Mirla Avila

Mirla Avila, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. She serves as Director of the Texas Tech Comprehensive MS Center and Interim Department Chair of Neurology. Her clinical expertise spans multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroimmunological disorders, with a focus on patient education and community engagement.

• Education: MD from Universidad De Monterrey (2000), Residency at TTUHSC (2016), Internship at Louisiana State University (2013), Fellowship at Maxine Mesinger MS Center (2011)

Dr. Avila’s research interests include neuroimmunology, MS pathogenesis, Epstein-Barr virus, and comorbidities in neurodegenerative diseases. She has authored peer-reviewed articles on topics such as MS-COVID-19 associations, steroid-sparing therapies, and gender differences in MS-related pain. Her work often bridges clinical practice and translational neuroscience.

Dr. Avila’s recent publications emphasize MS immunology, post-viral autoimmunity, and novel therapeutic agents. Key subfields include JC virus serology, NMOSD comorbidities, and pharmacological interventions targeting dopamine transporters.

• Scientific Awards: 99 Club (2023, 2019), Dean's Clinical Teaching Award (2023), President's Early Career Investigator Award (2021)

She has received grants from South Plains Foundation and Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health, including $14,000 for estriol in MS research. Dr. Avila teaches courses on MS diagnosis, neurology blocks, and integrated neuroscience, and contributes to continuing education programs on MS and microbiome interactions.