Advance Your Expertise in Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology
This one-year fellowship program in both multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology is designed to provide comprehensive clinical and research training for physicians pursuing careers in neuroimmunology, whether in academic or clinical practice.
Fellows will gain extensive experience in diagnosing and managing multiple sclerosis, with a strong emphasis on differentiating MS from both common and rare mimics. The program includes training in disease-modifying therapies, symptom management and multidisciplinary care.
Fellows will work closely with Scott Belliston, DO, and Susan Scarberry, MD, in outpatient clinics, alongside two MS-trained physician assistants and a dedicated registered nurse. Additional clinical exposure includes inpatient consultations and collaboration with specialists in neuro-ophthalmology, neuroradiology, rehabilitation, urology and Botox therapy.
Sanford Health’s coordinated treatment center offers specialized multidisciplinary clinics for multiple sclerosis and neurogenic bladder where fellows actively participate in care. Serving a large catchment area across multiple states, including many rural communities, Sanford Health provides care for over 1,300 MS patients annually, along with more than 20 patients each with neuromyelitis optica and MOG antibody disease, approximately 15 patients with neurosarcoidosis, over 80 with myasthenia gravis, and a growing population with autoimmune encephalitis, paraneoplastic syndromes, stiff person syndrome, CNS vasculitis and immune checkpoint inhibitor-related demyelinating disorders.
Research is a key component of the fellowship and includes active participation in clinical trials for emerging MS therapies and support for independent clinical research projects. Educational opportunities include weekly neurology grand rounds, neuroradiology conferences, American Academy of Neurology (AAN) autoimmune case conferences, and attendance at the AAN Annual Meeting and ECTRIMS. Fellows will also contribute to resident and medical student education through teaching and didactic sessions. Additionally, fellows will have opportunities to engage in outreach efforts to improve access for rural patients.
The fellowship is led by Scott Belliston, DO, a National MS Society fellowship-trained neuroimmunologist with over a decade of experience in treating MS and neuroimmunological disorders. Inspired by his father’s journey with MS, Dr. Belliston is passionate about mentoring future neuroimmunologists and is excited to serve as the program director.
Dear Future Fellows,
Welcome to the Sanford Health Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Fellowship. I’m honored to introduce you to our new program, which will welcome its first fellow in July of 2026.
This fellowship was born out of a deep commitment to advancing care for patients with neuroimmunological disorders and to mentoring the next generation of specialists in this field. At Sanford Health, we offer a unique opportunity to train in a high-volume, multidisciplinary setting that serves a diverse patient population across a wide geographic area. Our program is intentionally designed to be small and focused, accepting one fellow per year, ensuring personalized mentorship and meaningful clinical and research experiences.
As a fellowship-trained neuroimmunologist through the National MS Society with over a decade of experience, I have passion for this field that is both professional and personal. My father’s journey with multiple sclerosis inspired me to dedicate my career to improving care and understanding of these complex conditions. I’m excited to share that passion with you and honored to help guide your growth as a future leader in neuroimmunology.
If you have any questions about the fellowship or the application process, please feel free to reach out to our lead graduate medical education program administrator, Lisa Jorissen, LBSW, C-TAGME, at lisa.jorissen@sanfordhealth.org. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our Sanford Health family.
Warm regards,
Scott Belliston, DO
Program Director, Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Fellowship
Neurologist | MS Specialist | Neuroimmunologist
Sanford Health
Fargo, North Dakota
Curriculum
Sanford Health’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Fellowship is designed to provide fellows with a balanced, immersive training experience that combines advanced clinical care, innovative research and dynamic teaching opportunities.
Training Overview
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Urology
- Neuropsychology
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
Clinical Training
During the first three months, fellows complete an acclimation period under close mentorship, focusing on:
- Comprehensive evaluation and management of MS and related disorders
- Relapse care and progressive disease management
- Individualized therapeutic decision-making
- Introducing patients to available clinical trials
Research Training
Research is a key component of the fellowship and includes active participation in clinical trials for emerging MS therapies and support for independent clinical research projects.
Didactic Training
- Weekly neurology grand rounds
- Weekly fellow-led case conferences
- Neuroradiology conferences
- American Academy of Neurology (AAN) autoimmune case conferences
- Attendance at major meetings such as the AAN Annual Meeting and ECTRIMS
Teaching Opportunities
Fellows play a vital role in academic medicine, engaging in both bedside and classroom teaching. Opportunities include:
- Teaching medical students from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences and visiting institutions
- Leading didactic sessions
- Contributing to the education of neurology residents and interdisciplinary trainees
Evaluation
To ensure that you acquire adequate knowledge and develop your technical skills, your performance will be monitored carefully during your program training. You will be evaluated formally by your supervising faculty member after each clinical rotation and will meet with the program director to review these evaluations semiannually. In addition, you will regularly evaluate the faculty to ensure your educational needs are being met.
Program Information
Mission and Goals
Mission
To train our fellows to be experts in diagnosis, treatment and management of the whole patient with multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory/autoimmune disorders of the nervous system.
Program Goals
Our fellowship track is designed with a strong clinical focus, offering fellows the opportunity to consult on complex hospital cases and actively participate in clinical trials. Our goals are:
- Clinical Excellence – Educate and train highly skilled clinicians with subspecialty expertise in multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunological conditions.
- Advancement of the Field – Prepare physicians to contribute to the growth of neuroimmunology through exceptional patient care, innovative clinical research and a commitment to medical education.
- Comprehensive Patient Care – Ensure fellows are equipped to provide comprehensive care for patients with multiple sclerosis and related neuroimmunological disorders.
Salary and Benefits
Fellows in our graduate medical education program receive an annual salary of $78,691, which aligns with national benchmarks for postgraduate medical training and is reviewed regularly to ensure competitiveness.
In addition to salary, fellows are offered a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being, professional development and work-life balance.
Faculty and Fellows
Our program has two physicians focused on adult multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology and two physician assistants focused on patient care. In addition to clinical care, the faculty have broad interests in education, clinical research, clinical trials and quality improvement.
Program Director and Chair
- Scott Belliston, DO, Program Director, Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Fellowship
- Jau-Shin Lou, MD, Roger Gilbertson Endowed Chair in Neurology; Program Director, Neurology Residency Program
Faculty
Administrative Staff
- Lisa Jorissen, LBSW, C-TAGME, Lead Graduate Medical Education Program Administrator, Neurology Residency Program and Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Fellowship program
Fellows and Alumni
As a newly established fellowship, we are proud to be training our inaugural fellow. Our first graduate is anticipated to arrive in June of 2027, marking an exciting milestone for the program. We look forward to building a strong network of fellows and alumni who will go on to make meaningful contributions to the field of neuroimmunology and patient care.
Training Site
Our fellowship is a Sanford Health-sponsored, community-based program located in Fargo, North Dakota. We accept one fellow per year, ensuring a personalized and focused educational experience.
We are deeply committed to:
- Tailoring learning to individual goals
- Fostering curiosity and inquiry
- Supporting fellow well-being and professional growth
As a fellow, you’ll gain a variety of clinical experiences in a collaborative, patient-centered environment. Our program emphasizes high-quality care and patient safety, supported by interprofessional teams that include faculty and peers from a wide range of residencies and fellowship programs.
If you're seeking a fellowship that values mentorship, innovation and a strong sense of community, we invite you to explore what Sanford Health in Fargo has to offer.