CMSC and NeurologyLive Name 2026 Giants of Multiple Sclerosis

Key Takeaways

• Seven honorees were named across seven disciplines in the 2026 class.
• Finalists were determined by an advisory board, and category inductees were chosen by a selection committee of more than 30 MS professionals.
• Patricia K. Coyle received the separate 2026 Giants of Multiple Sclerosis June Halper Visionary Award, alongside CMSC's emphasis on a multidisciplinary MS team model.

On May 12, 2026, NeurologyLive and CMSC named the fifth class of Giants of Multiple Sclerosis, with seven honorees selected across seven disciplines. The announcement identified the group as the 2026 class tied to MS care and research. The induction ceremony, supported by Novartis, is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. It will take place during the 2026 CMSC Annual Meeting.

Established in 2021, the program honors trailblazers, innovators, and visionaries recognized by colleagues for contributions to multiple sclerosis research. The release also framed it as a way to recognize the breadth of health care providers and advocates involved in MS care. CMSC describes itself as a multidisciplinary membership organization dedicated to advancing the standard of care for patients with MS. Its network includes 15,500 health care clinicians and scientists, underscoring the program's broad professional base.

In advanced practice provider, Constance Easterling of the MS Care Center at Neurological Services of Orlando was recognized, while Deborah Miller of Cleveland Clinic's Mellen Center represented mental health. Mary Rensel of Cleveland Clinic was listed in neurology, and Shirley MacGowan of the University of Saskatchewan was listed in nursing. Jenelle Montgomery of Duke Neurology Clinic and Duke University Hospital was named in pharmacy, while Brian Hutchinson of Dignity Health was named in rehabilitation. Robert Motl of the University of Illinois Chicago was the research honoree in the 2026 class. The honorees spanned the disciplines represented in MS care and research.

The 2026 class was chosen from numerous nominations through a two-step peer review structure, according to the release. An advisory board of MS health care professionals determines the finalists in each category and also guides the program's development. A selection committee of more than 30 MS professionals then votes to determine the inductee for each category. Attendance at the ceremony in Charlotte is limited to honorees, their guests, and attendees of the 2026 CMSC Annual Meeting. The process centered on peer recognition within MS disciplines rather than a formal ranking of merit.

The announcement also identified Patricia K. Coyle, M.D., FAAN, FANA, of Stony Brook Medicine as the 2026 Giants of Multiple Sclerosis June Halper Visionary Award recipient. CMSC's interim CEO said the late June Halper's MS team model fit the needs of people affected by MS.