JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Jan 23, 2024) – Nemours Children’s Health announced a significant milestone in their commitment to providing world-class care to pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A native of Jacksonville, Loren McLendon, MD, Pediatric Neurologist, Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville has been named a Partner in MS Care physician by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) for her demonstrated knowledge and experience in treating MS.
Dr. McLendon, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is currently the only pediatric MS provider in the state of Florida and will be extending her network of care as a new partner of the MS Society. This partnership will open doors to additional resources and support for MS patients and their families at Nemours Children’s Health. Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis, and there is currently no cure for MS.
Dr. McLendon is renowned for her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children affected by MS with her expertise, compassion, and innovative approaches. To be considered for this partnership, Dr. McLendon went through a rigorous review process where a committee of peers vetted her knowledge and expertise. Dr. McLendon exceeded the qualifications in having at least two years of clinical experience, an evidence-based care practice and at least 20% of the patients are diagnosed with MS and/or other chronic neurologic illnesses, among other criteria.
"I am honored to be named a Partner in MS Care by the NMSS. This collaboration is a positive move forward in continuing to provide prestigious pediatric care for MS. It allows us to connect our patients and their families with additional resources and support, making Nemours a great place for treatment," said Dr. McLendon.
Dr. McLendon joined Nemours Children's in October 2022 after completing a Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Related Neuro-Inflammatory Disorders fellowship at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She completed a five-year residency, first at UF Health Jacksonville and then at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Dr. McLendon earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, Summa Cum Laude, from Florida A&M University (FAMU) and her Doctor of Medicine degree from Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM). She has published several peer-reviewed medical journal articles and is an active researcher.
Dr. McLendon is a member of the Child Neurology Society, American Academy of Neurology, and Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, among other local professional organizations. Her expertise in neurology is vast, and includes expertise in pediatric multiple sclerosis, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
About Nemours Children’s Health
Nemours Children’s Health is one of the nation’s largest multistate pediatric health systems, which includes two free-standing children's hospitals and a network of more than 70 primary and specialty care practices. Nemours Children's seeks to transform the health of children by adopting a holistic health model that utilizes innovative, safe, and high-quality care, while also caring for the health of the whole child beyond medicine. Nemours Children's also powers the world’s most-visited website for information on the health of children and teens, Nemours KidsHealth.org.
The Nemours Foundation, established through the legacy and philanthropy of Alfred I. duPont, provides pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention programs to the children, families and communities it serves. For more information, visit Nemours.org.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society exists because there are people with MS. Our vision is a world free of MS. Everything we do is focused so that people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.
We are more than an organization. We are a movement. United in our collective power to do something about MS now and end this disease forever. The gathering place for people with MS, their family and loved ones, healthcare providers, volunteers, donors, fundraisers, advocates, community leaders and all those that seek a world free of MS. A place to connect and take action. In order to change the world, we mobilize all possible human and financial resources to achieve results.
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