Parkinson's - AHSC Office of Public Affairs - University of Arizona

American Parkinson Disease Associationand UA: partners in public serviceThe University of Arizona has a threefoldmission of excellence in teaching,research and public service. It is in thearea of public service that the AmericanParkinson Disease Association (APDA)and the university have worked as closepartners over the years.For more than two decades TheUniversity of Arizona College of Medicinehas hosted a Parkinson’s Information& Referral Center in order to help allArizonans with Parkinson’s and theirfamily members find the informationand resources they need. Funding forthe Center’s operation comes from theAmerican Parkinson Disease Association(APDA) through a grant to a College ofMedicine faculty member. This facultymember volunteers his or her time asmedical director for the Center.The Center was established in 1985with a grant to neurologist Stuart Snider,MD. Others faculty who have volunteeredtheir time and energy as medical directorsinclude Alan Rubens, MD, then head ofthe department of neurology; movementdisorders specialist Erwin Montgomery,MD; and current head of the departmentof neurology, Bruce Coull, MD. Since1999, Scott Sherman, MD, PhD, directorof the movement disorders program atthe College of Medicine, has served as theCenter’s medical director.Cynthia Holmes, PhD, a healthpsychologist, has coordinated the Centersince 1992. Dr. Holmes received herbachelor’s degree from the University ofPennsylvania and her masters and PhDin health psychology from the Universityof California San Francisco. She endorsesthe principles of integrative medicinein the treatment of Parkinson’s diseaseand writes and lectures frequentlyon this topic. In her role as CenterCoordinator she counsels and providesinformation to patients and familymembers, teaches a popular Power OverParkinson’s class, works with supportgroups, edits a Parkinson’s newsletter,organizes educational events and givespresentations to community groups.“The College of Medicine is pleasedand proud to host the information andreferral center with the APDA and tohave worked hand-in-glove over the lasttwenty years,” says Keith A. Joiner, MD,MPH Vice Provost for Medical Affairs andDean of the College of Medicine. “Whileour success in education, research andpatient care is widely acknowledged,too few recognize the important rolewe have in providing outreachand support statewide. Theleadership of Dr. Holmes andher colleagues over the years hasenabled the College of Medicineto be of service to all Arizonanswith Parkinson’s disease. Imust say, she has also been ofimmense help and supportas we have reached out toseek increased support forresearch.”Dr. Holmes welcomesinquiries from people withParkinson’s, their familymembers and friends.Her next 4-week PowerOver Parkinson’s classwill be offered Tuesdaymornings in August. Theclass is free but advanceregistration is required.For more information orto sign up, contactDr. Holmes atholmes@u.arizona.edu.Cynthia Holmes