This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

So I'm thinking of finding a new neuro. I mean absolutely no disrespect to the current guy I'm seeing (Dr. Stephen Kirzinger). I have complete confidence in his expertise and I trust his judgement but as I've mentioned before, he's a retired colonel and has a stern, military-like demeanor that, frankly, intimidates the hell out of me. He walks in the room and I freeze. He asks if I have any new symptoms and I nearly shout "SIR NO SIR" (ummm, yeah, I tend to exxagerate sometimes). Seriously though, I find myself very reluctant to talk to him and that's not a good thing. If this were a short-term condition, I'd probably choose expertise over likeability but it's not so I want someone I can build a comfortable partnership with.
On the other hand, the place is a full service MS clinic. They offer onsite PT, Infusion, Psychiatric support and probably more options that I don't yet know about.
My question is this: Do all neurologists treat MS patients or do they need to be specialized in that particular disease?

For the best care, you need to go to an MS specialist. This is a very complicated disease, and I wouldn't trust my care to anyone but a specialist...

K- wrote:

On the other hand, the place is a full service MS clinic. They offer onsite PT, Infusion, Psychiatric support and probably more options that I don't yet know about.


One should not be afraid of their dr. one must speak freely w/o missing the smallest detail. You wrote that you go to a MS clinic can you change drs. and stay/use all the perks?

I am a groupie of the CCSVI liberation procedure which does not need a neuro but a vascular doc. But i still keep my neuro because of CNS affects.

I want to say I agree with PKboo on all points.

Doctors are not Gods nor are they our fathers (or our commanding officer!). We get into trouble when we start to act like they are.

That having been said some docs develop a militaristic style because it makes appointments quick and they stay in control.

I avoid that type of person myself. Might they have a woman nurse practitioner there? One of the best team members in my medical team is my urology nurse practitioner; she is collaborative and always "on my side".

One should not be afraid of their dr. one must speak freely w/o missing the smallest detail.

well hell, now I'm afraid of you too

Actually, you make a good point. I believe there is another MS doc there. I'll make some inquiries....but what if the Colonel finds out???

K wrote:

I'll make some inquiries....but what if the Colonel finds out???

so what if the colonel finds out...he/she will take it like a military officer or it would be a lessen to him/her and maybe the colonel will get some positive reflection on bedside manner

good for you ...keep going don't sit on the fence