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Patients select MS Clinic director as top doctor

BY SUE BERO
Times Correspondent | Friday, December 25, 2009

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Indiana recently bestowed top honors on Dr. Mridula Prasad, a neurologist at Methodist Hospitals, for her compassion and commitment to MS patients. 

 Prasad was honored with the Superstar Physician of the Year award for her work at MS Clinic, part of The Neuroscience Institute at Methodist Hospitals, Southlake, in Merrillville. "It was a wonderful feeling," she said of the honor. "I think I'm a very lucky physician that my patients love me so much. It's an award based on patients. The patients select which physician will receive the award."

 Prasad started the clinic in 1994 and has overseen its operations as program director for more than 12 years. With her leadership, the clinic has become a designated Multiple Sclerosis Center and expanded its services. Prasad alternates weekly schedules at the clinic, located at 200 E. 89th Ave., with her private practice partner, Dr. Sanjeev Maniar, and is assisted by a nurse practitioner and certified MS nurse.

 "It's set up so patients are able to approach us when they need us," she explained. "Their needs are met right away most of the time, and most treatments are outpatient. There also is a support group that meets every month. It's a good network. They feel it's more like a family affair than coming to the doctor."

 Prasad continually searches for new ways to help patients. Ten years ago, she was instrumental in creating a network of alternative longterm care living arrangements for people living with multiple sclerosis in Lake County.

Her work garnered national attention with an article in People magazine and moved the nearly 7000,000 members of the National MS Society to establish the Making a Difference Award in her honor. The award is presented to one recipient a year who has truly made a difference through their work and efforts to improve the lives of MS patients and their families.

 In addition to starting the MS Clinic, Prasad is proud Methodist Hospitals sponsored the first local MS Walk and has since cosponsored the annual event with the MS Society.

 Prasad is moved by those she serves. "When I started working with the patients I was totally amazed by their spirit. They complete so much despite their differences." 

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