Dr. Mitzi Williams has dedicated her career to advancing care for people living with multiple sclerosis, with a strong focus on partnership, education, and individualized treatment. As a neurologist, long-time advocate in the MS community, and Site Principal Investigator (PI) for the Multiple Sclerosis Implementation Network® (MSIN®), she brings both clinical expertise and a deep commitment to ensuring that each person’s lived experience is central to their care. Her work reflects a focus on shared decision-making, challenging misconceptions, and fostering trust between clinicians and the people they serve.
Spotlight: Dr. Mitzi Williams
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Williams about what it means to be an active partner in MS care and how that partnership can shape better outcomes.
1. What do you want people living with MS to know about being an active partner in their care?
I want people living with MS to know that their voice matters. You are the expert in your lived experience with MS and you are also your own best advocate. The best care happens when patients and clinicians work as partners and participate in shared decision making. Ask questions, share what you’re experiencing, and be honest about what matters most to you—whether that’s managing symptoms, maintaining independence, or protecting your brain health long term. When we make decisions together, we can build a treatment plan that truly fits your life, not just your diagnosis.
2. What’s one misconception about MS you wish would disappear?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that MS always looks the same for everyone. The truth is that MS is different in each person in how it presents and how things change along their journey. Some people assume that everyone with MS will eventually need a wheelchair or that the disease always progresses the same way, and that simply isn’t true. With earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and a focus on brain health, many people with MS are living full, active lives. The key is creating a healthcare team you trust, individualized care and staying engaged in your health.
3. What keeps you inspired in your work with the MS community?
What inspires me most is the resilience of people living with MS and the sense of community that surrounds this space. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives, but I also get to see their strength, their advocacy, and the way they support one another. At the same time, the science continues to move forward, which gives us real hope. Being able to combine that progress with education and partnership keeps me motivated every single day
To learn more about the Multiple Sclerosis Implementation Network, please visit MSINresearch.org.