ELIZABETH M.

Elizabeth M. is a physician with a focus on multiple sclerosis. She also serves as an Associate Dean at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine and conducts research on MS and exercise.

As a practicing family physician, Elizabeth knew more than the average person about MS when she was diagnosed in late 2001. Even so, her initial reaction was an overwhelming sense of fear. As she learned to manage her symptoms, however, she realized her life could continue relatively unchanged.

A few years later, Elizabeth was inspired to make a major change. In 2004, she read Arthur W. Frank's The Renewal of Generosity: Illness, Medicine and How to Live, a book advocating that people with chronic illnesses help themselves by helping others.

Embracing that philosophy, Elizabeth completed a fellowship in MS, started her own clinical practice in the field and began conducting research on MS and exercise. Since then, she has found her work with MS very empowering. "I have learned so much from my patients," she says. "And it has increased my gratitude for what I'm able to do."

Fortunately, technology enables Elizabeth to do a lot. For example, she has remote access to patient databases and MRI images from her clinic. As she points out, "I couldn't do this job if I had to drive all over the place to look at films and labs."

Elizabeth also uses web-streaming video conferences and instant messaging to keep up with work. In her own words, "Through technology, I find a way to adapt so that I can participate in activities that I care about and find meaningful, despite my MS."

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