The Hershey ALS Clinic and Research - Our Team

After graduating from Dartmouth College and from The University of Florida College of Medicine, Dr. Simmons received his training in Neurology at the University of Iowa, and then received 2 additional years of subspecialty training in neuromuscular disorders and EMG at the University of Michigan. He has been at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center since 1992, and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ALS and other neuromuscular disorders.

• M.D., University of Florida College of Medicine, 1982
• Residency, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
• Fellowship, University of Michigan Hospitals

My primary research interests are in neuromuscular diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease).  We have active clinical and basic science research programs. For more information about each of these trials, please visit www.pennstatehershey.org/als:

Clinical Research in ALS

• An Evidence Based Practice Approach to Improve End of Life Care in ALS
• Advance Care Planning in ALS
• Quality of Life in Patients With ALS ALS - Specific Quality of Life (ALSSQOL) Questionnaire
• Changes in Thinking in ALS 
• Development of Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines for Managing Cognitive and Behavioral Change in ALS
• Caring for the Caregiver: Use of an Evidence Based Practice Model 

 Clinical Trials in ALS 

• Ceftriaxone in ALS
• KNS-760704
• Improving strength in ALS

Basic Science Research in ALS

This work is being carried out in the laboratory of Dr. James Connor, Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Department of Neurosurgery.  These research efforts are the result of close collaboration between Dr. Connor and Dr. Simmons, and are supported by a variety of sources.

• The Role of Iron in ALS
• Spinal Fluid as a Biomarker in ALS 
• Drug Delivery

Patient Resources  

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  The ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter
  Phone: 215-643-5434 or 1-877-GEHRIG-1 (1-877-434-7441)
  www.alsphiladelphia.org
  
  The ALS Association, National Office
  Phone: (818) 880-9007
  www.alsa.org
   

• Muscular Dystrophies
  The Muscular Dystrophy Association
  Phone 717-540-4316
  www.mdausa.org
  
  GeneTests
  www.genetests.com
   

• Myasthenia Gravis
  Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America
  651-917-6256 or 800-541-5454

• Neuropathies
  The Neuropathy Association
  www.neuropathy.org
  
  Washington University Neuromuscular Disease Center
   

• Polymyositis, Dematomyositis, and Inclusion Body Myositis
  The Myositis Association 
  www.myositis.org