Audrey Ayres, RN, B.S.N., creates new certification for rare neuroimmunologic disorders

By Julie Kirchem, Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics

Audrey Ayres, RN, B.S.N.
Audrey Ayres, RN, B.S.N.

Audrey Ayres, RN, B.S.N., has created a new certification in her field that will improve care for those with rare neuroimmunologic diseases.

Ayres, along with two colleagues in the Multiple Sclerosis Program - Martha Mann, R.N., Sr. Research Nurse, and Katherine Treadaway, Social Worker III - worked for a year to create the new certification exam.

Ayres took on the challenge in order to help the patients with rare neuroimmunologic disorders that she sees in the Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Clinic at Children’s Hospital and in the UT Southwestern Multiple Sclerosis Clinic.

“These patients have unique pathophysiology distinguishing them from MS patients, and need healthcare providers with targeted training,” Ayres said.

“We know that people with rare neuroimmunologic disorders have long been treated in multiple sclerosis centers and it has historically been difficult for these patients to find adequate health care.”

Ayres said healthcare professionals treating patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), transverse myelitis (TM), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or limbic encephalitis must have extensive knowledge of these rare diseases.

She led a team of professionals from around North America and collaborated with the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and a professional test writing company to develop the exam.

Ayres says the benefits of the new certification all add up to better patient care.

“First and foremost, our patients mean the world to us and we embarked on this journey for them.”

Now, her patients with rare neuroimmunologic disorders will be able to seek out care providers that have validated their knowledge in this field. They will also be diagnosed faster and receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner ultimately preventing unnecessary disability and morbidity.

“While it goes without saying that I am proud of the hard work Audrey does day in and day out in the clinic, this contribution to the field is tremendous,” said Dr. Ben Greenberg, M.D., MHS, Director of the Transverse Myelitis, Neuromyelitis Optica and Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Programs.

The certification test is comprised of 175 questions in TM, NMO, ADEM, ON and NMDA encephalitis. The CMSC will offer the first exam in July.

Nurses, advanced practice providers, neuropsychologists, physical therapists and social workers are eligible for the exam.

Candidates who pass the exam earn Certification in Expertise in Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders (CRND.)