Endorsements

"It was 2009, the year when the conversation about health care reform began in earnest, which elicited an exciting dynamic of camaraderie and facilitated networking amongst Academy neurologists from all over the country.

When I went with the other delegation members from New York State to visit with our various representatives' and senators' health legislative aides, I found them to be highly responsive. For example, we spoke with Ronald Hikel, senior staff and health policy aide to former New York Rep. Eric Massa for 15 minutes about the need to develop a registry for patients with Parkinson disease and multiple sclerosis (MS).

We outlined in our proposal what we would require from the registry and asked if Rep. Massa would be willing to co-sponsor the legislation. Just a few hours later, while waiting at the airport to go home, Hikel e-mailed to say the congressman decided to co-sponsor the legislation. The fact that a short conversation could make an important impact for a Parkinson or MS patient really left a lasting impression on me." — Melissa Ko, MD

"Our own Florida contingent met with the staff of six Representatives, five of whom were available thanks to members of our group being from their district, and another who was gracious enough to hear us when we just dropped by.

We left behind Academy materials on the critical role of the neurologist in health care and our key issues at four additional offices. We also met staff of our two Florida Senators. At the end of the day we were physically exhausted, but proud of having shown up to have our voices heard on Capitol Hill." — Glen Finney, MD