RealTalk MS

Main Content

Photo courtesy of National MS Society

RealTalk MS Is On Right Now!

Join host Jon Strum each week as he breaks down the latest multiple sclerosis news. We’re talking about the amazing MS research that’s taking place in laboratories around the world — and we’re talking to some of the brilliant neuroscientists who are conducting that research!

We’re monitoring the debate among our lawmakers surrounding prescription drug price transparency, healthcare legislation, funding for new and experimental MS research — anything that might impact your MS treatments.

And we’re talking with MS activists, MS caregivers, MS fundraisers, and other heroes who strive to raise the bar for those who battle MS every day.

If you’re affected by multiple sclerosis — as a patient, caregiver, family member, or friend — join us for RealTalk MS.

Episode 457: From the 2026 CMSC Annual Meeting with Dr. Kathy Zackowski, Dr. Valerie Block, and Dr. Riley Bove


Last week, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, best known as CMSC, hosted its annual meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, where we had a chance to talk with some of the world's top MS experts. We'll be sharing those conversations over the next few episodes of the podcast. Welcome to Part One of our coverage of CMSC 2026!

CMSC logo

In what has become an annual tradition at this conference, Dr. Kathy Zackowski, the National MS Society's Associate Vice-President of Research, joins me to share her impressions of the sessions and presentations that stood out to her.

I also caught up with Dr. Valerie Block and Dr. Riley Bove on the first day of the CMSC annual meeting, and we discussed how wearable devices and digital tools are finding their way into MS care and how they can improve the quality of care for people living with MS.

We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: We're reporting from CMSC  :22

Dr. Kathy Zackowski shares the CMSC presentations that caught her eye  1:04

Dr. Valerie Block and Dr. Riley Bove discuss how wearable devices and digital tools are reshaping MS care  14:29

Share this episode  28:20

Next week  28:39

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS

Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/457

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!

Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283

And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS

If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com

JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms

REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on X, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.

RealTalk MS Episode 457
Guests: Dr. Kathy Zackowski, Dr. Valerie Block, Dr. Riley Bove