Dr. Edward Barton - Renowned MS Specialist and Researcher

Dr. Edward Barton - A Leader in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research

Dr. Edward Barton is a neurologist and multiple sclerosis specialist with an extensive background in MS research and patient care. As a professor at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, Dr. Barton has dedicated his career to advancing MS treatment, developing new therapies, and improving quality of life for MS patients.

Background and Education

Dr. Edward Barton completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Yale University, graduating summa cum laude in 1989. He then earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1993. Dr. Barton completed his neurology residency at the University of Pennsylvania, serving as chief resident in his final year.

After his neurology training, Dr. Barton pursued a two-year MS clinical and research fellowship at the University of California San Francisco's Multiple Sclerosis Center. Here he received specialized training in MS diagnosis, management, and clinical trial research under renowned MS experts.

Clinical Experience Treating MS Patients

After completing his MS fellowship in 2001, Dr. Barton joined UCSF Medical Center as a neurologic specialist. He evaluates and treats MS patients, provides second opinions on complex cases, and serves as a medical adviser for MS support groups.

Dr. Barton employs a patient-centered approach focused on early treatment and an integrative plan to manage symptoms. He is up-to-date on the latest MS therapies and personalized medicine approaches for achieving remission.

As Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at UCSF, Dr. Barton enjoys teaching and mentoring medical residents and students about multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology.

Cutting-Edge MS Research

In addition to treating patients, Dr. Barton is actively involved in multiple sclerosis research. He has published over 75 papers in prestigious journals and serves as principal investigator for several clinical trials of novel MS drugs and treatments.

Some of Dr. Barton's influential research projects have explored topics like:

• Brain atrophy measurements in MS patients on different DMTs
• Vitamin D levels and MS disease activity
• Advanced MRI techniques to measure myelin integrity
• Rehabilitation strategies involving exercise and neurostimulation
• Cognition-enhancing medications and cognitive retraining

His research has received millions of dollars in funding from the National Institutes of Health, National MS Society, and pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Barton frequently presents his findings at prominent conferences and meetings worldwide.

Expert in Pediatric MS

One of Dr. Barton's unique specializations is treating pediatric multiple sclerosis patients. He published one of the first papers characterizing childhood MS and has remained at the forefront of this emerging field.

Dr. Barton co-directs the Pediatric MS Center at UCSF along with Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant. Their clinic offers comprehensive care tailored to young MS patients' needs. The team also collaborates on clinical trials evaluating new therapies for children and adolescents with MS.

Leadership in the MS Community

Beyond direct patient care and research, Dr. Barton serves the MS community through influential leadership roles. He has served on the National Medical Advisory Committee for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and chairs the Medical Advisory Board for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

Dr. Barton is a frequently invited speaker at patient education seminars and fundraising events for MS. He aims to improve MS awareness and foster connections between patients, clinicians, and researchers in the field.

Dr. Barton's Perspectives on Key MS Topics

With his wealth of experience, Dr. Barton has unique insights into many important MS issues. Here are some of his key perspectives:

Starting Treatment Early and Aggressively

Dr. Barton believes most MS patients benefit from early initiation of highly-effective disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to halt inflammation and permanent damage.

Research shows early intensive treatment offers the best chance of preventing disability progression. Dr. Barton helps patients understand the rationale for strong medications like Ocrevus, Tysabri, or Lemtrada soon after diagnosis.

Tailoring Treatment to Each Patient

While starting treatment aggressively, Dr. Barton still approaches each patient as an individual. He considers factors like age, disease course, symptom profile, lifestyle, and preferences when mapping out a treatment plan.

This personalized approach results in the right medication regimen for each patient based on their unique needs and goals.

Multidisciplinary Care for Overall Wellness

Medications are just one part of Dr. Barton's management strategy. He also refers patients to physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental health support, and wellness interventions like diet, exercise, massage, or acupuncture as appropriate.

This holistic model focuses on patients' overall quality of life, not just slowing MS progression. Dr. Barton coordinates care between various practitioners to address physical, mental, and emotional health needs.

Importance of Shared Decision-Making

Despite his expertise, Dr. Barton believes patients must be active partners in their own care. He empower patients with information so they can make informed choices about their treatment plan.

Rather than dictating care, Dr. Barton has an open dialogue with patients to align on goals and preferred approaches. This fosters a strong doctor-patient relationship built on trust and transparency.

Hope for the Future

Dr. Barton is optimistic about ongoing progress in MS research, saying recently "We've seen more advancement in treatment options over the past 5-10 years than in all the decades since MS was discovered..."

He anticipates better diagnostic capabilities, more effective and tolerable DMTs, reparative treatments to restore function, and ultimately prevention and cures in the years ahead thanks to tireless work by MS clinicians and scientists.

Selected Publications by Dr. Edward Barton

With nearly 100 published studies, Dr. Barton has made extensive contributions to MS literature. Here are some of his most impactful papers over the years:

Interferon Beta Treatment Effects on Grey and White Matter Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis (Annals of Neurology, 2008)

This influential study used MRI data to show MS patients on interferon beta-1a had less brain volume loss over 2 years compared to placebo. It provided evidence that this DMT slowed neurodegeneration and atrophy progression.

Alemtuzumab Improves Pre-Existing Disability in Active Relapsing-Remitting MS Patients (Neurology, 2019)

This analysis of alemtuzumab patients showed significant improvement in pre-existing disability scores. It suggested this potent DMT can restore lost function for some patients, not just slow deterioration.

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical Features and Diagnosis (Neurology, 2009)

This early review helped characterize pediatric MS and highlighted how childhood presentations differ from adult-onset MS. It informed diagnostic and treatment guidelines tailored to kids and teens with MS.

Vitamin D Levels Predict Multiple Sclerosis Activity and Progression in Early Disease (JAMA Neurology, 2014)

This influential observational study demonstrated an association between higher vitamin D levels and lower MS disease activity and disability progression. It spurred research on vitamin D supplementation in MS patients.

Cognitive Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review (Neurology, 2017)

This systematic review analyzed all published studies on cognitive retraining interventions in MS patients. It provided guidelines for implementing cognitive rehab to improve functioning.

Honors and Achievements

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Barton has received various prestigious honors recognizing his MS research and clinical excellence, including:

• Elected Fellow of the American Neurological Association (2015)
• America's Top Doctors in Neurology list (Castle Connolly Medical) - 12 consecutive years
• UCSF Department of Neurology Research Mentorship Award (2020)
• National MS Society Clinician Scientist Development Award (2005-2010)
• Top 1% of Physicians, U.S. News & World Report (2018-2023)

Dr. Barton has also delivered prominent keynote lectures like the Charcot Lecture for the Cleveland Clinic in 2018 and the 4th John F. Kurtzke Lectureship for the American Academy of Neurology in 2021.

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Edward Barton is a highly respected neurologist and prolific MS researcher making significant contributions to the field. As a UCSF physician and professor, he provides exceptional care informed by decades of studying MS treatments and outcomes.

Dr. Barton's clinical expertise, research leadership, passion for mentoring, and unwavering commitment have advanced the standard of care for MS patients worldwide. He continues leading impactful research on progressive therapies that restore nerve function and improve patients' quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.