Program Overview
The following information has been provided to enhance the quality of the educational program being planned and maximize the learning opportunity presented by the visit of internationally recognized experts in the field of Movement Disorders. Ultimately, the goal of the Visiting Professor Program is to improve the quality of treatment available to persons living with Movement Disorders. With this purpose in mind, The Movement Disorder Society (MDS) is eager to advise the host in the planning and implementation of a quality educational program.
MDS EDUCATIONAL MISSION
MDS is committed to assisting the healthcare profession in countries throughout the world where Movement Disorders are under-represented. In accordance with this mission, MDS implements Movement Disorder-focused educational opportunities in regions of the world that may not have adequate available resources. By supporting the continuing medical education needs of healthcare professionals in these countries, MDS hopes to enhance the quality of treatment and care provided to the Movement Disorder patients dwelling in these countries.
The goals of the Visiting Professor Program are to:
- Educate physicians and other healthcare professionals in countries without adequate access to educational programs about Movement Disorders, and the management of such disorders.
- Provide educational materials about Movement Disorders, and their treatment.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
This program is intended to provide an excellent educational opportunity in Movement Disorders to regions of the world not adequately served by resources within that region.
In order to be eligible for the MDS Visiting Professor Program, the applicant country must be considered to be disadvantaged based on the need for Movement Disorder education and lack of opportunities for continuing education in Movement Disorders. The Visiting Professor Program applicant is to describe the country's need for the program. A statement regarding the economic and educational needs, and the manner in which these needs will be met by means of the visiting professorship, is requested on the program application. Applications will be considered by the Education Committee of the appropriate MDS regional section (MDS, MDS-AOS, or MDS-ES).
EDUCATIONAL FORMAT
If the Visiting Professor application is approved, the Host, along with the Visiting Professors, will implement a three-day educational program that entails:
- Didactic lectures
- Clinical case presentations that illustrate the guidelines of differential diagnosis and therapeutic strategies
- Interactive seminars
- Practical workshops
PROGRAM COSTS
The Movement Disorder Society accepts no responsibility for any debt incurred by the planning and implementation of the Visiting Professorship, and bears no liability for any event.
MDS SUPPORT
Travel Costs
MDS will support the cost of business class airfare for Visiting Professors to and from the host country. Payment of airfare costs will be made directly to the Visiting Professors, following the completion of the course. If Carnival Travel is used to arrange travel, payment will be made directly to them.
Honoraria
MDS will recognize the efforts of the Visiting Professors with an honorarium of $1,000 USD per day, for three days of teaching.
HOST SUPPORT
Visiting Professors
Lodging, daily meals, and transportation while in the host country, is to be provided and funded by the recipient institution.
Venue
The educational program is to take place in a hospital or academic institution where audio-visual support is provided, and auditorium rental fees are not charged. If adequate meeting space can not be secured, the host will need to notify the MDS Education Committee, via the International Secretariat. After consulting with the committee, minimal industry funding may be sought, if deemed necessary.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT
If adequate meeting space cannot be secured and/or financial assistance is needed to off-set lodging and food costs for participants, minimal industry support will be sought, with the consent of the MDS Education Committee. Names of the funding groups, as well as the dollar amounts of support, are to be provided at least one month prior to the professorship.
To protect the scientific integrity of the program, and to prevent the perception of industry bias, the following guidelines for pursuing support are to be followed:
- No profit is to be generated from the Visiting Professor Program.
- Industry support must come in the form of unrestricted educational grants
If funding is obtained from a commercial sponsor, a copy of the signed Letter of Agreement (LOA) is to be provided to MDS. The LOA is to indicate that funding is provided in the form of an "unrestricted educational grant."
REGISTRATION FEES
If charged, registration fees for participants of the visiting professor program should be nominal. The MDS should be informed if a registration fee is charged and the amount of that fee.
MARKETING / PROMOTIONS
The usage of electronic media and other alternatives are suggested for the promotion of the professorship, in efforts to minimize printing and mailing costs.
PROFIT FROM THE PROGRAM
In the unanticipated event that a profit is generated from the Visiting Professor Program, the money will be utilized to cover the costs of MDS Memberships for hospital and academic institution Department Heads. These memberships will be full MDS memberships, with an accompanying subscription to the MDS "Movement Disorders" journal. Any residual money is to be used towards Waived Dues memberships for the remaining participants.