Bruce A Cohen

Bruce A Cohen, MD is Professor of Neurology and Chief of MS/Neuroimmunology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, specializing in adult neurology and clinical research for multiple sclerosis treatments. His leadership spans clinical practice, research innovation, and national advisory roles.

Education:

• BA: University of Illinois (1971)
• MD: University of Illinois, Chicago (1978)
• Internal Medicine Residency: Lutheran General Hospital (1981)
• Neurology Residency: Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center (1984)

Dr. Cohen's research centers on advancing MS therapeutics through clinical trials and mechanistic studies. His work bridges neuroimmunology with practical clinical applications, focusing on sphingosine 1-phosphate modulators, cerebrovascular contributions to MS pathology, and differential diagnosis of MS mimics. He pioneers treatment personalization strategies incorporating patient-specific factors and disease characteristics.

His 2023-2025 publications reveal a decisive shift toward implementation science in MS care, emphasizing real-world treatment selection frameworks and vascular-neurodegenerative interactions. The research consistently targets therapeutic optimization across the MS spectrum, from initial therapy decisions to managing progressive disease.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Teacher pin award for Science in Medicine Lecture, Feinberg School of Medicine (2019)
• John Kessler Teaching Award, Neurology Residents (2018)
• June Golin Service Award, National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2017)
• Health Professionals Hall of Fame, National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2014)
• Listed, Marquis Who's Who In Medicine and Healthcare (2011)
• Listed, Marquis Who's Who in America (2011)
• Best Doctors in America (2005)
• Top Doctors in America, Castle Connolly (1999)

Dr. Cohen directs national initiatives through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as former Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee (2014-2018) and current Steering Committee member for MS Forums. His educational leadership includes chairing the Master MS Training Course for Fellows (2012-2019) and developing CME programs on shared decision-making in MS therapy. He serves on the Neurology Subcommittee of the National Institute of Allergic and Infectious Diseases (1992-2014) and as Editor-in-Chief for MS@point of care (2014-2017).

He leads Northwestern Memorial Hospital's MS/Neuroimmunology division while collaborating with the MS Coalition and Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers on clinical trial design and treatment guidelines. His current work integrates stress management interventions with neuroimaging biomarkers to prevent MS lesion development, as demonstrated in recent Northwestern Medicine research.