Speaker: Dr. Michael S. Okun
Moderator: Dr. Renato Munhoz
Learning Objectives:
Update the indications for DBS
Update the techniques for DBS
Update the emerging Neuromodulation Approaches for Parkinson’s
Dr. 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, Dr. 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 formed in partnership with 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 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.