About Us

A Comprehensive Neurological Care Center

Why Atlanta Neuroscience Institute?

Mission Statement

The Atlanta Neuroscience Institute (ANI) exists to improve the health and hope of patients and caregivers impacted by chronic neurological conditions through advocacy, education, advanced treatment, and research, leading to a more promising future.

Why Atlanta Neuroscience Institute?

Atlanta Neuroscience Institute (ANI) is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization providing comprehensive care to people living with chronic neurological conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disorder, Epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s. Founded in 2001 under the name The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta patients receive the latest treatment, research, education, and support dedicated to advanced care. Extended services are offered that enable patients and caregivers the resources needed to navigate today’s healthcare system which includes support groups, case management, and pharmacy education.

Why Atlanta Neuroscience Institute?

Mission Statement

The ANI- Atlanta Neuroscience Institute exists to improve the health and hope of MS patients through advocacy, education, state of the art treatment, and research, leading to a more promising future.

The ANI- THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CENTER OF ATLANTA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing comprehensive health care services for people living with Multiple Sclerosis. Founded in 2001 by William H. Stuart, M.D., ANI provides patients and their families the latest in research, education, and treatment options. In addition to medical care, the Center also offers access to peer-support, self-help groups, a peer telephone support and mentor program, volunteer visitor network, and patient support services. The Center is committed to providing comprehensive care to MS patients, with consideration given to the financial impact the treatment may have on the patient and their family. Patient assistance is provided to qualified patients via funds and resources available at the Center and throughout the community. Please refer to our Patient Registration Form.

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Clinical Care

As part of its Comprehensive Care Model, ANI offers a full range of services for patients and families. While most of our services are provided on an outpatient basis, our physicians have privileges and relationships with Tanner Health System and Piedmont Hospital for inpatient care. Areas of focus include:

  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Epilepsy
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Stroke
  • Movement Disorders
  • General Neurology

Neuroimaging Center

Our Neuroimaging Center was developed to ensure accurate diagnosis and disease course monitoring. This imaging facility provides convenient and immediate accessibility to these necessary components of MS care.

Care at ANI

The ANI- Atlanta Neuroscience Institute exists to improve the health and hope of MS patients through advocacy, education, state-of-the-art treatment, and research leading to a more promising future.

Clinical Research

A committed focus towards the advancement of neurological care, ANI offers clinical research studies to eligible patients. Research studies are aimed to help to identify, explore, and develop innovative care and service to patients diagnosed with MS and other neurological conditions.

Case Management & Planning

The Case Manager at ANI is your partner in navigating a wide array of supportive health care services. The scope of services includes assisting patients with issues related to health insurance, disability insurance and social security, procuring durable medical equipment, developing community resources and promoting patient advocacy.

Neuropsychology

Supporting physical and emotional conditioning, ANI has access to comprehensive neuropsychology support services. These services are readily available for diagnostic evaluation and ongoing clinical care.

MS Women's Support Group

Although all are welcome to attend our Monthly Support Group for patients and caregivers, topics are geared towards those who do not identify as male.

Hosptial Services

While the majority of our care is an outpatient service, the physicians of ANI have longstanding hospital relationships with Tanner Health System and Piedmont Hospital for inpatient support.

Lab Services

The Atlanta Neuroscience Institute maintains an onsite Laboratory Phlebotomy Station that is operated by Quest Labs. A highly trained and experienced Quest Labs phlebotomist is available during business hours Monday-Friday, for the purposes of obtaining specimens for laboratory analysis based on your physician’s orders. The Laboratory at ANI is CLIA Certified.

Infusion Therapy Center

The Tanner MS Infusion Center located at ANI has a warm, friendly environment featuring a picturesque view to provide a relaxed, comfortable setting for infusion therapy treatments. The infusion center is fully equipped to provide the latest treatments in MS therapy.

Untitled design (10)

Clinical Care

As part of its Comprehensive Care Model, ANI offers a full range of services for patients and families. While most of our services are provided on an outpatient basis, our physicians have privileges and relationships with Tanner Health System and Piedmont Hospital for inpatient care. Areas of focus include:

  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Epilepsy
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Stroke
  • Movement Disorders
  • General Neurology

Neuroimaging Center

Our Neuroimaging Center was developed to ensure accurate diagnosis and disease course monitoring. This imaging facility provides convenient and immediate accessibility to these necessary components of MS care.

Care at ANI

The ANI- Atlanta Neuroscience Institute exists to improve the health and hope of MS patients through advocacy, education, state-of-the-art treatment, and research leading to a more promising future.

Clinical Research

A committed focus towards the advancement of neurological care, ANI offers clinical research studies to eligible patients. Research studies are aimed to help to identify, explore, and develop innovative care and service to patients diagnosed with MS and other neurological conditions.

Case Management & Planning

The Case Manager at ANI is your partner in navigating a wide array of supportive health care services. The scope of services includes assisting patients with issues related to health insurance, disability insurance and social security, procuring durable medical equipment, developing community resources and promoting patient advocacy.

Neuropsychology

Supporting physical and emotional conditioning, ANI has access to comprehensive neuropsychology support services. These services are readily available for diagnostic evaluation and ongoing clinical care.

MS Women's Support Group

Although all are welcome to attend our Monthly Support Group for patients and caregivers, topics are geared towards those who do not identify as male.

Hosptial Services

While the majority of our care is an outpatient service, the physicians of ANI have longstanding hospital relationships with Tanner Health System and Piedmont Hospital for inpatient support.

Lab Services

The Atlanta Neuroscience Institute maintains an onsite Laboratory Phlebotomy Station that is operated by Quest Labs. A highly trained and experienced Quest Labs phlebotomist is available during business hours Monday-Friday, for the purposes of obtaining specimens for laboratory analysis based on your physician’s orders. The Laboratory at Ani is CLIA Certified.

Infusion Therapy Center

The Tanner MS Infusion Center located at ANI has a warm, friendly environment featuring a picturesque view to provide a relaxed, comfortable setting for infusion therapy treatments. The infusion center is fully equipped to provide the latest treatments in MS therapy.

Services We Offer

In addition to clinical care, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute offers many in-house services to meet our patient’s needs to the best of our ability under one roof. If you are interested in learning more about any of these service areas please contact us at 404-351-0205 or info@atlneuroinstitute.org

  • Resources for Caregivers

Care Partners Infographic + Text

As you might imagine, having a neurological diagnosis impacts more than the patient. This disease, like all chronic diseases, affects the whole family, circle of friends, even co-workers. It is not unusual for the diagnosis and disease to trigger the same emotions in the immediate family, and friends as it does in the patient, leaving them feeling apprehensive, angry, afraid, grief-stricken, and/or even guilty.

Atlanta Neuroscience Institute can help by educating patients and caregivers how to navigate the many challenges they will have to face. There are many support groups, therapists, and experts that provide goods and services to families of patients. They can help by guiding you to financial assistance, care assistance to give the caregiver a break, or even a mini vacation from the often-exhausting responsibility. 

They organize social events to bring patients and families together who can share their stories and help support each other. They can guide you to the latest treatments, even offering scholarships in some cases. 

  • Infusion Therapy Center

Our infusion centers are in partnership with Tanner Health System and are located at:

Tanner MS Infusion Center at the MS Center of Atlanta

3200 Downwood Circle NW, Suite 550

Atlanta, Georgia 30327

Tanner MS Infusion Center at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica

601 Dallas Highway Suite 102

Villa Rica, GA 30180

  • Neuroimaging (MRI)

Neuroimaging, especially but not limited to MRIs, is a cornerstone of comprehensive neurological care. It allows for greater visualization of brain structures, deeper specificity regarding disease origin, and enables the identification of smaller lesions providing faster and more precise diagnosis and a better patient experience. If you are in need of an MRI, your physician will let you know and our scheduling team will assist you in setting up your in-house appointment right here at our facilities. For questions about scheduling contact us at 404-351-0205.

  • Case Management & Social Services

A neurological diagnosis is more than just a medical term. It can affect every aspect of life, including relationships, parenting, employment, mobility, and more. Our in-house Case Managers are here for you, to help you traverse the complex environment that a neuro diagnosis may entail. 

  • Specialty Pharmacy

Having a specialty pharmacist on staff dedicated to our areas of expertise for our new and returning patients is an incredible resource. Our Specialty Pharmacy Team offers patients and their caregivers support for their neurological diagnosis as they traverse the maze of insurance and medication access. Our staff is involved in all aspects of the process, including:  

  • Insurance verification
  • Benefit verification
  • Start forms
  • Copay assistance
  • Foundation applications
  • Verify coverage & costs
  • Check drug interactions
  • Access specialty medications 

Our team serves as a resource to physicians, patients, and caregivers, and makes sure each patient receives the neurological treatment they need.

  • Telephone & Online Patient Support

Questions can come up outside of your office visit and we are here to help you, Monday – Friday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Our patient support team is ready to answer your medical and lifestyle questions and direct you to resources to best meet your needs. For the fastest response, we highly recommend using our patient portal to directly contact your doctor and their team [link to patient portal].

  • Patient Support Fund

A diagnosis such as MS or Parkinson’s is life-changing in any number of ways, and we know that the financial burden can be devastating to our patients and their families. It is our priority that cost does not prevent appropriate medical care. If you are an existing patient or a new patient with a confirmed diagnosis in need of financial assistance, contact us [emailto: info@atlneuroinstitute.org] today to learn more about the Patient Support Fund and the many ways we help our patients navigate the financial aspects of their care. If you are able to support others, click here [link] to donate. 

  • In-house Billing

At Atlanta Neuroscience Institute we are constantly looking for ways to put our patients first. One way we do that is through in-house billing. This means that if you have a question about your bill, you are connecting with the same person each time. No run around like some large hospitals, and consistent communication with our outstanding team. 

  • Gait Analysis Clinic

Many neurological diagnoses are accompanied by challenges with movement and gait. Here at Atlanta Neuroscience Institute, Dr. Joash Lazarus leads a one-of-a-kind Gait Analysis Clinic where he and his team will monitor and treat your gait. 

  • Clinical Research

Clinical research is at the heart of Atlanta Neuroscience Institute. Through research and studies we can the improve health and wellness of our patients and our community. Click here to learn more. [link to Clinical Research]

  • Peer Support Groups

We currently offer a support group for Women with MS. There is no cost to participate and it is open to the public. Join us the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7pm for camaraderie and kindship with those who know what you’re going through. Join our mailing list to learn more details and location. [link to sign up form]

 

Our History

Atlanta Neuroscience Institute was founded in 2001 By William H. Stuart, M.D., a leading specialist in MS and neurology. The Center is a comprehensive practice devoted to managing the chronic, lifelong illness of MS, and in recent years has expanded to include Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s. 

Before forming Atlanta Neuroscience Institute, Dr. Stuart spent 10 years with the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where he was the founder and medical director of their Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care and Research Center. With an intense, 20-year focus on MS as part of a medical career that spans nearly 45 years, Dr. Stuart helped bring pivotal MS clinical drug trials to Atlanta in the early 1990s, giving patients access to hope through new treatments for this debilitating disease.

Since its inception, the Center has taken a progressive approach to therapies and applies an aggressive treatment model in its mission to enhance the lives of our patients and their families. Through its clinical programs, research projects, and quality of life care, it has quickly become a leading center of excellence in the country.

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More Than Three Decades of Working With MS Patients

I've learned that good medicine is a function of medical knowledge, compassionate care, and applied clinical research. The Comprehensive Care Program at ANI- Atlanta Neuroscience Institute was founded on these principles.

Because of the length of time MS treatment and care requires, ANI has created a unique model that best meets the needs of MS patients. Our center has become a national resource for research and education in MS care, and we have one of the largest, most comprehensive MS care programs in this country.

Worthwhile Work

Is rarely the result of a single effort. Our team of physicians, nurses, and staff has more than 225 years of combined medical experience. I am privileged to be supported by these talented, intelligent, compassionate individuals who dedicate their lives to the care and well-being of MS patients. Together, we strive to help people control the challenges of this chronic and lifelong illness through progressive approaches to therapies and an aggressive treatment model.

Our goal is to help patients gain greater control over MS and continue to lead happy and healthy lives.

Board of Directors

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William H. Stuart, M.D.

Chairman Emeritus

William H. Stuart, M.D. began his focused interest in multiple sclerosis in 1988, developing the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care and Research Center at Shepherd Center in 1991. In January 2001 he founded the Atlanta Neuroscience Institute. The Center provides comprehensive clinical care, as well as clinical research, for patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and more. Dr. Stuart has remained an advocate in the expansion of multiple sclerosis care and is a nationally recognized authority in the active treatment of the disease.

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Douglas S. Stuart, M.D.

Chairman of the Board, The MS Center of Georgia

Douglas S. Stuart, MD. is an established neurologist with over 25 years of experience providing advanced neurological treatment and care. In 2005, Dr. Stuart joined ANI as a full-time physician. Considered an expert in the field of MS, Dr. Stuart has served as a pivotal force in expanding services within ANI. Through dedicated focus towards chronic neurological conditions, he continues to excel his scope of practice with the treatment of Alzheimer and stroke.

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John F. Mcmullan, C.P.A.

Vice-Chairman of the Board, The MS Center of Georgia President, CEO Camden Real Estate

John F. McMullan is the chief executive officer of Camden Real Estate, an Atlanta-based company that he founded in 1990. He also serves as a director of Life Care Centers of America Inc., which operates more than 280 skilled nursing, assisted living, and retirement centers in 28 states. He has been affiliated with Life Care since its inception in 1976. John McMullan is a founding board member of ANI – Atlanta Neuroscience Institute. He has served as its Secretary and currently serves as Vice Chairman.

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Jennifer A. Baker

President, J. Baker & Associates

Jennifer Baker brings to the board of directors nearly 20 years of marketing, news, and business-management experience with a Fortune 500 company, as well as years of involvement in a wide range of volunteer and fund-raising efforts on behalf of MS causes. A graduate of Georgia State University, Mrs. Baker is president and owner of J. Baker & Associates which is a brand-development and strategy firm based in Cumming, Ga. Jennifer Baker joined the Board of Directors for ANI– Atlanta Neuroscience Institute in 2009.

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Stacey S. Bronner

CEO and Founder, Yearly Angels

Stacey Simone Bronner is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization, Yearly Angels. The mission of Yearly Angels is to provide families affected by multiple sclerosis or economic hardship with grants to help with medical and essential household expenses. Stacey is a graduate from the University of South Florida in Finance who also serves as the first lady of The Ark of Salvation and is a board member of a local Christian school. She also runs LifeCoachingForWomen.com and AgentsRealEstate.com and is a caring advocate for Multiple Sclerosis patients and disadvantaged families.

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Bruce Alan Cassidy, M.D.

Piedmont Hospital Pulmonologist, Retired

Dr. Bruce Cassidy is a retired pulmonary physician. He has served as President of the Medical Staff as well as Board Chair for Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, and retired from the practice of medicine in 2009 after serving as Board Chair for Piedmont Healthcare. He is a fellow of The College of Chest Physicians and is board certified in both internal and pulmonary medicine. He lives in Atlanta with his wife Eda who is also a retired physician.

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John Decker

Division Partner, Childress Klein Properties

John Decker is a graduate of Auburn University earning a B.A. in 1975. He began his post-graduate career as District Manager and Finance Director for U.S. Congressman, Jim Collins from 1976 until 1982. He worked for the Tramell Crowe Company as Marketing Principal from 1983 through 1988 at which time he helped found Childress Klein Properties as the Division Partner for the Atlanta Industrial Division. Mr. Decker retired from Childress Klein in 2019 and now serves as the Managing Member of Decker Land, LLC.  is affiliated with the NAIOP Advisory Council (Past President).John continues serving his community as a member of the Board of Directors for Orchard Ministries, The Study Hall, and Caron Treatment Centers. He is Co-Chair of the Atlanta Real Estate Prayer Breakfast. He joined the Board of Directors of ANI in 2004. His leisure time is spent wrestling with his grandchildren and perfecting his golf game.

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W. Howard Hudson, M.D.

Orthopaedic Associates of Augusta, Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

Dr. Howard Hudson is a prominent orthopedic surgeon in Augusta Georgia and a founding board member of ANI– Atlanta Neuroscience Institute. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and received his M.D. at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

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Tate Jones

President and CEO, Wimberly, Lawson, Steckel, LandAir Surveying Company of Georgia

Tate Jones is President and CEO of LandAir Surveying Company of Georgia and an active member of the surveying community in Georgia. A registered land surveyor since 1986, Tate serves as a committee advisor on state board issues and agendas and is nationally recognized as a leader in 3D laser documentation technology. Tate has served on the editorial boards of POB Surveying Magazine and Professional Surveying Magazine and is a regular speaker at industry conferences across North America and Canada on 3D scanning and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Tate holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Sciences from Auburn University and lives in Atlanta with his wife, JoAnn. Tate joined the board of directors of ANI– Atlanta Neuroscience Institute in 2015.

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James H. Lokey, Jr.

Partner, King & Spalding

Jim Lokey is a partner in King & Spalding’s Tax Practice Group. Over his more than 30-year career, Mr. Lokey has advised clients on a wide variety of tax, business, and strategic matters. Jim is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Atlanta Bar Association, the Section of Taxation of the American Bar Association, the American Health Lawyers Association, and the Atlanta Tax Forum. He is a Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Georgia, a member of the Advisory Board of an Atlanta bank, and a Trustee Emeritus of The Galloway School.

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Kim Scouller

CEO and Founder, Only Blue Skies

Kim Scouller has been an attorney for over 25 years, having served as an adjunct professor at the Brandeis School of Law, the University of Louisville, and an in-house attorney for the Transamerica companies in the U.S. Kim also served as the president of World Group Securities, Inc. In 2014, Kim launched Only Blue Skies, a women’s business platform focused on making financial education and the financial profession more accessible to women.

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Paula Smith

CEO and Founder, Valu Teachers

Paula Smith is a former educator who helps school employees learn about and plan for a comfortable retirement. Smith is the CEO and founder of ValuTeachers, headquartered in downtown Newnan, Georgia. Smith was a pioneer in America’s Early Childhood Education Initiative. Public school kindergarten was approved by congress without having certified professionals, qualified curriculum, or appropriate standards. Smith worked with key leaders in the U.S. to write curriculum and create standards for providing certification to teachers to educate kindergarteners.

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Nan R. Monahan, M.D.

Physician owner, Buckhead Internal Medicine

Nan Monahan has actively practiced internal medicine in Atlanta since 1997. She has worked not only as an employed physician for Emory and Piedmont Atlanta, but also as an independent practice owner, and is sensitive to both institutional and individual hurdles in the current healthcare environment.

Dr. Monahan, a member of the Piedmont Atlanta medical staff for 24 years, joined her current practice in 2001. She practices outpatient and inpatient internal medicine at Buckhead Internal Medicine.  She has assisted hospital leadership by serving as Chief of Medicine for two terms, sitting on the Credentialling Committee, and providing expertise as a Senior Peer Reviewer for Piedmont Atlanta.

Dr. Monahan has volunteered for the Good Samaritan Clinic since 2018 and has participated as an event sponsor this year for the Caron Atlanta Recovery Center.

Dr. Monahan received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of the South, and her Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Alabama School of Medicine.  She completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine.

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Jeffrey B. English, MD

Medical Director

Jeffrey B. English, MD is the medical director at Atlanta Neuroscience Institute. Dr. English is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology for adult neurology with sub-specialty training in neuromuscular disorders and clinical neurophysiology.

Dr. English graduated from Dartmouth Medical School in 1995. He completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1999, he was the chief resident in neurology at the University of Maryland. In 2000, Dr. English began private practice at the Peachtree Neurological Clinic. He began working as the Associate Research director at the MS Center of Atlanta in 2001. In 2004, Dr. English was promoted to Medical Director of Research at MS Center of Atlanta.

Dr. English has been interested in the potential for recovery from neurological injury since medical school. Dr. English has served as principal investigator, or sub-investigator in clinical trials involving the treatment of patients with relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive MS. He has served as the primary investigator on an Alzheimer’s Disease clinical trial.

Dr. English’s particular focus is on the early treatment of MS and aggressive combination therapy applied to MS patients with breakthrough disease.

Dr. English has lectured on evolving treatments in MS to both patient and physician audiences. He has authored several articles for peer-reviewed journals. He has co-authored articles presented as scientific posters at the ECTRIMS and CMSC.

Dr. English is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Neurology.

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