In this episode, I discuss multiple sclerosis with leading neurologist Stephen Hauser. We explore his recent autobiography in which he narrates his long career in medicine and his breakthroughs in the field of multiple sclerosis. Stephen also explains how his life experiences determined his career choices.

Stephen Hauser is director the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, linking the clinical and basic neurosciences at UCSF to accelerate research against neurologic diseases.

Dr. Hauser’s research has advanced our understanding of the genetics, immunology, and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). His work led to the development of B cell therapies for MS patients, representing a powerful new approach for relapsing forms of the disease and the first therapy of proven value for progressive MS.

Dr. Hauser is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Physicians.

He is an editor of the textbook Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. Previously chairman of the Department of Neurology at UCSF for 25 years, he has also served as President of the American Neurological Association, President of the Medical Staff at UCSF, Chair of the Research Advisory Committee for the VA, and editor-in-chief of Annals of Neurology.

Dr. Hauser has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Jacob Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award; John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research (2008); Charcot Award (2013); Taubman Prize for Excellence in Translational Medical Research (2017); and Scientific Breakthrough Award from the American Brain Foundation (2022).