18 Fox Focus | Research and Care
Dr . Dolhun Talks PD
Bettering Care for People with Parkinson ’ s
Rachel Dolhun , MD , is a movement disorder specialist , board-certified neurologist and vice president of medical communications at MJFF . Follow her on Twitter @ RachelDolhunMD .
“ My movement disorder specialist has helped me realize how much more I can do ,” says John Ryan , who was diagnosed with Parkinson ’ s in 2010 . “ We have more in-depth conversation about how I ’ m feeling , what I ’ m doing to help myself , and what therapies might offset my symptoms . My doctor looks at me as a person and helps make sure my treatment is going to help me fulfill the rest of my life .”
Like John , most people with Parkinson ’ s disease ( PD ) who see a movement disorder specialist — a neurologist with additional training in PD and other movement disorders — report feeling empowered and informed . But , because of a growing gap between the number of doctors and people with PD , not everyone has access to this expert care .
To meet this urgent need , The Michael J . Fox Foundation , with longtime partner the Edmond J . Safra Foundation , is training more Parkinson ’ s doctors around the world . Each year , The Edmond J . Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders funds five top-tier medical centers that each trains a neurologist , over two years , how to deliver high-quality care and lead research in movement disorders .
Currently spanning 21 centers across seven countries , the program has , to date , graduated 16 specialists and is on track to graduate a total
The medical information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only . The Michael J . Fox Foundation for Parkinson ’ s Research has a policy of refraining from advocating , endorsing or promoting any drug therapy , course of treatment , or specific company or institution . It is crucial that care and treatment decisions related to Parkinson ’ s disease and any other medical condition be made in consultation with a physician or other qualified medical professional .