The MCG Movement Disorders Program, a component of the MCG Neuroscience Center, has again been designated a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence.

The redesignation means that the MCG Movement Disorders Program continues to provide excellence in research on Parkinson’s disease and other related neurological disorders, excellence in comprehensive care and support for patients and families, and excellence in education and outreach to both patients and the community at large. The MCG Movement Disorders Program is one of only 42 programs across the country to earn the National Parkinson Foundation designation.

The program has also received two grants through the National Parkinson Foundation. One grant will help continue to provide comprehensive care and further develop the multidisciplinary aspects of the Movement Disorders Clinic. The other grant will further outreach and community education, including the development of community networks to help educate those in rural and underserved areas about Parkinson’s disease.

“There are now numerous medical, even surgical options available to help treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. For patients with movement disorders, who may be unable to walk or drive, much less hold a glass or a pen, these therapies offer new hope,” says Dr. Kapil Sethi, Medical Director of the MCG Movement Disorders Program. “And thanks to the support of the National Parkinson Foundation, the MCG Movement Disorders Program may continue its search for the causes of and the cure for Parkinson’s disease.”

“The MCG Movement Disorders Program is a respected leader in comprehensive services for Parkinson’s disease,” says Bill Hamilton, Administrative Director of the MCG Neuroscience Center. “Recognition by the National Parkinson Foundation, the premier international organization supporting research and services for Parkinson’s disease, underscores the quality of the program and the dedication of our staff to serving patients and families affected by Parkinson’s disease.”

The MCG Movement Disorders Program is involved in a number of studies on the medical treatment of Parkinson’s disease, as well as other movement disorders such as tremor and restless legs syndrome. It also offers comprehensive care by a specialized multidisciplinary care team, including movement disorder specialists, neurosurgeons, registered nurses and professionals in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, social work and neuropsychology. In addition, it provides the latest therapies for treatment of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including deep brain stimulation.

The Movement Disorders program is also an active participant in the local chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation, which holds annual fund-raisers and offers a support group for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Dr. John Morgan and Caroline diDonato, nurse practitioner, join Dr. Sethi to coordinate community outreach through the National Parkinson Foundation’s Community Partners for Parkinson’s Care program. The goal is to build relationships and promote awareness of Parkinson’s disease in surrounding communities.

The program has been a Center of Excellence since 2000. The National Parkinson Foundation selects centers annually through a comprehensive review of their research, clinical and outreach initiatives. For more information on the MCG Movement Disorders Program or to schedule an appointment, call 706-721-4581.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians and faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group, not employees of MCG Health Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.