The ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic at the University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake has been officially recognized as an ALS Association Certified Center of Excellence, a national designation awarded after a rigorous evaluation and site visit by the ALS Association.
This distinction reflects the clinic’s exceptional, team-based care for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a complex neurodegenerative disease. The certification also includes a $25,000 annual contribution from the ALS Association to support ongoing clinic operations and patient care.
“This designation is a reflection of the extraordinary interdisciplinary work happening across UW Medicine,” said Dr. Janna Friedly, professor and chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. “Our partnership with the Department of Neurology and other specialties allows us to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals living with ALS. We are proud to be recognized for the collaborative model that drives our clinic’s success.”
The certification highlights the work of a multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers across UW Medicine. The clinic is jointly directed by Dr. Michael D. Weiss, professor and chief of service at UW Medical Center – Montlake and Northwest and director of the Division of Neuromuscular Diseases in the Department of Neurology, and Dr. Nassim Rad, an associate professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.
"ALS Associated Certified Centers of Excellence are considered to provide the highest level of multidisciplinary care and treatment possible for ALS patients, based on American Academy of Neurology guidelines,” said Dr. Weiss. “I am extremely proud of everyone contributing this accomplishment. I am especially grateful to Dr. Rad, our clinic manager Julie Brunings, our ALS nurse coordinator Wen Pei Ridenour, and our entire therapy and support team for their commitment to patients and collaborative care.”
Dr. Rad echoed this appreciation, adding “I want express my gratitude for this team. Specifically, thank you to Dr. Weiss for his mentorship. This team is dedicated to working beyond what is expected of us. We think of our patients beyond our clinical responsibilities and beyond our work hours. In an environment that currently makes working in an academic center challenging, this work highlights why academic institutions are essential and need support.”
The ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic at UW Medical Center – Montlake is one of a select group of clinics nationwide to receive this certification. Over the last three years, the clinic has grown from serving 160 patients a year to 200, a 25% increase. With certification now in place, the clinic’s goal is to expand access to ALS patients in the community in need of such high-quality multidisciplinary care.
For more information about the ALS Multidisciplinary clinic, visit Neurology Clinic at UW Medical Center - Montlake in Seattle, WA.
To support the work of the clinic, donate to the ALS Neurology Fund.
