Having a consistent opportunity to review the latest research with experts was invaluable. But even better, from a clinical perspective, was the opportunity to review and discuss real-world cases and review clinical options to support patients. Many in the group who presented cases faced challenges with colleagues and within medical systems in terms of implementation of diagnostic work-ups or clinical care. There is so much more work to be done to educate our medical colleagues and get patients the care they need.

Sylvia Fogel, MD, Instructor, Harvard Medical School

The Neuroimmune Foundation’s ECHO Project was an exceptional resource for frontline clinicians, offering continuous learning opportunities. The discussions were insightful, evidence-based, and focused on the realities of addressing the complexities of these immune-mediated disorders. The video conferences offered a rare blend of academic depth and practical wisdom, fostering a meaningful professional dialogue. The ECHO Project was an invaluable platform for clinicians dedicated to helping practicing clinicians deliver the highest standard of patient care when confronted by these challenging disorders.

Professor Thomas Heinrich, MD, Professor and Vice Chair in Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin

This patient’s case has haunted me and I am so grateful for the time, consideration, and hope that the panel provided. As a psychiatrist I frequently encounter providers that are happy to close the door once a patient has a mental health diagnosis, especially when psychosis is involved. It is difficult to express how meaningful it was for me to have the exact opposite experience with your group.
Christina Warner, MD, Attending Psychiatrist | Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Acting Assistant Professor | Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington

One of the best learning experiences for me in 2025! Faculty is extremely knowledgeable and provide world class presentations and learning opportunities. Case presentations are illustrative and encourage application of recently learned information. I plan on attending this year as well.

Edward M. Gentile, DO, MBA, DLFAPA, Behavioral Health Medical Director, Optum-ECS

The Neuroimmune ECHO Cohort has been one of the most enriching professional learning experiences of my career. The weekly sessions offered an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with leading experts in neuroimmunology, psychiatry, and related disciplines. The integration of clinical cases with cutting-edge science and research has directly enhanced my ability to evaluate and treat complex neuroimmune presentations in both children and adults. This program is an invaluable resource for any clinician committed to advancing the care of patients with complex neuropsychiatric conditions. The access to expert knowledge, current research, and collegial discussion has been transformative for my practice and my patients.

Kathy Gallardo, MD, PhD, DFAPA, Alaska

Attending the first ECHO cohort was a fantastic experience. Hearing about all the amazing work being done in neuroimmunology around the world was inspiring, but even more important was the support offered by the experts who were able to provide clear guidance on diagnosis and management of some of these very challenging cases presented by the echo participants. What I have learned through my participation has enabled me to provide much better care for patients presenting to my clinic, but also has enabled me to provide education for the medical students and residents who I supervise, which means that more and more providers will be made aware of these important problems, which otherwise often go unrecognized and untreated.

Yvonne Brouard, MD, MPH, Modesto, CA

As a translational physician-scientist moving back toward provision of clinical care after a number of years, this Neuroimmune Foundation program provided an exceptionally rich, scientifically grounded, yet clinically-relevant learning experience focused on consideration of cases with high suspicion of immune and/or infectious involvement. The didactic and case presentations and the ensuing discussions were phenomenal. I am grateful both to the Foundation for creating this opportunity, to the program leads, as well to my fellow brilliant and inquisitive physicians participating in Cohort One.

Mady Hornig, MA, MD, Visiting Scientist & Professor, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, Visiting Scientist, MIT, Cambridge, MA

I completed the 2025 Neuroimmune ECHO, which was an extremely positive and beneficial experience. The course leaders included internationally recognized specialists from many fields. The didactic presentations were clear and informative. Case presentations illustrated the complexities of many of these disorders. We learned from the multi-disciplinary perspectives and recommendations. I highly recommend this course and look forward to continuing to participate.

Jay E. Selman, MD, MS, Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, Columbia, New York, NY

Joining the didactic sessions and the case discussions was a great experience. I learned so much from world experts and a diverse group of colleagues from all over the world. They made it feel like a safe place to ask questions and explore new ideas with thoughtful and very knowledgeable providers.

Anlys Olivera, MD, PhD, Neuropsychiatrist, Columbia, NY

Being part of ECHO’s Cohort One has significantly expanded my clinical perspective and connected me with a network of inspiring colleagues around the world. It’s a truly transformative experience.

Adrian Rzyski, MD, Poland

Paediatric neuroimmune conditions are an underrecognized public health problem impacting on children’s and family’s lives worldwide. A significant barrier to addressing this public health problem relates to health systems and medical education – the majority of clinicians simply don’t recognise these illnesses when they encounter them in clinical practice. As a consequence patients typically languish untreated – with significant morbidity often for years. The ECHO program provided a scientifically informed program that addressed this clinical knowledge gap for a global cohort of clinicians. As such it represents an important public health intervention.

Danielle Esler, MBBS (Hons), B Med Sci (Hons), MPH, FRAGP, FAPHM Public Health Physician and GP, Australia

I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist and this ECHO was incredibly high yield value for time to learn an approach to complex neuroimmune conditions. The information provided in the didactic lectures was well presented. The ECHO team possessed a wealth of expertise and facilitated case based learning allowing real world application of concepts taught in a safe and collegial learning environment.

Dr. Jennifer Nguyen, Canada

I found the ECHO series extremely educational. The lectures and case presentation allowed the cohort to advocate for some of our sickest patients. As important was the fact that cutting edge researchers and clinicians helped community physicians in a complicated area of medicine that impacts so many patients, yet so many other physicians are not aware of at this time. I would highly recommend this program to any physician with an interest in this area of medicine.

Dr. Jeff Hopkins, Atlanta

As a pediatrician in the conventional healthcare system, ECHO has been instrumental in helping me to understand the landscape of neuroimmune conditions. I am grateful for this opportunity to interact with national experts. I learn frameworks and pearls to bring to my own patients. ECHO helps providers apply recent scientific data to patients – translational medicine at its best.

Allison Golnik, MD, MPH, Minnesota

At the intersection of different specialties, you find inflammatory conditions with psychiatric symptoms — symptoms which often affect patients severely. Immunology and psychiatry are two complex fields, and when they converge, it is often difficult for the doctor to navigate. To navigate, you need to put evidence and clinical experience together in a practical way to help the patient in front of you. Neuroimmune Foundation’s Project ECHO® collaboration helps you with that. There is a clear clinical focus. Each session starts with a presentation of an important subject, followed by a relevant case by a participant. That builds a framework for a fruitful discussion, which is facilitated by both the consultation panel and the participants. The consultation panel consists of experts in the field with vast scientific and clinical knowledge, which they share in a pedagogical and relevant way. For me, the clinical approach of the sessions has been very beneficial. It has given me a deeper understanding of this complex field of medicine and hands-on guidance, which helps me to better care for my patients. I am very happy that I have had the opportunity to attend the course.

Sven Hagnerud, MD, Specialist in Family Medicine and Psychiatry, Uppsala, Sweden

Neuroimmune Foundation’s Project ECHO collaboration has given me the tools to treat patients with PANS/PANDAS on the front lines. It has been indispensable in my continued education; without it I would not feel equipped to treat these complex patients. With the help of this program, I have treated over 75 cases, with an emphasis on expanding access to care in low-resource areas. I am so grateful for the team’s commitment to excellence, access, and education.

Rachel Roth, MD, Haifa, Israel

Participating in Neuroimmune Foundation’s ECHO cohort had an invaluable impact on me. Working in a country where PANS is barely heard of by the medical community, both the information shared by world-class professionals both the experience of being part of a community of colleagues working with this disease was very important for me. Can’t thank you all enough for making it possible.

Eszter Bukovszky, MD, Neurologist, Hungary

As a private pediatrician I was relieved to find the kind of support and education neuroimmune is sharing. Living two hours from several large academic centers, I have been challenged to find support for patients with PANDAS. The echos afforded me the opportunity to learn from top specialists and hear how other primary care providers have navigated the medical landscape to get care for their patients. The ECHO format is a well-structured teaching platform that affords several levels of learning. My hope is Neuroimmune is getting the word out, so all children are recognized early and get the help they need. The earlier the diagnosis the less likely a patient will need advanced services like ICU or neuropsychiatric care. I look forward to continuing learning.

Melody Ailsworth, DO, Forest, Virginia

I was fortunate to be part of Cohort 1 of the Neuroimmune ECHO program. Cohort 1 happened at the best possible time because I had just opened my practice and was receiving an influx of PANS/PANDAS patients. It was incredible to receive weekly mentorship from world experts in PANS/PANDAS. I presented one of my toughest cases and got expert feedback. The didactic sessions shaped how I approach my patients – physical exam, diagnosis, and treatment. I regularly refer back to what I learned in the ECHO program. The Neuroimmune ECHO is an invaluable resource for training multidisciplinary clinicians to treat these complex disorders.

Emma Westermann, MD, Tampa, Florida

Learning from top experts in the field and working through challenging case presentations with them was so helpful! The interdisciplinary approach of the ECHO program enhanced my understanding of this multifaceted, complex illness. Infectious disease, neurology, immunology, rheumatology, and other specialists shared their insights on PANDAS cases and helped me learn nuances of this disease. As a pediatrician, I’m on the front lines of recognizing symptoms and evaluating patients for PANDAS. This Echo program has greatly improved my diagnostic awareness and expanded my treatment options. Helping patients and families on their path to healing is my ultimate goal.

Sita S Canady, MD, Fairfax, Virginia

Participation in the Neuroimmune Foundation’s ECHO Project has been an exceptional professional experience. The evidence-based content and case-based discussions provided practical, clinically applicable insights in a field where reliable knowledge is still limited and often difficult to access. Learning directly from leading international experts offered a rare opportunity to deepen understanding in this rapidly evolving area of medicine.

Agnieszka Wroczynska, MD, PhD, Internal medicine consultant, Poland

Through the Neuroimmune Foundation and Project ECHO, I’ve gained valuable knowledge in neuroimmunology and conditions such as PANS. Collaborating with colleagues from around the country and world has enriched our collective understanding and strengthened our ability to care for this often misunderstood patient population. These complex cases frequently present diagnostic challenges in clinical practice, and this program has equipped me with the tools and confidence to manage them more effectively.

Ryan Dougherty, MD, Wilmington, NC

I have enjoyed attending conferences and case presentations focused on brain inflammatory diseases ECHO. The sessions offered valuable insights into the evolving connection between neuroinflammation and psychiatric symptoms, and I’m excited to integrate these learnings into my clinical practice.

Priscilla Hidalgo, MD, Raleigh, NC

The Neuroimmune Foundation expert consultation panel is profoundly helpful. Both for deepening my understanding of autoimmune brain illnesses, and in particular for guiding possible therapeutic steps for my most complex patients whom we have exhausted options locally. Being able to present a complex case to a multidisciplinary panel of experts feels akin to working on a project in a dimly lit room, and then having the lights turned on with multiple people working together to solve the problem from different angles. Details now razor sharp, aspects previously not seen highlighted, and new hope and ideas for a solution. As a result of this panel one of my patients who was severely incapacitated in hospital for over a year has now recovered almost fully, able to complete her high school studies and travel with family.

Erin Stolte, MD, FRCPC, Psychiatry, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

The Neuroimmune ECHO offered by the Neuroimmune Foundation over the six months of 2025 have been a truly fascinating medical chapter and, from a human perspective, a deeply moving one. Too often, we were not able to be there alongside the children who presented with psychiatric symptoms rooted in neuroimmunological disorders. Many still do not yet believe in PANS/PANDAS, and those physicians who do understand it often end up feeling isolated. Yet I am convinced that this is only a temporary stage in Romania. I firmly believe that dedicated doctors, once they see both our learning journey and our clinical experience, will choose to join our team – those of us who want to shift the paradigm and who are privileged to learn from the very best in the world.

Thank you, Neuroimmune Foundation – what an extraordinary gift and privilege it has been to be part of everything you have offered with such generosity and kindness!

Dr. George-Bogdan Cotică, Pediatric Psychiatrist, Romania

I found the Neuroimmune Foundation’s ECHO program incredibly impactful. The combination of concise, evidence-based teaching and real-world case discussions provided a wealth of practical knowledge that directly improved my ability to care for patients with complex neuroimmune and neuropsychiatric conditions. The sessions were intellectually engaging, supportive, and deeply relevant to everyday clinical challenges. This program has truly transformed how I approach diagnosis and management, and I would highly recommend it to any clinician seeking to better understand and support patients with immune-mediated neuropsychiatric disorders.

Nina Gudeon, MD, FRCPC, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

The Neuroimmune Foundation’s ECHO program is a powerful force multiplier for clinical competency. It refined my existing approach to complex pediatric neuropsychiatric cases and provided new strategies for managing neuroinflammatory presentations. This is a must for clinicians in this field—I highly recommend it.

Dr Erwin Kay, MD, Dip Child health, Dip Mental Health , GDFM, Dip Dermatology, Dip Sports Med., Singapore

The Neuroimmune Foundation ECHO project meetings have been highly informative sessions! Having the opportunity to meet weekly with the top experts in the world in neuroimmune disorders has significantly increased my knowledge and confidence in treating children with complex conditions. Especially given my medicine practice in a rural area with limited specialty care, this group has improved my patients’ care and outcomes for recovery. I am grateful for the ECHO project and the opportunity for this excellent educational resource- as are my patients and their families! The program has also helped me further educate physicians in my region and increase awareness of neuroimmune disorders. Thank you!

Tricia T Williams, MD, Troy, PA

The ECHO Program by the Neuroimmune Foundation has become an invaluable lifeline for clinicians treating PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune encephalitis. It effectively bridges the gap between research and real-world care. The openness in teaching, the diversity of panelists, and the abiity to present and talk through the complexities of real cases empowers physicians to work through the challenges of helping and managing our patients. Its collaborative lectures and expert discussions unite specialists across disciplines—providing insights and practical wisdom that simply can’t be found anywhere else.

Dareen D. Siri, M.D., FAAAAI, FACAA, Allergist and Immunologist, Normal, IL

The ECHO program was an amazing experience that significantly enhanced my diagnostic thinking and broadened my knowledge of rare neuroimmunological and neuropsychiatric conditions such as PANS and PANDAS. The discussions with expert consultants from around the world offered invaluable perspectives and practical insights. I would be delighted to join again and highly recommend this course to all clinicians interested in advancing their understanding in this field.

Dr. Ahmed Kaki, Pediatric Neurologist, Saudi Arabia

Joining the first ECHO cohort transformed my practice. The collaborative discussions and parent-centered focus empowered me to better support neurodivergent kids and their families.

Joy Eberhardt, MD, FAAP, Developmental Pediatrician, Portland, OR

When it comes to PANDAS and similar disorders you don’t know what you don’t know. The ECHO program opened my eyes to the variety of psychologic and neurology symptoms someone can have that should prompt further evaluation for these causes.

Shauna L. Guthrie, MD

Being part of Neuroimmune Foundation’s ECHO cohort was an inspiring and empowering experience. The program created a genuine sense of community and collaboration among professionals, and it provided practical insights that have continued to shape my work. I’m grateful to have been part of such a forward-thinking initiative, which offered a rare space to connect deeply, learn openly, and grow professionally. The experience has been both grounding and transformative.

Dr. Cristina Georgiana Cotică, Psychiatrist, Romania

The Neuroimmune Foundation Expert Consultation Panel has been extremely helpful for me as a rehabilitation/neurodevelopmental physician. I have encountered several teenage patients with cerebral palsy with progressive symptoms which were resistant to treatment; the panel was helpful to me for both work up and treatment options . I also had a young patient with stiff person syndrome who benefited greatly from the panel’s recommendation.

What I learned from the panel has been helpful not only to me and my patients and their families, but also to colleagues struggling with to help patients with unusual progressive symptoms. Rehabilitation doctors are sometimes referred patients as a last resort ; therefore it is very important that we be aware of the expertise of the Neuroimmune Foundation Expert Consultation Panel to assist us with some mysterious/puzzling patients.

Mary Keen, MD, Northwestern Medicine, Illinois

My experience with the Neuroimmune Foundation Expert Panel was profoundly helpful. I had been using the treatment algorithms that have been published, but was not getting traction. I was not sure I was going down the correct clinical pathway. In part by needing to organize my thoughts into a cogent presentation, but predominantly by the feedback and experience of the panel, a clear diagnosis was established of neuroimmune dysfunction. Not being in academic medicine, the tools for next steps which included IVIG are not readily accessible. But the practical experience and the weight of knowledge of the expert panel helped give me the confidence to pursue and ultimately obtain the treatment which led to symptom resolution with two treatments. Without that discussion with the panel, and the detailed assessment and treatment protocols that are now published, the outcome would have been greatly affected.

Brian Bowman, MD, PhD, FAAP, Apex, NC