MJFF expands training program for movement disorder specialists
Fellowship aims to improve access to care for Parkinson's patients
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is expanding the size and reach of its global Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders program, which trains specialists in improving access to Parkinson’s disease care.
The program provides funding each year for medical centers to train physicians to become Parkinson’s specialists. These movement disorder specialists are neurologists with additional training in diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s disease.
So far, the program has helped 40 doctors become movement disorder specialists who contribute to scientific advancements and help provide high-quality care to patients across 35 medical centers in 11 countries and 12 U.S. states. By 2031, it is expected that 103 movement disorder specialists will graduate worldwide through the program, which would increase access to care for more than 80,000 patients.
“The Edmond J. Safra Fellowship and its network is advancing what’s possible in future drug development and enabling tens of thousands of patients to receive care who otherwise would not have access,” Deborah W. Brooks, MJFF’s CEO and co-founder, said in a foundation press release.
It is estimated that about 6 million people are currently living with Parkinson’s across the world, a number that is expected to double by 2040. For these patients, seeing a movement disorder specialist is crucial for living life as well as possible. However, there is a shortage of specialists, which can lead to long wait times for appointments. Some people may need to travel long distances, presenting another challenge.
“The Edmond J. Safra Fellowship uniquely positions its graduates as emerging leaders, experts who care for people and families living with disease today while working toward a future in which Parkinson’s, as we know it, no longer exists,” said Rachel Dolhun, MD, MJFF’s principal medical advisor, a fellowship-trained movement disorder specialist, and fellowship program lead.
Eight doctors selected to begin movement disorder specialist training this year
Eight doctors were chosen to begin training this year at leading medical centers in the U.S., Brazil, Ireland, Argentina, and Australia. Four of these centers are new to the fellowship training network.
I’m tremendously grateful to our fellows and fellowship directors. Their commitment to this program will help bring us to our collective goal — a day when Parkinson’s is curable, and even preventable.
This summer, an external review committee of movement disorder specialists designated by the MJFF will select the next eight medical centers that will begin training in 2026. Medical centers are evaluated according to their history of training movement disorder specialists, involvement in clinical care and research education, and training opportunities that advance equitable access to clinical care, research, education, and community outreach.
“We are proud to see the Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders program continue to flourish and support the critical need of delivering compassionate care and research for the millions of patients and families living with Parkinson’s disease worldwide,” the board of directors at the Edmond J. Safra Foundation said.
In the past decade, the program has built a collaborative network that fosters the development of new treatments and provides additional training opportunities. Graduates often work on research projects and coach the next generation of specialists.
“I’m proud and humbled to see the seeds of our partnership with the Edmond J. Safra Foundation flourish in the most incredible way,” Michael J. Fox said. “And, I’m tremendously grateful to our fellows and fellowship directors. Their commitment to this program will help bring us to our collective goal — a day when Parkinson’s is curable, and even preventable.”
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