Barbara S. Giesser, MD, FAAN, FANA, Dipl. ABLM

Barbara S. Giesser, MD, FAAN, FANA, Dipl. ABLM, is a neurologist who has specialized in the care of persons with multiple sclerosis since 1982. She has been faculty in the departments of neurology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the University of Arizona Health Science Center, and the David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, where she is professor emeritus of clinical neurology.

She currently directs the MS Comprehensive Care Clinic at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California. Her clinical strategy combines state of the art diagnostics and therapeutics with integration of lifestyle practices to develop a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan for each patient.

Dr. Giesser’s professional activities throughout her career have been primarily as a clinician, educator, and advocate. She has created curricula in MS for trainees at all levels, as well as peers and lay audiences. She has also created wellness curricula for the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the National MS Society.

She serves and has served on task forces convened by the National MS Society to generate expert consensus recommendations on wellness research and practical recommendations for clinicians, specifically in the areas of diet and exercise. She has been recognized for educational and clinical achievement at local, regional, and national levels, including the 2018 American Academy of Neurology Frank Rubino Award for Excellence in Clinical Neurology Training, and the 2022 AAN/American Brain Foundation Ted Burns Humanism in Neurology Award.

Giesser has been an investigator on several clinical trials of novel therapeutic agents for MS, and has also conducted peer reviewed exercise-related research. Her CV includes over 100 peer-reviewed publications, books, and chapters.

Giesser has been active in advocacy efforts for over two decades. She has lobbied at state and federal levels to promote legislation on behalf of patients, neuroscience research, and the practice of neurology.

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
• Masters of Science (MS) in Tumor Virology, University of Texas Graduated School of Biomedical Science, Houston
• Doctor of Medicine (MD), University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
• Residency in Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
• Fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis, MS Research and Training Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine

• Board-certified in Neurology
• Certified in Lifestyle Medicine

• Healthcare Champion Award, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2023
• Ted Burns Award for Humanism in Neurology, American Academy of Neurology and American Brain Foundation, 2022
• Best Doctors In America, Best in Medicine, 2013–2022, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005
• Healthcare Professional Volunteer Hall of Fame Inductee, National MS Society, 2018
• Frank Rubino Award for Excellence in Clinical Neurology Teaching, American Academy of Neurology, 2018
• Palatucci Public Policy Fellowship, American Academy of Neurology, 2018
• Exceptional Physician Award, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, 2016
• Serge & Yvette Dadone Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, 2010
• Teaching Humanism at the Bedside Award, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, 2009
• A.B. Baker Teaching Recognition Certification, American Academy of Neurology, 2011, 2002
• Hall of Fame Inductee, National MS Society, 2004
• Sylvia Lawry Founder of the Year Award, National MS Society, 2003
• Volunteer Appreciation Award, National MS Society, 2001
• Dedication Award, National MS Society, 2001, 2000, 1998
• Who's Who In America, Marquis Who's Who, 1998–2008
• Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, Marquis Who's Who 1997–2008
• Who's Who in the World, Marquis Who's Who, 1997–2006
• Virginia and Vernon R. Furrow Grant Award for Innovations in Educational Technology, 1997
• Outstanding Research in Medical Education Award, Western Group on Educational Affairs, 1997
• Teacher of the Year, Neurology Department, AHSC, 1996
• Community Education Volunteer of the Year, National MS Society, 1995
• Dean's Teaching Scholar, AHSC, 1995
• Dean's List Award for Excellence in Teaching in Clinical Sciences, Arizona Health Science Center, 1995
• DOVE Award, National MS Society, 1992
• Leo Davidoff Society Award for Excellence in Housestaff Teaching, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1982

• Fellow, American Academy of Neurology
• Fellow, American Neurological Association
• Member, American College of Lifestyle Medicine
• Diplomat, American Board of Lifestyle Medicine

• Neurology Today. April 2005, February 2015, January 2018, August 2018, August 2021, December 2024.
• Time Magazine Health. June 2023.
• Good Housekeeping. June 2022.
• KABC7. August 2021.
• US News & World Report. August 2020.
• US News Health. June 2019.
• Press Play. National Public Radio. October 2016.
• USA Today. April 2005.