WHEP Scholar Maria Priyma
Drexel University College of Medicine, Class of 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system that predominantly impacts the female sex. Historically, MS was considered a disease most common amongst white patients. Recent studies, however, have found evidence suggesting the contrary, in which an increased incidence of MS, as well as an aggressive disease progression, is found amongst African American patients. While recognition of the impact that racial and ethnic disparities have on MS has grown across the medical community, our understanding remains limited given the scarcity of studies and insufficient diversity present in clinical trials. In this review article, we explore the impact of racial and ethnic disparities on incidence, disease progression and treatment outcomes in patients with MS.