For the patient diagnosed with a neurological disorder, life can quickly turn into a discouraging “traffic jam” of doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals and treatment regimens a maze more difficult to navigate than a Texas freeway during rush hour.
Dr. Suzanne K. Gazda, founding physician of the Neurology Institute of San Antonio, understands the frustrations that patients can feel when trying to find answers for the seemingly endless issues connected with chronic illness. And at the institute’s new and spacious state– of– the– art facility, she and her staff hope to simplify things by offering total health care under one warm and welcoming roof.
Call it one– stop shopping.
“Patients won’t have to travel all over the city anymore, shopping around for the right resources,” the doctor explains. “They’ll be able to find everything they need here with my wonderful team.”
It has long been the doctor’s dream to have a diverse neurological team and to provide a complete package of services for individuals with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other conditions that can have such an impact on daily living. The dream turned into a reality in mid–July with a move from San Antonio’s busy medical center to a more pastoral setting at 3603 Paesanos Way.
From the third– floor infusion center at the new facility, patients needing IV therapy can see a panoramic view of the Texas Hill Country. The aesthetically calming building with its many sunny windows also includes a five– star sleep center, a rehabilitation outpatient area where doctors can monitor case progress and an MRI center that will be fully operational by fall.
Already speeding ahead are wellness programs including nutritional support, yoga, weight control and adaptive sports training. The staff is fast growing. Special attention is being given to vocational and psychosocial issues the type of things that are often overlooked in traditional neurological care. And there’s the institute’s scientific division, Integra Clinical Research, where Dr. Gazda acts as president and chief investigator. Clinical trials now under way are promising hope for some of the world’s most serious and problematic medical conditions.
According to Gazda, there are about 100 million patients in the United States living with chronic incurable diseases and serious neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. These numbers are expected to increase dramatically over the next two to three decades and, she notes, it’s vital to prepare now to meet future challenges. Also essential: finding cures for illnesses that, to date, have stymied the best scientific minds.
Are breakthroughs being made?
“Defninitely,” is the doctor’s encouraging reply to this question. For Alzheimer’s, there’s a drug currently being tested that could clear cloudy minds. For multiple sclerosis, now primarily treated with injections, easier to manage oral medications are just two to three years away.
Though all neurological conditions interest the physician, multiple sclerosis is her pet project. She has become a nationally recognized expert and investigator in the field.
“MS so often and so tragically impacts the young,” she reflects. “I think my concern for young people drew me to study the disease in the first place. It’s especially satisfying to encourage mothers who worry about how they will care for their families while dealing with the fatigue and debilitating aspects of the illness. I am always looking for ways to reassure them and help them cope.”
Patient testimonials attesting to her success dot the Integra Web site, where there’s an especially poignant message from young wife and mother Pauline Bosmans.
“I may have MS but MS doesn’t have me,” Bosmans declares triumphantly, paying tribute to Integra’s clinical trials in which she is participating and to the positive attitude toward disease management that Gazda has instilled.
Growing up in the small South Texas town of Poth, Gazda was intrigued by medicine and longed to become a physician. Unfortunately, she met road blocks at every turn.
“Girls just didn’t become doctors back then not very often anyway,” she recalls regretfully. “There were few role models around to offer advice and a lot of nagging personal doubts about my abilities to make the grade.”
She opted for pharmacy, which was considered somewhat more conventional. But the desire to have her own medical practice never disappeared. And eventually she got her degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio and bravely launched a neurology career.
Since taking those bold steps, Gazda has become a highly regarded leader in medical community, a noted researcher and a respected member of numerous medical organizations and societies.
“Dr. Gazda has impacted so many lives,” says Bridgette Harkins, associate director of the Neurological Institute. “There’s this aura about her you feel it the minute she walks in the room and it’s an inspiration. She’s a tireless worker makes us want to try harder, do better and follow her example of reaching out to people in need.”
Recently the doctor collaborated with Janet Kaufman, director of San Antonio’s Multiple Sclerosis Services, to aid a patient who had no electricity or running water. Not long ago, there was a missionary trip to Uganda where the neurologist made a spiritual commitment to ease human suffering. Daughters Sarah, 20, and Katie, 17, accompanied her on the trip and they, too, have made a promise to extend the hand of friendship to the less fortunate. Katie already has founded a charitable organization called Empowering People for International Causes (EPIC). Both sisters are seriously considering medical careers so they can be of service.
If medicine is the road her daughters ultimately choose, Gazda would be delighted. But following their own dreams is what’s important. After all, there are countless routes to helping humanity, the physician points out. And finding the right one is what makes life an exciting journey.
