National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) Presents Plaque to Beth Israel’s Mirken Department of Neurology to Celebrate Their Designation as an NPF Center of Excellence

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National Parkinson Foundation Centers of Excellence are widely renowned for outstanding performance in Parkinson’s research, care and outreach.

New York, NY (PRWEB) October 30, 2012

On Friday, September 14, the Mirken Department of Neurology at Beth Israel Medical Center received a plaque from the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) to celebrate the department’s continued designation as an NPF Center of Excellence since 1996. At the core of this partnership is, as the NPF website states, “a shared passionate belief that the best care is a comprehensive approach that addresses the whole person and the full range of symptoms of the disease, while continuously searching for the next insight that will change the course of this devastating disease.” From the inception of this 16-year collaboration, the hospital has received generous support from the foundation that has helped this exemplary team of neurology specialists provide multi-disciplinary, compassionate care while also conducting breakthrough research.

“The National Parkinson Foundation is pleased to continue our association with the great Parkinson’s Center at Beth Israel Medical Center,” said Peter Schmidt, PhD, Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Programs at the foundation, who presented the plaque. “The challenges that face us in advancing the state of Parkinson’s care are tremendous and our community is lucky to have Dr. Bressman and her team on our side as we endeavor to surmount them.” Susan Bressman, M.D., Chair of the Mirken Department of Neurology, accepted the plaque on behalf of her exemplary team.

National Parkinson Foundation Centers of Excellence are widely renowned for outstanding performance in Parkinson’s research, care and outreach. Recognized by their medical peers as leaders in Parkinson’s care, each neurology center meets rigorous criteria for research, comprehensive care delivery, professional education and patient outreach services. To be designated as a Center of Excellence, and recertified every three years, the movement disorders team must:

•     See a sufficient volume of patients to have exposure to the diverse manifestations of Parkinson’s disease and wide array of treatment options
•     Deliver care to patients in a team model that addresses the broad spectrum of symptoms and treatment options
•     Employ neurologists with training in movement disorders or a specialization in Parkinson’s disease who balance research, education and care in their practices
•     Provide support services to families and caregivers
•     Provide access to the full spectrum of evidence-backed therapeutic options, including a neurosurgery team experience with surgical options for PD patients
•     Demonstrate a commitment to clinical training
•     Empower patients and caregivers by promoting and educating around self-directed activities such as managing exercise and nutrition
•     Provide patients and families with access to current information about PD
•     Advance our understanding of Parkinson’s disease through collaborative and investigator-initiated clinical research
•     Provide patient access to experimental therapies through participation in clinical trials

“Our center’s clinical, research and support staff work tirelessly to provide much-needed multi-disciplinary care to the Parkinson’s disease patients who turn to us for help,” says Dr. Bressman. “We are delighted to be recognized for these efforts by the National Parkinson Foundation, the premier international organization focused on meeting the needs in the care and treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease. We are forever grateful for their support.”

As an NPF Centers of Excellence, the Mirken Department of Neurology will collaborate with 40 other Centers of Excellence at top medical institutions across the globe. Collectively, they will provide care to over 50,000 Parkinson’s patients and advocate for a comprehensive approach to care that addresses the whole person and full range of symptoms. The centers will meet at least annually to provide updates, exchange ideas, and share advances that will hopefully change the course of Parkinson’s disease.

About

The National Parkinson Center of Excellence at Beth Israel Medical Center provides comprehensive, expert clinical care to patients from around the globe who are seeking individualized and innovative treatment. In addition to conducting groundbreaking research, the center provides specialized services, supportive care programs, and referral services. The multi-disciplinary, humanistic approach of these neurology specialists has established the Center as nationally recognized resource for persons with Parkinson’s disease, their families, health care providers, and others in the community.

For more information on Mirken Department of Neurology or the Centers of Excellence at Beth Israel Medical Center, please visit http://www.wehealny.org/services/bi_neurology/index.html

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