In Remembrance: Jack Burks, MD

On Friday, November 18, 2022, former MSAA Chief Medical Officer Jack Burks, MD, sadly passed away due to health complications. A highly accomplished and internationally known neurologist and MS specialist, Dr. Burks made tremendous contributions to MSAA’s mission for nearly 25 years, retiring in 2019.

During his tenure at MSAA, Dr. Burks oversaw all of the medical information our organization provided to the MS community. He also served as chair of MSAA’s Healthcare Advisory Council, helping to structure various educational and other vital initiatives.

Outside of his work for MSAA, Dr. Burks traveled to approximately 50 countries to educate other physicians about the disease and its treatments, while also attending international conferences, advising on clinical trials, publishing peer-reviewed articles and medical textbooks, as well as treating patients through his own MS practice.

In addition, Jack played an important role in developing the first MS center in Denver, addressing all aspects of the disease and caring for the entire MS patient. Since this time, more than 250 MS centers have been established in the United States and Canada, providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date treatments, therapies, and education to more than 250,000 individuals with MS.

Dr. Burks was both humble and empathetic to the needs of others. He treated all individuals equally, no matter what their situation was in life. He was a great proponent and supporter of MSAA. His enthusiasm and dedication for the work our organization did to address the immediate day-to-day needs of people with MS was clearly evident. He appreciated this individual attention that so greatly improved the lives of those affected by multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Burks will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.