Victor M Rivera, M.D., FAAN

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Victor M Rivera, M.D., FAAN

Distinguished Emeritus Professor

Phone

713-798-2273

Email

vrivera@bcm.edu

Positions

Distinguished Emeritus Professor: Neurology
Baylor College of Medicine

Founder and Inaugural Director: Maxine Mesinger MS Comprehensive Care Center
Baylor College of Medicine

Dr. Rivera as a pioneer of MS Care and Research in Texas, founded initially the Baylor/Methodist International MS Center in 1996. He retired from the active direction of the MS Clinic and practice in 2011 to dedicate more efforts to education on MS education, including Latin America.

Addresses

Department of Neurology (Office)
: Baylor College of Medicine Medical Center
McNair Campus
Houston, TX 77030
United States

Certifications

Neurology: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Texas License: Texas Medical Board

Honors & Awards

2010 Fulbright & Jaworski LLP Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching and Evaluation

Member of the Academy of Distinguished Educators: Recognizes the educational scholarship of faculty members involved in all of the educational missions of Baylor College of Medicine.

Life Achievement Award: Consortium of MS Centers

Life Achievement Award: National MS Society

The Victor Rivera Olmos MS Symposium, Durango, Mexico, 2013: Mexican Academy of Neurology

Emeritus Professor: San Carlos University, Hospital Roosevelt, Guatemala City, Guatemala

Professor Cathedra Laboris: University of Monterrey, Mexico

Honorary President, LACTRIMS VIII Congress, Lima, Peru, 2014: Latin American Committee for Treatment and Research in MS

Honorary Member: National Association of Neurologists of the Mexican Institute of Social Security; Venezuelan Neurological Society; Peruvian Committe for Treatment and Research in MS; Brazilian Committee for MS

The Victor Rivera Olmos VII Congress of ANNIMSS, July 21 2000, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: National Association of Neurologists of the Mexican Institute of Social Security

National Hall of Fame of the National MS Society 2003

Distinguished Neurologist 1999; Science and Education Award 2006; Crystal Obelisk for contribution to Mexican knowledge in MS 2008.: Mexican Academy of Neurology

Professional Interests

Multiple Sclerosis
Optic Neuritis
Demyelinating Diseases
Cerebral and spinal vascular disorders
General neurology

Professional Statement

I have been dedicated to neurological care for almost five decades and I have been very fortunate to witness the tremendous progress that has been accomplished in every area of this fascinating field of medicine. My philosophy which as a mentor I have given to my students as part of my legacy, is that we are physicians before we are neurologists therefore we should consider each patient as a tremendously individualized situation. Every person is different due to his or her genetics, metabolic and immunologic design, so there are no general rules to apply in understanding health problems of our patients or in providing a therapeutic program or advise. While evidence-based medicine is a relative guide in decision-making, real clinical common sense and judgment remain the core of that other part of medicine that is art. While I consider a privilege having had the opportunity of taking care of practically every aspect of neurology always trying the best for my patients, MS has always been my principal mission. Due to my professional development I was able to dedicate my full efforts to research, education and care of MS since the late 1980's. The long "Road to the Cure" is hazardous, but there are lights in the horizon. Clinical research will assist fundamentally in the identification of efficacious, efficient and safe new therapies. It is impossible to express our appreciation to the many patients who have participated in studies. They are the real heroes and the navigators to the cure foreseen in the horizon.
All the work and dedication taking care of MS patients is spiritually rewarding considering they have taught us so much (including about ourselves).