ALS Clinic
A unique commitment
The Richard R Dart ALS Clinic at the University of Virginia Health System began in 1999 as the first multidisciplinary clinic in Virginia specifically for persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their families. Patients come from hours away to take advantage of our Clinic’s unique services. We also serve persons with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) and Bulbar Palsy.
Our goal is to provide the best possible diagnostic evaluation, treatment and support to supplement the care that patients receive from their local neurologists and family physicians.
What to expect
When a person with ALS comes to UVA’s ALS Clinic they meet with a special healthcare team familiar with the unique challenges facing those with ALS, their caregivers and families. This team includes: a neurologist, nurse coordinator, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, speech language pathologist, respiratory therapist, nutritionist, and volunteer. Also present are representatives from two national organizations that provide support for persons with ALS – ALSA and MDA. Our patients are seen, on average, once every three to four months. Patients remain at clinic for three to four hours, during which time the individual team members perform assessments, answer questions, make recommendations, and suggest equipment and referrals when indicated. Additionally, the physician may discuss eligibility for participation in clinical trials related to ALS.
Hours and location
Clinics are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the Adult Neurology Clinic on the 4th floor of the Primary Care Center. Registration is on the 1st floor of the Primary Care Center. Parking information can be found at https://uvahealth.com/patients-visitors/getting-here/parking
Make an appointment
New patients are first seen at the UVA Neuromuscular Clinic. Please call 434-924-2706 for an appointment, and have your local neurologist or primary care physician fax your records to 434-924-9068.
Community support
The Richard R. Dart ALS Clinic exists because of generous donations — most from families and friends of patients who have succumbed to ALS. These individuals understand firsthand the suffering associated with the disease. They appreciate the Clinic’s goals and want to ensure that others benefit from it. If you choose to make a donation, please be sure to designate your gift specifically to the ALS Clinic.
Meet Our Team
The multidisciplinary clinic setting is a “one-stop-shopping” approach that will provide you with access to many different healthcare professionals in one visit. We will work with you and your families to provide symptomatic relief, ensure safety, maintain optimal independence, and provide counseling and emotional support. We can also provide a wide variety of information on ALS – the latest treatment options, clinical trials, and referral to various agencies that may be helpful. We have assembled the following experienced and dedicated professionals:
Matthew Elliott, MD– Neurologist, Medical Director of UVA ALS Clinic
Will manage medical treatment plan including disease modifying therapy for ALS and symptomatic treatment. Will discuss and answer questions related to diagnosis, testing, prognosis, research opportunities and experimental therapy options, progression and goals of care.
Patsy Donnelly, RN, BSN– Care Coordinator
Will help facilitate your specific needs as recommended by the multidisciplinary team. She will be your point of contact for any follow up needs.
Renee S. Bricker, M.S. CCC-SLP– Speech-Language Pathologist
Will discuss and manage any changes with swallowing, speech and language, and communication along with giving proactive tips to help with management of these areas.
Melissa Fox, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist
Will discuss how your ALS is affecting your mobility and independence. Can give suggestions for equipment and strategies to help. Will guide you on the best types of exercise to do.
Renee Fuller, BSc (OT) – Occupational Therapist
Will explore issues you might have performing daily functional tasks (such as personal care and work activities). Will help provide strategies/solutions to help you better manage daily activities for as long as possible
Abby Michaels, MS, RDN, CNSC– Dietitian/Nutritionist
Will assess your eating, drinking, and weight and help you find ways to meet your nutritional needs.
Derrick Many, MSc, RRT-ACCS– Respiratory therapist
Will perform simplified pulmonary function tests, and assist with all breathing related questions and concerns.
Eric M. Davis, MD – Pulmonologist, Associate Professor of Medicine
Will assist with review of respiratory symptoms related to underlying neurologic condition. Will help with reviewing strategies to improve breathing and sleep while focusing on improvement in quality of life.
Chelsea Chambers, MS CGC– Licensed Genetic Counselor
Her role in ALS care is to help patients navigate the genetic testing process and understand how results apply to the patient and their families.
Emily Chen, PharmD, BCPPS– Clinical Pharmacist, Neurology
Will review your medications and provide support managing them. She can discuss tools you can use to optimize your therapy, & coordinating care with providers as well as access to medication in conjunction with Linda. She also is available for consultation if you have questions regarding your ALS or supportive care regimens.
Linda Morris, CPhT – Certified Pharmacy Technician
She works directly with the Clinical Pharmacist and the ALS team to help provide medication access for Specialty Medications. She performs prior authorizations for medications, writes appeal letters, coordinates with drug companies and insurance companies, and helps navigate cost barriers to ensure our clinic patients are able to access their medications.
Clinical Social Worker
Will assist patients and their families with psychosocial needs and can also help with things like advanced care planning, care giver support, and community based referrals.
ALS Association Care Coordinator–
Provides ALSA resources including grants, support groups, medical equipment loan closet, assistive technology support, virtual home safety assessments, and more.
Mary Wagoner, Clinical Research Coordinator
She coordinates participation in research trials for patients who are interested. If you would like to know more about research at UVA, you may contact her or ask any of the team members to have her give you a call.
Sejla Smajic, BS–Clinical Research Coordinator
She coordinates participation in research trials for patients who are interested. If you would like to know more about research at UVA, you may contact her or ask any of the team members to have her give you a call.