Get to Know an MS and Demyelinating Illness Knowledgeable

Robert Shin, MD, is director of a number of sclerosis and neuroimmunology at UVA Well being. He is an knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating MS and different demyelinating ailments.

Demyelinating ailments are a bunch of situations the place your physique assaults your nerves’ protecting protecting (referred to as the myelin sheath). A number of sclerosis is probably the most well-known of those ailments, however it’s not the one one. In truth, different demyelinating ailments are sometimes confused with MS.

Meet a Charlottesville-Primarily based A number of Sclerosis & Demyelinating Illness Knowledgeable

We requested Shin our 7 fast inquiries to get to know him higher.

1. What has most impressed and formed your strategy to affected person care?

Seeing how a lot impression remedy can have on individuals residing with MS. Once I was in coaching, the ready room for the MS clinic was crammed with individuals with walkers and wheelchairs. Immediately, within the period of MS remedy choices, you do not see that. That is been extraordinarily gratifying and motivating. 

2. What’s your favourite a part of your job?

Once I’m in clinic right here at UVA Well being, we do it as a group. So 4 or 5 of us are seeing MS sufferers collectively in the identical area. We will bounce questions off one another, like, “Hey, what do you assume is perhaps happening right here?” or, “Are you able to take a look at this MRI with me?” I’ve by no means had that sort of group expertise at my earlier establishments.

3. What’s your largest concern while you’re a affected person?

When it isn’t clear what is going on on. I believe the unknown is the scariest a part of any physician’s go to. We’re a referral heart for MS. Our sufferers are sometimes referred to us after they’ve seen different medical doctors who have not been ready to determine what is going on on. Our function is to deliver all of our experience to bear to determine what’s taking place.

4. What do you do for stress reduction?

My spouse and I purchased property within the mountains that is fully undeveloped. We’re ranging from scratch with clearing the land, digging a effectively, and making an attempt to place some buildings up. That is the place we put our energies after we’re not at work.

5. Canine or cats?

We’ve a canine, however I additionally love cats. I am going to say each. 

6. Final film you noticed? Thumbs up or down?

Dune: Half 2. I am a significant sci-fi nerd so thumbs up.

7. Finest recommendation you’ve got ever heard?

“If brute power does not work, attempt extra brute power.” I consider this by way of while you run into obstacles and it looks like you are not going to succeed. Typically, only a bit extra effort is what it takes to make that breakthrough.