Multiple Sclerosis Doctors
Meet Our Treatment Team of MS Specialists and Neurologists
At Shepherd Center, we believe that early and appropriate multiple sclerosis treatment results in better quality of life for people with MS and may protect against future illness. Our staff of multiple sclerosis doctors are medical professionals who work aggressively to slow the progression of the disease and provide dedicated patient care and rehabilitation.
Meet our renowned team of multiple sclerosis specialists, nurse practitioners and Atlanta neurologists specializing in MS.
Ben Thrower, M.D., Medical Director
An Atlanta neurologist specializing in MS, Ben Thrower, M.D., treats individuals with multiple sclerosis and has been a valued part of the Shepherd Center team since 2001. He also conducts research, collaborating with organizations such as Harvard Medical School and Emory University, to test new MS compounds, investigate new drug therapies and search for a genetic marker for immune activity in people undergoing various MS therapies.
Before joining Shepherd Center, Dr. Thrower was medical director of the Holy Family MS Institute in Spokane, Washington. He is fully committed to quality care of the MS community and works closely with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) in various capacities. Dr. Thrower has received the society's Norman Cohn Hope Chest Award. He was the first physician to be inducted into the NMSS Volunteer Hall of Fame. He also serves as a clinical instructor of neurology at Emory University. Watch a video interview with Dr. Thrower to learn more.
Sherrill Loring, M.D., Neurologist
A neurologist specializing in MS, Sherrill Loring, M.D., treats patients and conducts research at the MS Institute. Previously, she was an associate professor of neurology at the University of Florida. Dr. Loring earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. She then completed an internship and residency at the Medical College of Georgia, where she was later a clinical assistant professor of neurology.
She also worked as the chief of neurology at University Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, and later directed the MS Clinic at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., before taking the position at the University of Florida. Dr. Loring is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Medical Association.
Jacqueline Rosenthal, M.D., Neurologist
An Atlanta neurologist, Jacqueline Rosenthal, M.D., treats patients in the MS Institute. Dr. Rosenthal graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans and received her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. She completed her residency in neurology at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. Before joining Shepherd Center’s staff, Dr. Rosenthal served as a fellow in neuroimmunology at Emory University School of Medicine and at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
She has served in both the U.S. Army Reserves and U.S. Army. After she completed her neurology training at Madigan Army Medical Center, she served as a staff neurologist in the Army. Most recently, she served as chief of neurology service at Martin Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia. Watch a video interview with Dr. Rosenthal.
Colby Doepel, Certified Nurse Practitioner
Colby Doepel, NP-C, educates patients and their families on quality of life improvements, disease and symptom management, and assesses their needs for supplementary hospital and community support. After graduating from the Medical College of Georgia, he joined the MS Institute as an extern and quickly transitioned from a tech to an RN and finally a nursing manager.
He earned his master’s degree from Kennesaw State University, which allowed him to become a nurse practitioner. Doepel is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses and Sigma Theta Tau.
Adrienne Garofalo, Physician Assistant
Adrienne Garofalo, PA-C, discusses and manages the treatment plans of patients with multiple sclerosis with the goal of optimizing her patient’s quality of life. Garofalo received a Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in exercise and sports science, from the University of Georgia, where she graduated cum laude.
Garofalo earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Pace University’s Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA) and is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
MS Institute Information and Appointments
At Shepherd Center, multiple sclerosis treatment is specific to the individual’s needs and goals. Submit a request for more information about the MS Institute at Shepherd Center to learn about our MS treatment and services. Have a question about our multiple sclerosis specialists or MS treatment options? Call us directly to get specific information, schedule an appointment with a multiple sclerosis doctor, or plan a visit.
Phone: 404-352-2020
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
New patients may also download a form, complete it and follow the instructions on the form for submitting it to the MS Institute.