The Hahnemann ALS Center is well recognized for its pioneering of the multidisciplinary approach to the care of patients with ALS. This approach is designed to provide a one-stop visit that meets all the needs of the patient. In this approach, the patient has the opportunity to discuss issues with a diverse group of medical professionals, each familiar with a different aspect of the disease. It is a comprehensive approach that is designed to meet all the patients' needs. Our center team includes the physician who will handle all medical questions, identify pressing issues, discuss recent research and serve as an educational resource for the patient. The nurse co-ordinator will make sure that the patient has all their needs addressed, provide additional education for the patient, and co-ordinate the team. Our research nurse provides the additional benefit of discussing the ongoing research programs and implementing your participation in these programs. Our social worker will help the patient to negotiate the insurance maze and expedite the filing of forms for insurance and disability among other things. The psychologist is there to listen and help the patient and families to adjust to the diagnosis and the functional changes as they occur. The occupational and physical therapists are dedicated to making the ALS patient as independent as possible to maximizing function and preventing stiffening of joints and pain. Our speech and swallowing professional treats any problems with speech production and assesses safety of swallowing. The Nutritionist provides valuable information on the appropriate diet and supplements for the patient at different times in the disease. This team meets after each clinic to discuss the patients and make sure that all the suggestions of each professional has been implemented. While the visits can be long, they provide a much more comprehensive approach then in the usual doctor visit. The Hahnemann ALS Center is devoted not only to the clinical care of patients with ALS but to clinical and basic research development. Over the last two years we have made large strides in developing programs in these areas and are in the process of implementing additional strategies to meet these goals.