Valerie J. Block

Valerie J. Block is a physical therapist who cares for adults with neurological conditions, with a special focus on multiple sclerosis (MS).

In research, Block applies new technologies to measuring and predicting the progression of neurological diseases. At UCSF, she led a study that used wearable devices to monitor daily activities of people with MS. The study led to the adoption of such devices in global trials assessing the potential benefits of new MS drugs. She has also studied how activity data paired with information from MRI scans can provide a picture of how MS progresses and help refine treatments. In her current research, she is applying this technique to other conditions and MS symptoms, such as bladder dysfunction.

Block earned a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Ramon Llull University in Spain. She earned her doctor of physical therapy degree from UCSF, where she also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in multiple sclerosis.

When she was 16, Block competed in horse riding for Kenya. Now, when she's not working, she loves to hike, surf, do yoga, create art and go on picnics.