Clinician Advisory Community Offers Perspectives on Treating Parkinson’ s
Fall / Winter 2025 | Research
Bernard Whitman, diagnosed with Parkinson’ s in 2017, during a routine visit with his movement disorder specialist, who observes Bernard’ s gait.
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MORE THAN 100 CLINICIANS who specialize in caring for people with Parkinson’ s are helping us better understand the most pressing needs of people with the disease.
Launched in 2025, the Clinician Advisory Community solicits valuable information from the people on the front lines of patient care: neurologists, nurse practitioners, physical therapists and other health professionals.
The first survey asked how clinicians decide when and whom to refer to Parkinson’ s- related research studies, an important step toward increasing representation of people with PD in clinical trials. Clinicians reported that most often it’ s the patient who asks about research. That tells us there’ s an opportunity to encourage conversations about research participation, as well as to equip medical professionals with the information they need during those conversations. serve people and families with Parkinson’ s,” said Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM, principal medical advisor at MJFF.“ The Clinician Advisory Community offers a low-lift way for busy clinicians to offer highimpact perspective that the Foundation can integrate across research, policy and educational efforts.”
The second survey, completed in August, focused on walking challenges( often referred to as gait issues), which affect daily life for many people with PD. Clinicians shared when and how they discuss these changes with patients, what treatments they typically recommend and where technology plays a role. Survey results will be used by Gait Advisors Leading Outcomes for Parkinson’ s, an MJFF advisory committee, to increase awareness and education among health care providers about walking changes and the benefits of physical therapy.
“ Clinicians are the front lines of care for people with Parkinson’ s. They see firsthand how research advances impact care, what gaps remain and where research can better
By engaging regularly with clinicians, MJFF is working to make sure advances in research bring us closer to better outcomes for every individual living with Parkinson’ s.