#USA #Atlanta #Nurse Practitioner #Parkinson's Foundation #Emory University

Parkinson's Foundation Introduces New Nurse Practitioner Fellowship in Movement Disorders

In a significant move to improve specialized care for Parkinson's disease, the Parkinson's Foundation has announced a new Nurse Practitioner Fellowship program to be hosted at Emory University starting in 2026. Designed for nurse practitioners eager to focus their careers on Parkinson's disease (PD) care and research, the fellowship application process is currently open, set to close on August 3, 2025.

Fellowship Details

The fellowship will accommodate two selected nurse practitioners who will gain training and experience at Emory Healthcare’s Movement Disorders Clinic, which is recognized as a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence. The initiative aims to integrate nurse practitioner expertise within the framework of PD care to streamline access and reduce wait times for patients requiring immediate and specialized treatments.

John L. Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson's Foundation, emphasized the importance of the fellowship in addressing significant barriers for those living with Parkinson's. He stated, “The outcomes of this fellowship will allow for care models that better integrate nurse practitioner expertise with a goal of decreasing wait times for those living with Parkinson’s and improving overall care.”

Training and Support

The fellows will work directly alongside physician fellows, promoting an interprofessional synergy vital for patient care. They will also partake in a variety of accredited learning opportunities prior to beginning the fellowship. This includes an invitation to the Parkinson's Disease Clinical Conference hosted by the foundation. Eli Pollard, Vice President and Chief Training and Education Officer, shared that previous cohorts from the fellowship have gone on to become leaders in the Parkinson’s and movement disorder nursing field.

As a criteria for eligibility, applicants must have at least three years of clinical experience, and must graduate from an accredited adult-gerontology or family nurse practitioner program. Furthermore, a national nurse practitioner specialty certification and a license as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Georgia by September 1, 2025, is mandated.

The Importance of Specialized Care

Parkinson's disease affects approximately one million people in the United States and poses numerous challenges not only for the patients but also for the healthcare providers involved. The disease is characterized by a progressive decline in motor control and a variety of non-motor symptoms, all of which necessitate timely and effective care. The need for improved access to specialized services is critical, particularly as nearly 90,000 new cases arise each year in the U.S.

Dr. Jaffar Khan, chair of neurology at Emory University School of Medicine, highlighted the importance of the fellowship in furthering the institution’s mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders focused in neurology and movement disorders. The partnership with the Parkinson's Foundation aims to enhance care delivery and patient outcomes across Georgia and possibly beyond.

Conclusion

The Parkinson's Foundation's initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing shortcomings in Parkinson's care through education and expertise. As the fellowship program unfolds, it holds great promise for fostering a new generation of nurse practitioners dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson's disease while simultaneously advancing the overall understanding of the condition within the medical community. For more information on the Parkinson's Foundation Nurse Practitioner Fellowship, visit their official website.

About the Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson's Foundation has been dedicated to improving life for those with Parkinson’s disease since its inception in 1957. Investing over $474 million in research and clinical care, the foundation aims to enhance care and facilitate research towards a cure, driven by a vibrant global community advocating for Parkinson's awareness and care.