Stephen Krieger, MD, FAAN, is a professor of neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. He graduated from Columbia College and received his MD degree from Yale University. He completed his residency at Mount Sinai and fellowship at the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS. As a clinician educator, he served as neurology residency program director for 10 years through 2019.

Dr. Krieger maintains a clinical practice at the CGDC for MS, where he received six Cullman Awards for excellence in physician-patient communication as of 2025. He has participated in numerous MS clinical trials and lectures nationally about MS with an emphasis on emerging therapies and MS disease course. Dr. Krieger proposed the Topographical Model of MS, a reconceptualization of Multiple Sclerosis clinical course that was published as the cover of Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation and was the subject of an article in Scientific American.

Neema Philippe is a breast cancer survivor, patient advocate, and former software engineer whose life changed when she was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at age 29.

Prior to her diagnosis, Neema worked as an iOS Software Engineer at Lyft, where she helped build technology products used by millions of riders and drivers. Her background in engineering fostered a deep appreciation for systems, problem-solving and user experience. These perspectives unexpectedly became invaluable as she navigated the complexities of the healthcare system as a patient.

Since completing treatment, Neema has dedicated her time to advocacy efforts focused on improving the patient experience and amplifying the voices of young adults affected by cancer. She has partnered with patient support organizations, participated in advisory panels, contributed to educational initiatives and shared her story through speaking engagements and media platforms.

Outside of advocacy, Neema is an avid photographer who finds joy in capturing everyday beauty, travel experiences and moments of resilience. Through her work and storytelling, she seeks to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare professionals, helping create more compassionate, informed and patient-centered care.