We are thrilled to introduce you to Marion Thomas MSN, NP-C, our newest MS Specialist in the Roanoke Valley! Marion has worked with our beloved Dr. Carlos Mora since 2023, and she is eager to continue the exceptional care he has provided to our MS community. Marion brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for working with patients living with multiple sclerosis. She has a strong background in neurology, having worked as a registered nurse in neurosurgery at UVA Medical Center and in the Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Her dedication to this field led her to specialize in neurology as a nurse practitioner, and her commitment to providing holistic care for individuals with chronic conditions makes her a perfect fit for our team. Marion believes in connecting with her patients, fostering open communication, and empowering them to actively participate in their care. She is particularly interested in the latest advancements in MS treatment, including disease-modifying therapies and the emerging role of the gut microbiome in MS development and management. She is a Roanoke native and deeply committed to serving the needs of our local MS community.
To help you get to know Marion better, we recently sat down with her for a Q&A session:
MSAV: What inspired you to specialize in neurology, and specifically, what drew you to working with patients who have Multiple Sclerosis?
MARION: Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked as a registered nurse in neurosurgery at UVA Medical Center, and in the Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. So, my background and passion have always been neurologically focused. I knew when I became a Nurse Practitioner I wanted to continue with my passion in the field of neurology. When I was approached by our management team asking me to work alongside Dr. Mora to serve the MS community through Carilion, I wanted to do research into the disease prior to accepting the position, as I believe you have to love what you do in healthcare in order to make a positive impact. Once I started learning about multiple sclerosis, and how it does not limit itself by demographic, sex, or age, and the holistic approach to treatment, including all of the advances over the past 40 years, I knew this would be a subspecialty I would not only enjoy but feel as though I could make a positive impact by being a part of caring for these patients.
MSAV: What is your philosophy of care when working with patients with chronic conditions like MS?
MARION: I desire to connect with my patients, which opens an opportunity for vulnerability and the real ability to provide the holistic care that I aspire to provide. I think multiple sclerosis and many other chronic neurological conditions require an approach that looks at the person as a whole and therefore needs to be treated as such.
MSAV: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working with MS patients for you?
MARION: Patients living with multiple sclerosis are some of the most self-aware patients that I serve. They have been forced to get to know their bodies in a way many of them likely thought they never could. They are often in tune with their needs as well as what works for managing their care and what does not. This inspires me to ensure that I am including them in all decisions that are made about their care. Having patients that are motivated about their health and quality of life is always rewarding.
MSAV: What are some of the biggest challenges you see in providing care for MS patients, and how do you address them?
MARION: The most obvious challenge is that I am not a physician, which means my scope of knowledge has its limitations. With that being said, I have established relationships with other individuals in the healthcare system and beyond who have an extensive knowledge of treating MS, and I am always willing to reach out to them in challenging situations. MS is also a very individualized disease, meaning that no patient presents the same, which can pose challenges in care, as what works for one patient may not work for the next. However, I find this to be an inspiring challenge as it forces me as a healthcare provider to develop a greater knowledge and expand my approach to managing symptoms that the disease may cause.
MSAV: What are some of the most exciting advancements you’ve seen in MS treatment and research in recent years, and where do you see the future of MS treatments heading in the next 5-10 years?
MARION: The most exciting advancement is the disease-modifying therapies that continue to be developed that target the disease in a better way, but also in a way that has potentially fewer side effects for patients and are easier to use, such as infusions and once-to-twice-yearly treatment instead of daily or weekly. I see the future of MS as broad, including more disease-modifying therapies and symptom management options.
MSAV: Are there any particular areas of MS research or treatment that you are particularly interested in or involved with?
MARION: I think MS research is constantly evolving in terms of therapies, which is exciting in terms of the future of MS. However, one area I am particularly interested in is the influence of the gut microbiome in the development and management of MS. We are starting to understand the significant role that the gut plays in predisposing patients to MS as well as influencing their disease progression. This is also an area that can be managed through lifestyle and diet changes, which means it is cost-effective and easier to obtain than many of the medications used to treat symptoms of MS.
MSAV: What can patients expect when they come to see you for their MS care?
MARION: I treat all of my patients with kindness, respect, and empathy. I always want to ensure that my patients know we are a team, and I will never make decisions without them, as this is their body and health journey. I want patients to always feel heard and comfortable with the care they receive from me. I tend to take a holistic approach with my care for MS patients as this is a condition that involves every part of their body; therefore, integrating things such as lifestyle changes, therapies, diet, and developing a support system is important to me in managing their symptoms and chronic condition.
MSAV: Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about you or your practice?
MARION: Being a Roanoke native, I know that there is a major need in this community for passionate and accessible care for the MS population. I strive to advocate for our MS patients and make sure they feel supported through their healthcare and community.
We are confident that Marion Thomas will be a valuable asset to our community and a compassionate advocate for our MS patients. Please join us in making her feel welcome to our MS team.
Come meet Marion at our MS Alliance Awareness & Rejuvenation Weekend Saturday, March 8!
