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On Sunday, October 26, 2014, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California held its Fall Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Commerce Casino. Forty-six patients, family members, staff and volunteers awaited the panel of doctors which made up of neurologists who specialize in treating myasthenia gravis.
David Kohn, the new Board President gave an update about the Foundation and asked the patients if they had any suggestions on how the board can better serve them and what they would like to see in the coming year.
A brief memorial tribute for Richard E. Lewis followed by showing a slideshow of pictures during Richard's 28 years as MG's President. Ed Cholakian spoke about Richard's commitment and contribution to the foundation. Nancy Farrand, a long-time board member and friend also shared her memories of Richard and his generosity to the MG cause. Richard Lewis will be greatly missed.
Dinesh Patel then introduced the panel of doctors consisting of Dr. Perry Shieh, Dr. Soma Sahai-Srivastava and Dr. M. Lorraine Purino. The patients were given cards to write down their questions and handed them to Ed Cholakian, who served as the moderator. The first couple of questions patients had were whether they would recommend MG patients to get flu shots and what they should do when they have a flare- up. Many patients had various questions about pain, which led to Dr. Shieh explaining the side- effects of medications like Mestinon, Prednisone and Imuran. Towards the end, they opened the questions to the floor and patients were able to ask more about their health concerns. The program concluded with the 50/50 drawing and raffle of door prizes ranging from fall-themed baskets, restaurant gift certificates and copies of the MG history book.
About the Panel of Physicians:
Perry Shieh, M.D., Ph.D. specializes in Neurophysiology, Neurology and Neuromuscular Medicine at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. He is a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California.
Soma Sahai-Srivastava, M.D., F.A.N.A., F.H.A.S. is Medical Director of Neurology Clinics at University of Southern California and is an Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology.
M. Lorraine Purino served as a neurologist in the Los Angeles area for 20 years in academic settings, private practices and HMO communities. She currently practices at Fortanasce-Frechette-Purino Neurology Center in Arcadia, CA.
