoor – Leads multiple MG clinical trials, focusing on novel therapeutic approaches.
Community Program Coordinator: McKenna Fulton
St. Louis, MO – SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital
Dr. Ghazala Hayat – Established the MG clinic at SSM Health in 2020. Director of Neuromuscular Services and a leader in neuromuscular research.
Community Program Coordinator: Kathryn Clemens
Osage Beach, MO – Lake Regional Hospital
Dr. Tania Papsdorf – Established the MG clinic at Lake Regional Hospital in 2024, expanding specialized neurology services to the region.
Executive Director: Allison Foss
A Heartfelt Thank You
On this Doctors' Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to these physicians and their teams. Their commitment ensures that MG patients receive not only the best medical care but also the education, resources, and support needed to manage life with MG effectively.
To all the doctors we partner with—thank you for your dedication, compassion, and expertise. Your work makes an immeasurable impact on the lives of those affected by MG, and we are honored to collaborate with you in this mission.
If you’d like to learn more about our clinic partnerships or how MGA supports MG patients, please visit our website or reach out to our team!
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