meet the amazing doctors and scientists that make up our
medical Science Advisory Council (MSAC)
The amazing group of individuals that make up our Medical Science Advisory Council is taking a stand against Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome by helping our team in the Foundation’s mission to accelerate LGS research. The hope is that we will lessen the burden of LGS for younger generations. If we are successful, the science we accelerate to find the cures for this epilepsy disorder of early life will usher in cures for other circuits and aging disorders of the brain.
- Scott Perry, MD – Cook Children’s Hospital
- Elaine Wirrell, MD – Mayo Clinic
- Pete Crino, MD, PhD – University of Maryland, School of Medicine
- Renee Shellhaas, MD, MS – Washington University School of Medicine
- James W. Wheless, BScPharm, M.D., FAAP, FACP, FAAN, FAES – Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
- Fabio Nascimento, MD – Washington University, St. Louis
- Jennifer Gelinas, MD, PhD – University of California Irvine
- Juliet Knowles, MD, Phd – Stanford University
About our MSAC
The LGS Foundation Medical Science Advisory Council (MSAC) is established by the Board of Directors at its discretion and consists of medical practitioners, scientists, and others with expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and investigation of LGS and its effects. The MSAC advises the Board-Led LGS Foundation Research Committee and helps guide the LGS Foundation program opportunities, advises the team and the Board of Directors on educational needs, policy development, and strategic planning.
As internationally recognized experts, MSAC members provide strategic guidance and advice to the LGS Foundation on our mission and objectives. Further, the MSAC evaluates research proposals and makes funding recommendations to the Research Committee regarding proposals that will advance science toward better treatments and cures for LGS.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Each MSAC member:
- Is fully versed in the goals and objectives of LGS Foundation’s programs
- Serves as an advocate for LGS Foundation’s programs and communicates programs to the broader community
- Actively participates in CURE LGS 365 grant review
- Attends annual LGS Foundation Research meetings
- Shares developments in the field
- Assists in the identification and recruitment of new MSAC members
- Makes recommendations to LGS Foundation staff regarding ideas for projects, grant proposals, and/or collaborations
Membership:
A diversity of perspectives is an important aspect of the MSAC’s function. Prospective MSAC members are identified by existing MSAC members and the team, and nominations for new members are made to the Research Committee and Board of Directors. The nomination process will include consideration of the expert’s geographic location, racial, ethnic, and gender to ensure diversity within the Board. The Board of Directors will invite new members. The suggested number of members should be from 6 to 15 people. Advisory Council members will serve two-year terms with the possibility for renewal for additional terms based on their interest and involvement and at the discretion of the MSAC Chair(s) and Research Committee. Term limits begin on January 1st.
Cure LGS 365 Research Grants Program
This novel funding mechanism allows researchers to submit letters of intent 365 days a year and funds worthy projects within two months of submission. With only a tiny fraction of public and private funds going towards research on LGS, families of the more than one million people with LGS worldwide worry that lifesaving, stabilizing treatment may not come to fruition in their loved ones lifetime. The LGS Foundation’s Cure LGS 365 Research Grants Program is combating these fears and aims to rapidly accelerate research.
Updated 10/03/24 (AM)