As foundation continues to invest in programs to improve the lives of Parkinson's patients, designation of new Centers of Excellence further expand expert care network
The Parkinson's Foundation
today announced the addition of two new Centers of Excellence to its global
network: NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center in New York
City and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
The
Center of Excellence network is a proving ground for new therapies and care
models through grant programs and targeted initiatives such as the Parkinson's
Outcomes Project, the largest clinical study of Parkinson's disease.
This sought-after designation, based on clinical and research excellence, has
achieved worldwide recognition.
"At
Parkinson's Foundation, we are proud that our longtime investment in
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia and Rush has played a pivotal role in all
significant Parkinson's research advances," said John L. Lehr, chief
executive officer of Parkinson's Foundation. "This newest designation
recognizes that both institutions are successfully translating those research
advancements into improvements in patient care – exactly what our community so
urgently needs."
Parkinson's
Foundation designates Centers of
Excellence following a rigorous application and peer-review process.
Currently, there is a worldwide network of 42 leading academic medical centers
that leverage the interplay between cutting-edge research and exemplary
patient-focused, multidisciplinary care. This network serves more than 100,000
individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. To participate in the
competitive designation process, centers must first meet strict criteria for
research, comprehensive care, patient outreach services and professional
education. The network is widely credited with developing and promoting the
modern Parkinson's team model of care and ensuring that patients receive the
highest standards of care.
With
longstanding recognition as Research Centers by the Parkinson's Foundation,
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia and Rush each bring rich histories and unique
strengths to the network. NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical
Center brings an illustrious history in cutting-edge translational research.
Rush University offers tremendous innovation in clinical research. Both centers
are renowned for their training of academic leaders worldwide.
"This
designation is an enormous honor and recognition of the vital program that we
have developed to integrate our three-part mission of research, education and
patient care excellence," said Christopher Goetz, M.D., professor of
neurological sciences and pharmacology and director of the Parkinson's Disease
and Movement Disorder Program at Rush University Medical Center. "With
this new designation, the faculty and staff will direct our efforts continually
to enhance our services and work in partnership with our patients and families
to meet these three missions."
Added
Un Jung Kang, M.D., H. Houston Merritt Professor of Neurology and chief of the
Division of Movement Disorders at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University
Medical Center: "We are delighted and honored to join our colleagues in
the Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence network. This designation is an
important acknowledgement of our commitment to providing the best possible care
and education, and engaging in community outreach about our expertise in
translational research and patient care."
The
Parkinson's Foundation brings all Centers of Excellence together annually to
provide updates on care activities and research initiatives. This year's Center
of Excellence Leadership Conference is in Kansas City, Missouri, taking place
May 4-6. The focus of this year's meeting: "Impacting Care for the
Patients of Today and Tomorrow." Every center must re-certify
every five years to ensure that it maintains high standards of care. This
process includes a review of achievements as well as a team-based peer
evaluation, including an on-site assessment.
"Both
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia and Rush have a long history of research and
training that paved the way for the scientific and clinical networks of
movement disorders centers," said Peter Schmidt, Ph.D., chief mission officer
and senior vice president of Research and Professional Programs at the National
Parkinson Foundation, a division of the Parkinson's Foundation. "We will
change the course of Parkinson's for tomorrow's patients by improving care for
everyone living with the disease today."
To
search for a Center of Excellence near you, visit www.parkinson.org/search.
About
the Parkinson's Foundation
The
Parkinson's Foundation is working toward a world without Parkinson's disease.
Formed by the merger of National Parkinson Foundation and the Parkinson's
Disease Foundation in August 2016, the mission of the Parkinson's Foundation is
to invest in promising scientific research that will end Parkinson's disease
and improve the lives of people with Parkinson's and their families through
improved treatments, support and the best care. For more information,
visit www.parkinsonsfoundation.org
or call (800) 4PD-INFO (473-4636) or (800) 457-6676.
About
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's
disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million
people in the US and over 10 million worldwide. Parkinson's is the second most
common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and is the 14th leading
cause of death in the US. It is associated with a loss of motor control (e.g.,
shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression) as well as non-motor
symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). Although promising research is being
conducted, there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease.
MediaContact:
Michael Farnham
mfarnham@roarmedia.com
(305)
403-2080, Ext. 133
www.RoarMedia.com
SOURCE
National Parkinson Foundation
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