Fall / Winter 2020 | Research and Care 19 of 48 new movement disorder specialists by the year 2025 . With increased support from the Edmond J . Safra Foundation , the fellowship will now fund eight centers annually , furthering its global reach and impact on care and research .
In tandem — also in conjunction with the Edmond J . Safra Foundation — MJFF hosts the annual MDS-PAS Movement Disorders School for Neurology Residents to encourage neurologists-in-training to consider movement disorder careers . The course , led by internationally renowned movement disorder specialists , offers in-depth instruction in PD and other movement disorders through lectures , live patient interactions , video case presentations and panel discussions .
Over four years , the program has educated nearly 350 physicians in the U . S ., Canada and Latin America . According to post-course surveys , attendees are not only more likely to choose a career in movement disorders , they also are more comfortable prescribing Parkinson ’ s medications , discussing non-motor symptoms and providing more informed PD care . Because of the pandemic , this year ’ s course will be held virtually — an opportunity to invite a broader range of participants , including fourth-year medical students , nurse practitioners and other interested health care providers .
By educating more doctors who understand and study the complexities of Parkinson ’ s and who see and treat the whole person , these programs are improving the lives of people living with Parkinson ’ s today and for generations to come .
Training Doctors to Diversify Care and Research Practices
Doctors spend a significant amount of time learning how to talk to and examine patients , listen and look for clues to the right diagnosis , and recommend the right treatments . Many also learn how to design and lead research studies . Unfortunately , this education sometimes does not include adequate training on how to serve diverse and underrepresented individuals and how to include these communities in research . Through two ongoing physician-focused initiatives , MJFF can help ensure Parkinson ’ s doctors receive this essential training .
Beginning this year , Edmond J . Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders applicants will be partly evaluated on their ability to train fellows in advancing equitable access and seeking diversity across care , research , education and community outreach . The MDS-PAS Movement Disorders School for Neurology Residents also will feature an inaugural lecture on health care disparities in Parkinson ’ s and other movement disorders , presented by movement disorder specialist and pioneering researcher in this field , Nabila Dahodwala , MD , of the University of Pennsylvania .