My name is Meena Kannan. IÕm a neurologist at the University of Virginia. I specialize in multiple sclerosis and related diseases. The experiences that I had while a university student included spending about a year in South Africa at the University of Cape Town, but also other travels including to India, to different parts of the United States. And what I saw there was that how important health is as a basic right, and how lack of good health can really affect oneÕs ability to move through any part of life. ThatÕs specifically why I chose neurology, is that the brain and the spinal cord play such a big role in who we are as humans. When I first see a new patient, IÕll sit and talk with them and mostly listen to them to get a good understanding of what theyÕve been going through over the past several years. They should expect a neurologic exam, as well as what our thoughts are on what could be going on, and any additional testing that might be needed. The brain, the spinal cord affects so much how we function in our own lives, and also how we interact with other people. So, perhaps itÕs that these individuals might be sleeping better. Maybe theyÕre able to better function at work, within their family. Maybe their energy level is better. Maybe their mood is better. All of these different aspects play such a big role in our quality of life that even just noticing the smallest improvements I find incredibly rewarding.