Faces of Cedars-Sinai: Neurologist Dr. Nancy Sicotte Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print CS-Blog Cedars-Sinai Blog Faces of Cedars-Sinai Neurologist Nancy Sicotte Apr 06, 2019 Cedars-Sinai Staff Share Tweet Post Dr. Nancy Sicotte, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Cedars-Sinai Meet Dr. Nancy Sicotte, interim chair in the Department of Neurology! When she's not treating patients in the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center, she's working to better understand multiple sclerosis (MS) and researching treatment options for the autoimmune disorder. All of your experiences as a young person will inform the future leader you'll become. We sat down with Dr. Sicotte to learn more about her research and how she hopes to impact the future of science. What are you doing to make waves in the science world Dr. Nancy Sicotte: I am researching multiple sclerosis and the mechanisms driving the disease's progression. I use advanced imaging techniques to better understand the symptoms, cognitive changes, and depression related to MS. I also am testing new imaging biomarkers that may help improve the accuracy of diagnosing and predicting the disease. This is important because instituting effective, individualized treatments early in the course of MS will lead to the best outcomes for the nearly 1 million people nationwide living with this debilitating neurological condition. Read: MS and Pregnancy How are you impacting the future of science NS: Building the future workforce in neurology in general, and in neuroimmunology in particular, is my other passion. My aim is to spark interest among the medical students and residents who rotate through our clinic. While we now have many more effective MS therapies, there is still a need for expertise in using them appropriately. I'm also impacting science by providing young women trainees with living proof that women can hold leadership positions in academic institutions. What leadership advice would you give to your younger self NS: I would have told her to relax and realize there are many different leadership styles and that over time you will develop a style that suits you. When you're young, you often feel as if you're standing still and not accomplishing enough; in reality, though, you're learning important lessons. I also would have told myself to expect both difficulties and accomplishments. It is these experiences—good and bad—that fuel your future growth. In fact, all of your experiences as a young person will inform the future leader you'll become. In the Newsroom: Study of Multiple Sclerosis Patients Shows 18% Misdiagnosed Who is your favorite science heroine from history and why NS: My science heroines aren't from history. They're my contemporaries—my colleagues and role models. Dr. Sarah Kilpatrick, professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, certainly comes to mind. She's not only an exceptional clinician who's conducted groundbreaking research, but also a trailblazing role model for many, including me. When I first came to Cedars-Sinai, she reached out to me and was very supportive. She has raised awareness institution-wide about the importance of diversity and equality. Role models can have a powerful impact. My three daughters grew up knowing women can be doctors and scientists. The oldest is now in medical school, surrounded by female students who may well be the science heroines of the future. The neon pink brain artwork in Dr. Sicotte's office was created by patient and artist Michelle Constantine. Tags Faces of Cedars-Sinai Share Tweet Post Popular Categories Health + Wellness Science + Innovation Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Popular Topics In Our Community Faces of Cedars-Sinai Patient Stories Los Angeles Behind the Scenes Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Schedule a Callback Call us 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 Support Cedars-Sinai Make a Gift Volunteer Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility