Neurology Grand Rounds: Dr Michael Okun

Date changed due to The 2024 Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation Congress held in Toronto.

Speaker: Michael S. Okun, M.D. 
Adelaide Lackner Distinguished Professor of Neurology
Executive Director, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases
University of Florida Health

Topic: Ending Parkinson’s Disease and Updates in Research for Parkinson’s Disease

Objectives:

• Update the growth in Parkinson’s disease

• Update on the PACT- Prevent Advocate Care and Develop Treatments for Parkinson’s

• Update on new emerging research therapies for Parkinson’s

Michael S. Okun obtained his M.D. with honors from the University of Florida where he was also trained as a neurologist. He completed a basal ganglia and movement disorders fellowship at Emory University where he was trained under a Lasker award winner, Mahlon Delong. Dr. Okun has held virtually every position and leadership role in his department and college from assistant to full professor. He has been a program director, a chief, a center director, a chair and now serves as the Distinguished Professor and Executive Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida Health. This institute was together in a partnership the neurosurgeon, Dr. Kelly Foote. Dr. Okun has served since 2006 as the National Medical Director and most recently as the Medical Advisor for the Parkinson’s Foundation. He has been continuously supported by grants from many organizations and foundations including the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Okun has an active research career and has been an integral part of many of the pioneering studies exploring the cognitive, behavioral, and mood effects of brain stimulation. Since 2005 his laboratory has been working to uncover the electrical brain signals associated with human tic and to develop a first generation of closed loop adaptive deep brain stimulation approach for Tourette syndrome. He and his group have contributed data to support the FDA approval of several device related approaches now in use to treat human disease. Dr. Okun holds the Adelaide Lackner Professorship in Neurology and has published over 600 peer reviewed articles including contributions appearing in the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet and JAMA. He is a poet (Lessons From the Bedside, 1995) and his book, Parkinson's Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life was translated into over 20 languages.  His most recent co-authored books include Ending Parkinson’s Disease and Living with Parkinson's Disease. Dr. Okun was recognized in a 2015 White House ceremony by the Obama administration as a Champion of Change for Parkinson’s Disease. He was most recently promoted to the rank of Distinguished Professor, only the 5th person in the history of the UF College of Medicine to achieve this rank.

These rounds are generously supported through formal partnership with the Division of Neurology; Alexion, Amylyx, Argenx, EMD Serono, Grifols, Novartis, Paladin Labs, Roche, Sanofi and UCB.