When it comes to getting the care you need for a rare disease like Parkinson’s (PD) or dystonia, the doctor you see is VERY important.
In some cases, it’s enough to have a doc who is super dedicated to learning everything related to your case. Having a healthcare team that’s passionate about helping you live your best possible life is a gift. And it’s a gift worth asking for!
So what do you do if you’re not lucky enough to have a PD specialist nearby?
One option is to turn to the internet for information.
- Find out if there’s an organization founded to help people with your condition. They often have recommendations about specialists and health centers.
- Read (or better yet, post a question to) chat boards and blogs focusing on your condition.
- Check out hospitals nearby which are affiliated with a university.
- Teaching hospitals are often on the cutting edge of research
- But be aware that you’ll be poked and prodded by talented doctors-in-training
For Parkinson’s, dystonia, and other movement disorders, one well-respected hospital is The University of Florida College of Medicine. Since the fall of 2015, UF’s neurology department has been chaired by world-famous doctor Michael S. Okun.
Dr. Okun and Dr. Kelly Foote set up the UF Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration to better meet the needs of people living with neurologic disorders. Designed to be a “one-stop-shop” that makes getting care as easy as possible for patients, the center was established in 2002.
As department chair, Dr. Okun will
- lead a recruitment effort for 24 new faculty,
- work to enhance the quality reputation of UF medical residents,
- continue growing the departments aggressive research vision
“We also plan to enhance our already excellent neurological training programs. The new hospital and the growth of neurology will touch the lives of many people locally and will transform UF into an international destination for those suffering from neurological diseases,” said Dr. Okun when his appointment was announced.
The UF Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration is one of the United States’ National Parkinson’s Foundation’s (NPF) Centers of Excellence. Worldwide there are 41 designated centers that have met the NPF’s standards for research, care, education, and outreach.
