Welcome to Let's Talk MS, proudly presented by the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP).

In this episode, we are excited to talk about the fantastic adventure of moving abroad and all the challenges that arise when taking this step while living with a chronic condition such as MS, NMOSD or MOGAD. We will learn about the first steps you can take to access support in your new country, hear personal stories, and reflect on the importance of the process.

Alongside hosts Elisabeth Kasilingam and Anna Revilla, we are excited to introduce our guests:

• Annick Van Merhaegen is a dedicated MS Nurse Specialist with over 15 years of experience at University Hospital in Brussels. Her practice is centered on patient consultation, nurse-led care, and collaboration with neurologists, always with a focus on a holistic approach. She is deeply committed to understanding and addressing the lived experience of individuals with MS, advocating for comprehensive and patient-centered care.
• Cornelia Pauna is a EMSP Young People’s Network member, from Romania, diagnosed with MS almost 10 years ago. Her diagnosis occurred shortly before the final year of her bachelor’s studies and significantly influenced her early career decisions, leading her to prioritize employment stability. In 2025, she made the decision to return to academia in order to redirect her professional path, so today we will hear what this decision meant for her and her MS.

Follow the project on Instagram and Twitter @eumsyouth for more enriching discussions. Follow the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform on Instagram and Twitter @eumsplatform for more about MS.

If you enjoy our podcast and want to support our work, you can do so on Patreon.

Stay tuned and thank you for being part of our community!

• (00:00:00) - Let's Talk MS
• (00:01:28) - YPN Member Cornelia Pauna on her battle with MS
• (00:02:02) - The challenges of moving abroad
• (00:03:02) - Why to move with a chronic condition?
• (00:03:54) - The challenges of moving from one country to another
• (00:06:27) - Continuity of care in the EU
• (00:07:30) - First step in the healthcare system
• (00:09:56) - Return to academia and its impact on MS
• (00:13:21) - What kind of support systems or accommodations can students or employees with Ms
• (00:15:16) - The language barrier in medical treatment
• (00:18:55) - In the Elevator With Chronic fatigue
• (00:21:51) - Anique on Leaving Their Home Country
• (00:23:31) - How living abroad can help empower people with Ms. Hodgkin's
• (00:24:49) - What did Living With the World Teach You About Your MS?
• (00:25:52) - MOVING ALONE: Advice for Young People
• (00:28:37) - MS patients and their routines
• (00:29:24) - Taste Comfort Food or Try New Food?
• (00:30:00) - DW: Tips to explain your condition to a person you have recently
• (00:32:11) - Let's Talk Ms. GAD

Welcome to Let's Talk MS, proudly presented by the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP).

Today's conversation is a hot topic for young people living with MS and related conditions. According to the 2020 MS Barometer, only 48% of the estimated number of people living with MS were in employment across the 32 responding countries. This figure highlights the significant employment-related challenges faced by people with MS. NMOSD and MOGAD are also relevant to the topic of employment.

For this reason, we are excited to share more useful information with you on this topic, including good practices, how to deal with disclosure and other interesting questions and topics.

Alongside hosts Elisabeth Kasilingam and Anna Revilla, we are excited to introduce our guests:

• Graham Halsey, founder of Well Working Matters in the UK, a consultancy company in the area of absence management and return to work.

• Jade Bourion, a Young People's Network member, a consultant by profession, and a sports enthusiast.

Follow the project on Instagram and Twitter @eumsyouth for more enriching discussions.

Follow the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform on Instagram and Twitter @eumsplatform for more about MS.

If you enjoy our podcast and want to support our work, you can do so on Patreon. Stay tuned and thank you for being part of our community!

This episode if co-funded by Sanofi, Merck, Roche, Novartis, Alexion and Amgen.

• (00:00:00) - Let's Talk MS
• (00:01:20) - What It's Really Like to Work with MS, NMOSD
• (00:02:06) - Working with a disability
• (00:05:25) - Are we leading the way in disability inclusion?
• (00:07:49) - Disclosure of disabilities in the hiring process
• (00:15:53) - The role of chronic conditions in the workplace
• (00:19:45) - Working From Home
• (00:22:36) - Disclosing a disability on the job application
• (00:26:45) - The social rights of people with chronic conditions
• (00:28:34) - Sparkling Water or Still Water
• (00:29:22) - What Makes a Workplace Inclusive?
• (00:30:45) - Let's Talk Ms. in the Workplace