Multiple Sclerosis Academy
'The British MS Healthcare Professionals Society'
MS Academy offers a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to receive expert training in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Encouraging excellence, developing leaders, inspiring change
MS Academy was established in 2016 and in that time has accomplished a huge amount with exciting feedback demonstrating delegates feel inspired and energised along their personal and service development journeys. The various different levels of specialist MS training we offer are dedicated to case-based learning and practical application of cutting edge research.
To date over 5,000 professionals have received some form of MS training through 97 events which include our MasterClasses, roadshows, webinars, online courses, bitesize education and other offerings. The total number of attendees who have been educated through our webinars from 2020 to present day is over 3,600, with an average rating of 4.6/5. 100% of our delegates have rated the quality of our education as good or excellent.
Healthcare professionals have come together from across different backgrounds, localities, experiences and service models to develop our courses. MS Academy has a valued Faculty of passionate professionals who continually refine and update the content and style of our courses to maximise their relevance and practicality.
Delegates are asked to undertake a service development project as part of their attendance which is presented back via a poster and oral presentation in module 2. Many of these projects have gone on to be nominated for national and international awards and have contributed to improving care within our healthcare system, the NHS service. FIND OUT MORE
Every Academy seeks to equip its healthcare professionals to effect change in their locality. However, through 'Raising the bar', MS Academy began to recognise that affecting change often demands, not only a combination of passion and knowledge, but that complex and varied skill set: leadership. In response, we developed the Leadership MasterClass. FIND OUT MORE
Forthcoming MS Academy MasterClasses and events...
On Demand Webinars
Miss out on a webinar? Had to leave an event before a keynote speaker? Our catalogue of on demand sessions ranges from short videos and podcasts, to webinars and full events, giving you an opportunity to learn and develop in the areas that matter to you, in your own time...
MS Academy offers a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to receive expert training in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Following in the successful footsteps of the Parkinson’s Academy which was established in 2002, MS Academy delivers an innovative educational programme in the field of MS. The MasterClasses aim to provide a structured training programme for clinicians who seek formal training in both the clinical and managerial aspects of running an ‘MS service’. The educational style of the Academy provides unique clinical skills enhancement and service development.
Designed to advance your skills, expertise and understanding in a meaningful way, our courses aim to deliver a learning experience that extends beyond the ‘classroom’ and will directly impact your professional practice.
With an array of inspirational speakers drawing on their practical experience, course attendees can develop in everything from clinical expertise to patient focus, service delivery to cutting-edge treatment options.
By giving you the knowledge, tools, and a network of like-minded peers, the MS MasterClasses aim to equip you to increase in confidence, ability and passion, so that you can be part of the drive to deliver optimal care and support for people living with MS.
'The variety of speakers and topics was good. All speakers were very knowledgeable and passionate about their topics.'
'The speakers and topics have taught me a lot and I can now apply this knowledge to my current role.'
MasterClass feedback
MS Academy draws on the expertise of leaders in the field who deliver top quality education in small groups of 20-30 and a relaxed atmosphere. The courses have the input from a range of disciplines, and of course from patients themselves.
Not only does the Academy provide updates on the evidence base for managing MS and practical support on how to develop an MS service, the courses are also an invaluable opportunity to establish an ongoing network of peer support – not just in MS but in other neurological conditions too. Advanced training includes a mentorship programme, which means that individual support continues even after the residential course has finished.
An integral part of the MS MasterClass is the intermodule project. Attendees undertake a workplace project on an issue within their own area. This might be around service delivery, patient management or an aspect of drug management and might involve a service description, an audit or research. Suggested topics include UTI in MS, falls, fractures and bone health, education around PML risk and monitoring, advanced directives, comorbidity screening and lifestyle issues.
The project concludes with presentation to the course members and Faculty in Module 2. This project is a required piece of work which completes the CPD sign-off for the course. To get an idea of what a project might entail you can see projects completed by attendees.
The Academy MasterClass programmes are approved by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom. MS MasterClasses are usually awarded 30 category 1 (external) CPD credits. Please note that the credits are subject to approval of the final programme.
'The MS Academy is a tremendous vehicle for educating and up-skilling healthcare professionals caring for people living with MS'
Dr Wallace Brownlee, honorary academic director
MS Academy
News and articles
Celebrating our 20th MS MasterClass project winners
The second module of our MS Advanced MasterClass 20 in November offered an engaging and thought-provoking programme, shaped by the evolving challenges faced by senior clinicians and healthcare teams in MS care. Delegates shared insights into their journeys, grappling with the practicalities of balancing ambitious service development projects alongside demanding clinical roles.Leadership and mentorship emerged as crucial themes, with Prof Gabriele De Luca’s session sparking a vital conversation about the lack of formal mentorship in neurology and its role in empowering clinicians to drive change effectively.
Academy and Faculty leaders
We are led and supported by experts with a variety of backgrounds across a range of disciplines. By bringing different passions to the Academy, they ensure we maintain a high quality of content and information across a diverse field of knowledge.
Dr Wallace Brownlee
All MasterClass attendees carry out a workplace project as a key part of the course.
All two-module MasterClasses include an intermodule project. This is a workplace project that attendees complete as a key part of the course.
Attendees have free reign over this project. It might be service delivery, patient management or drug treatments, and it could take the form of a service description, an audit, or another form of research. It should meet a local need.
When complete, the project closes with a presentation to the other course members, faculty, and often their managers, commissioners or other people of influence in their area. The group chooses a winner and runner up who receive an award at an evening event, and all projects are shared in our resources section.
Multiple sclerosis resources and knowledge
Access a collection of resources for MS professionals, including COVID-19 information, webinars, podcasts, event reports and an archive of MS Academy newsletters.
