Barbara Giesser, MD
Multiple Sclerosis Neurology, Brain Health Center
Awards and Accomplishments
Overview | Location and Contact | Insurance | Education and Training
About Dr. Giesser
Practicing since 1982.
Dr. Barbara S. Giesser, FAAN, FANA, is an internationally recognized clinician and award-winning educator who has specialized in the care of persons with Multiple Sclerosis since 1982.
Dr. Giesser received her BS from the University of Miami, an MS from the University of Texas School of Biomedical Sciences in Houston, and her MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She completed her Neurology residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and did fellowship training in MS there at the first MS Comprehensive Care Center.
She was faculty at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine from 1983 until 1991 and was subsequently faculty at the University of Arizona Health Science Center. She joined the UCLA Department of Neurology in 2002 and is Professor (emeritus) of Clinical Neurology.
Dr. Giesser’s Approach to Care
Dr. Giesser’s approach to the diagnosis & management of persons with MS combines state of the art diagnostics and a personalized medication plan for each patient with an emphasis on integrating lifestyle and wellness strategies into the neurologic treatment plan.
Dr. Giesser has conducted peer-reviewed research on exercise as a therapeutic modality and has served as a consultant for the National MS Society on several wellness, exercise and nutrition related work groups. She has also been an investigator on multiple clinical trials of novel medications to treat MS.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Giesser has received a dozen awards for excellence in education at the local, regional and national levels, and is the author of over 100 publications including peer-reviewed research articles, reviews, textbooks, chapters and abstracts. She has prepared curricula for the National MS Society and the American Academy of Neurology, and frequently lectures to lay and professional groups.
She has been listed in “Best Doctors in America “since 2005, received the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center “Exceptional Physician Award” in 2015, and in 2018 was honored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by her election to their Volunteer Hall of Fame.
Recipient of the American Academy of Neurology prestigious Palatucci Public Policy fellowship.
Recipient of the distinguished 2022 American Brain Foundation/AAN Ted Burns Humanism in Neurology Award.
MS Research and Clinical Trials
In addition to her clinical, research and educational activities, Dr. Giesser has been active as a patient and professional advocate at state and national levels. She has advocated for legislation to address patient issues such as lowering prescription drug prices and access to care in Washington and Sacramento.
Education and Training
| Medical Degree: | University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio, MD |
| Residency: | Neurology, Bronx Municipal Hospital Center, NY |
| Fellowship: | Neurology, Bronx Municipal Hospital Center, NY |
| Certifications: | Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology |
Publications
See Dr. Giesser’s Publications
Medical Specialities
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Clinically Isolated Syndrome
- Radiologically Isolated Syndrome
- Neuromyelitis Optica
- Transverse Myelitis
The MS program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute is recognized as a “Partner in MS Care” of the National MS Society.
Accepted Insurance
Medicare, medicaid and most insurance plans are accepted. Please contact us to confirm coverage.
Hospital Affiliation
Providence Saint John’s Health Center
2121 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Resources/Useful Links
Multiple Sclerosis
Brain Health Center
MS Treatment and Care Sheet
Q&A with the American Neurological Association
Clinic Location and Contact Information
2125 Arizona Ave.
Santa Monica
CA 90404
310-582-7613 | Fax: 310-582-7495
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, she is accepting new patients at this time.
Dr. Giesser’s clinical focus is multiple sclerosis neurology
Dr. Giesser speaks english
Yes, Dr. Giesser is taking telehealth appointments. Please call 310-582-7613 to make an appointment.
Dr. Giesser’s office is located at 2125 Arizona Ave. Santa Monica CA 90404.
