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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 attended the meeting.
David Kohn, the foundation’s newly elected board president provided an update about the foundation. He encouraged MG patients and their families to offer suggestions on how the board of directors could better serve them and what programs and services they would like our organization to focus on in the coming year.
The audience was treated to a panel discussion by neurologists who specialize in treating MG. Board member, Dinesh Patel, introduced the panel of doctors consisting of Dr. Perry Shieh, Dr. Soma Sahai-Srivastava and Dr. M. Lorraine Purino. Past president, Ed Cholakian, served as moderator. Members of the audience questioned the panel on a variety of topics including the recommendation of flu shots, issues related to pain and what should be done if there is an MG flareup. Dr. Shieh explained the various sideeffects of Mestinon, prednisone, Imuran and other medications.
The program concluded with a brief memorial tribute for Richard E. Lewis featuring a slideshow that reviewed Richard’s 28 years with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California. Ed Cholakian recalled Richard’s commitment as a dedicated volunteer and his many years of service as president of our organization. Nancy Farrand, a long-time board member and friend, shared her fond memories of Richard, especially remembering his outstanding generosity to the MG cause.
Information 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.