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ALSClinic


 
A full range of services for ALS patients and families are available at University of Minnesota Medical Center. For questions regarding the ALS Clinic please contact Leslie Phidd at 612-624-7134.

Physicians
John W. Day, M.D., Ph.D.
612-625-6180
johnday@umn.edu

David Walk, M.D.
612-624-0181
walkx001@umn.edu

Gareth Parry, M.D. 
612-624-8974
parry001@umn.edu

Clinic Coordinator
Leslie Phidd, R.N.
612-624-7134
lphidd@umphysicians.umn.edu

Leslie coordinates all services and activities related to the ALS Clinic.  She is an excellent "first contact" person when further information is needed.  She is co-facilitator of the ALS Support Group.

Occupational Therapist
Caroline Portoghese, O.T.R./L
612-273-3179
cportog1@fairview.org

Caroline will assess each patient's physical needs and recommend ways to compensate for muscle weakness and to maximize independence in daily tasks.  She will provide instruction in the use of adaptive techniques and equipment, and will provide equipment as needed.  She also facilitates the ALS Educational Family/Friends Support Group.


Physical Therapist
Marcia Margolis, P.T., A.T.P.
612-273-8678
mmargol1@fairview.org

Marcia specializes in treatment of movement dysfunction.  She will assist with problems of strength, mobility, functional activities, and equipment.

ALS Education and Support Group
Leslie Phidd, R.N.
612-624-7134
lphidd@umphysicians.umn.edu

Kelly Schuna
Healthcare Service Coordinator
952-832-5517

Support Group meets monthly on the second Tuesday of each month.  The meeting runs from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 P.M. and is held in the Phillips Wangensteen Building (12th Floor, Room 109).  A light lunch will be served.  The group is open to all ALS patients, families and friends.

Support Group for Children/ Youth of ALS Patients A specially designed group for children, ages 10-17, of ALS patients to share their experiences in a supportive environment. The group is facilitated by U of M Neuropsychologist, Christopher Boys. Group is located at the McNamara Alumni Center, Suite #160, University of MN.

Contact Kelly Schuna for dates/times.

Speech and Language Pathologist
Sarah Stranberg, M.A. CCC-SLP
612-273-5082
sstranb1@fairview.org

Sarah specializes in the speech and swallowing changes that occur in ALS.  She can provide strategies for dealing with these changes and assist in obtaining communication devices if needed.


Dietician
Michelle Stessman, RD, LD
612-273-4876

Michelle is available to evaluate individual diets, and to counsel patients and families about nutritional needs.

Feeding Tube Information (PEG Placement)
Sharon Lehman, R.N.
612-273-6389

Sharon is responsible for providing information about a variety of feeding tubes.  She will help patients and families understand how and when a feeding tube is recommended, and assist in arranging for and managing feeding tube placement.


Mental Health Services
Diane Bearman, Ph.D.
612-624-0933

Dr. Bearman is available to provide support and counseling for patients, families, and caregivers.

Christopher Boys, Pediatric Neuropsychologist
612-626-3087

Dr. Boys is available to provide support and counseling services to children of ALS patients.

Center for Spiritual Care and Healing
Office (612) 273-3572

After hours call the hospital operator at 612-626-3000 and ask for pager #6780.
A chaplain is available at all times to assist patients, families, and caregivers.

Genetic Counselor
Matt Bower
612-624-8948
mbower@fairview.org

Matt is available to test and counsel people with inherited disease.

Joline Dalton
612-625-7967
jcdalton@umn.edu

Social Services Office
(612) 273-3366

Social service personnel can assist with living wills, financial concerns, and community resources.

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
Kelly Schuna
Health Care Service Coordinator
(952) 841-0533

ALS Association, MN Chapter
Jennifer Myhre, MSW, LICSW
612-672-0484
jennifer@alsmn.org


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