William J. Culpepper

William J. Culpepper serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Associate Director of Epidemiology & Informatics at the VA Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence. With over 25 years of research experience—including 16 years within the Veteran's Health Administration—he specializes in neuroepidemiology of multiple sclerosis and chronic disease outcomes research.

His academic foundation includes:

• B.A. in Psychology (1984) from the University of Southern Mississippi, with minors in computer science and biology
• M.A. in Experimental Psychology (1987) from Bowling Green State University
• Ph.D. in Epidemiology (2009) from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, focusing on disease-modifying therapy effectiveness in MS within the VA

Dr. Culpepper's research centers on epidemiology, multiple sclerosis, and health services research, with specialized expertise in comorbidity analysis, psychometrics, and survey methodology. His work leverages large healthcare claims databases (VA, Medicare, Medicaid) and geographic information systems to investigate MS prevalence, healthcare access disparities, and environmental risk factors. Recent studies demonstrate increasing focus on telemedicine applications and methodological innovations using Rasch analysis for outcome measurement.

His 14 highlighted publications (2006-2017) reveal consistent emphasis on MS epidemiology in veteran populations, with emerging trends in telehealth implementation, comorbidity impact on hospitalizations, and geographic accessibility of specialty care. Editorials and cohort studies highlight his leadership in refining MS surveillance methodologies and comorbidity assessment frameworks.

Dr. Culpepper has secured significant funding as Principal Investigator for projects including:

• 'Rescaling the EDSS using Rasch Analysis' (Novartis)
• 'A Rasch-based comorbidity measure for MS' (National MS Society)
• 'Prevalence and Incidence of MS in Military Populations' (National MS Society)
• 'Comparative effectiveness of comprehensive MS care' (National MS Society)

As Co-PI, he contributes to VA-funded initiatives examining healthcare patterns, Gulf War veteran MS risks, and tele-exercise interventions.

He chairs the Registries sub-committee of the National MS Prevalence Workgroup (National MS Society), serves on the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Board of Governors, and provides advisory expertise to the VA Epilepsy Center of Excellence. His leadership integrates VA administrative data systems with national surveillance efforts to advance MS epidemiological research.