Meet the MCC Clinical Advisory Council
Meet the Clinical Advisory Council
MOGAD Connection Center (MCC)
At the MOGAD Connection Center (MCC), our mission is guided by some of the world’s leading experts in neuroimmunology and pediatric neuroinflammatory diseases. The MCC Clinical Advisory Council provides invaluable guidance, ensuring that our programs, educational initiatives, and patient resources are grounded in the latest scientific knowledge and compassionate care.
We are deeply honored to have these distinguished physicians and researchers standing alongside our community.
Dr Sean Pittock, MD
Mayo Clinic
Sean J. Pittock, MD is a world-renowned neurologist, neuroimmunologist, and Chair of the Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He also serves as a Professor of Neurology and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in autoimmune neurological disorders, including neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).
Dr. Pittock’s pioneering research and dedication to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of rare neuroimmune diseases have transformed the lives of countless patients and families around the world. As a member of the MCC Clinical Advisory Council, he brings extraordinary expertise and a lifelong commitment to improving care and outcomes for individuals living with MOGAD and related disorders
Dr. Eoin Flanagan, MD
Mayo Clinic
Dr. Eoin Flanagan is an internationally recognized neurologist and neuroimmunologist at Mayo Clinic and one of the world’s leading experts in autoimmune neurological disorders, including MOG antibody disease (MOGAD), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and autoimmune encephalitis.
Through his groundbreaking research and dedication to patient care, Dr. Flanagan has helped advance understanding, diagnosis, and treatment options for individuals living with rare neuroimmune diseases around the world.
Dr. John Chen, MD
Mayo Clinic
Dr. John Chen is a renowned neuro-ophthalmologist at Mayo Clinic specializing in optic neuritis, MOGAD, and other neuroimmunological disorders that affect vision.
His expertise in visual manifestations of MOGAD and his commitment to improving patient outcomes have made him a highly respected leader in the field and an invaluable resource for patients and families navigating vision-related challenges.
Dr. Jan-Mendelt Tillema, MD
Clinical Advisory Council
Dr. Jan Tillema is a pediatric neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, specializing in pediatric autoimmune and inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system. His clinical expertise includes MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), autoimmune encephalitis, pediatric demyelinating diseases, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and other rare neuroimmunologic conditions.
Board-certified in Child Neurology, Dr. Tillema combines compassionate patient care with an active research program focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune neurological diseases affecting children. He serves on multiple Mayo Clinic research and administrative committees and is dedicated to advancing clinical research, physician education, and multidisciplinary care for children with rare neuroimmune disorders.
As a member of the MOGAD Connection Center (MCC) Clinical Advisory Council, Dr. Tillema provides expert guidance to help ensure that patients and families have access to the latest evidence-based information, emerging research, and world-class clinical expertise.
Dr. Michael Levy, MD, PHD
Massachusetts General Hospital
Dr. Michael Levy is one of the world’s foremost experts in neuroimmunology and a recognized leader in research involving MOGAD, NMOSD, and transverse myelitis.
As a physician-scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Levy has dedicated his career to developing better treatments and advancing scientific understanding of rare neuroimmune diseases, bringing hope to patients and families worldwide.
Dr Jon Santoro, MD
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Dr Jon Santoro is a pediatric neurologist and neuroimmunologist who serves as Chief of the Division of Neurology and Director of Neuroimmunology at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and is an Associate Professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
He specializes in inflammatory and demyelinating disorders of the nervous system and is dedicated to advancing care for children with rare neuroimmune diseases. Dr. Santoro brings his extensive expertise and passion for patient-centered care to the MCC Medical Advisory Council.
Dr. Akash Virupakshaiah, MD
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Dr. Akash Virupakshaiah is a pediatric neuroimmunologist at UCSF whose work focuses on caring for children with MOGAD and other neuroinflammatory disorders.
His compassionate approach to patient care and commitment to advancing pediatric neuroimmunology make him an incredible advocate for children and families living with rare neurological conditions.
Dr. Kristen Fisher, MD
Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
Dr. Kristen Fisher is a pediatric neurologist and neuroimmunology specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital who has devoted her career to caring for children with neuroinflammatory and autoimmune neurological disorders.
Her expertise, dedication to family-centered care, and passion for improving outcomes for pediatric patients make her an invaluable member of the MCC Clinical Advisory Council.
Dr. Cheryl Hemingway, MD
Great Ormons Streeet Hospital
Dr. Cheryl Hemingway is a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and an internationally recognized expert in pediatric demyelinating diseases, including MOGAD and multiple sclerosis. She established the hospital’s Demyelinating Disease Service, now one of the largest programs of its kind in the United Kingdom. Dr. Hemingway is an active researcher, a member of both the UK and International Paediatric MS Study Groups, and serves as an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London and the UCL Institute of Child Health. She is deeply committed to advancing care, research, and support for children and families affected by rare neuroimmunological disorders.
Dr. Lilyana Amezcua, MD
USC Keck
Dr. Lilyana Amezcua is an internationally recognized neuroimmunologist and multiple sclerosis specialist dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with MOGAD and other neuroimmune disorders. She serves as Chief of the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Division and Medical Director of the Neuromyelitis Optica and MOG Clinic at Keck Medicine of USC.
A leader in clinical care, research, and health equity, Dr. Amezcua has devoted her career to expanding access to specialized care and advancing treatments for patients with rare neuroimmunologic diseases. Her research focuses on reducing healthcare disparities, improving patient outcomes, and developing innovative approaches to neuroimmune disease management.
“I believe every patient deserves access to specialized care, education, and hope. Together, we can improve outcomes and build a stronger community for those living with rare neuroimmune diseases.” – Dr. Lilyana Amezcua, MD
Masoud Majed, MD
Dr. Masoud Majed is a board-certified neuroimmunologist and autoimmune neurologist at Keck Medicine of USC, where he specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rare autoimmune disorders affecting the central nervous system.
After completing his neurology residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Majed pursued advanced fellowship training in Autoimmune Neurology at Mayo Clinic and Neuroimmunology & Multiple Sclerosis at Washington University in St. Louis, two of the nation's premier neuroimmunology programs.
Dr. Majed has a special clinical interest in MOG antibody disease (MOGAD), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), autoimmune encephalitis, autoimmune myelitis, paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes, and neurosarcoidosis. His research focuses on improving the understanding of the clinical, radiologic, and immunologic features of these rare neurological diseases to advance patient care and future therapeutic discoveries.
As a member of the MOGAD Connection Center Clinical Advisory Council, Dr. Majed provides expert guidance on patient education, clinical resources, and emerging advances in neuroimmunology. His commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care and innovative research makes him a valuable resource for the MOGAD com
Dr Laura Saucier, MD
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Dr. Saucier is an attending child neurologist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She also serves as the Scholarly Activity Director for the Child Neurology Residency Program, helping train and mentor future pediatric neurologists.
Her clinical expertise includes pediatric neuroimmunology, with a focus on MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), autoimmune encephalitis, optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis, and other inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system. In addition to providing outstanding patient care, Dr. Saucier is actively involved in clinical research, medical education, and advancing equitable access to specialized neurological care for children and young adults.
Dr. Saucier's knowledge, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of children and families affected by neuroimmune disorders make her an exceptional addition to the MCC Clinical Advisory Council. Her expertise will help strengthen MCC's mission of providing trusted education, meaningful patient support, and global connections for families navigating MOGAD.
A Shared Commitment
The MOGAD Connection Center is profoundly grateful for the guidance, expertise, and partnership of our Clinical Advisory Council. Their support strengthens our mission to ensure that every individual and family affected by MOGAD has access to trusted information, compassionate support, and hope for a brighter future.
Together, we are building a world where no one faces MOGAD alone.
