EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 12 PM ET, May 11, 2016
AAN Announces Class of 2016 for Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum
MINNEAPOLIS -
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has selected 28 neurologists from around the world to attend the prestigious Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum, May 12-15, 2016, in Albuquerque, NM. The Forum has become the premier advocacy leadership skills development program designed to train neurologists to be effective advocates for their patients at the local, state and national levels. View the list of physicians selected to attend at AAN.com/view/PALFClass. “These neurologists were selected to be the leaders in advocacy for neurology in their communities, in Congress and around the world. They have demonstrated their commitment to building awareness for issues that affect people with brain diseases,” said Terrence L. Cascino, MD, FAAN, President and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, the world’s largest professional association of neurologists. “Through the Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum, they are equipped with the skills and tools necessary to be the voice of patients, practitioners and researchers. Communication with our government is crucial to ensuring we meet our patients’ needs, and continue progress toward developing cures and treatments for diseases such as dementia, stroke, migraine and epilepsy.” Attendees of the Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum learn how to engage effectively with their local, state and national governments, sharpen their communication skills and develop an advocacy action plan to address health care challenges where they live and practice. Many graduates go on to obtain financial support for research, develop coalitions, lobby for fair reimbursement to maintain patients’ access to neurologic care and draft position statements that affect future legislation. Since 2003, 383 members of the American Academy of Neurology from 45 US states, the territory of Puerto Rico and 18 countries have graduated from the Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum. This year’s trainees will be joined by 10 advisors, three faculty, and a moderator—all of whom were selected from previous Forums based on their advocacy leadership experience to receive advanced mentorship training and work with the new 2016 class. The Forum was named in memory of former Academy Board of Directors member Donald M. Palatucci, MD, FAAN, and honors his spirited and pioneering efforts as an advocate for his patients and profession.