Center to Center Program

The MDS Center to Center Program provides support the development of Movement Disorders education and center development in underserved regions (MDS no fee countries) of the world where by providing education, skills and tools to diagnose, treat and manage Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
 

The primary goal of MDS Center to Center is to improve the ability of neurologists in underserved regions to diagnose and treat patients with movement disorders through collaborations between an expert center (Mentor Center) and a center in an underserved region (Mentee Center) that is seeking to increase capacity to treat Parkinson’s disease and movement disorder patients. The collaboration between the Mentor Center and Mentee Center will address specific gaps in access to education and skills, and ultimately impact clinical practice and patient care in the Mentee Center.

Eligibility

Please review the following eligibility checklist before proceeding with the application: 

• Mentor Center and Mentee Center contacts must be current MDS members
  Apply for Membership  |  Membership information
• Training program content is focused on Movement Disorders education and skills training
• Mentor and Mentee Centers have received approval from their administration to participate
• Preference for Mentor and Mentee Centers from the same MDS Region (Africa, Asia and Oceania, Europe, or Pan America).  If the proposed collaboration crosses regions, please provide additional information on why this is necessary.  

Mentee Center Requirements

• Mentee Center has a minimum two neurologists interested in being specifically trained on Movement Disorders and intend to practice at the Mentee Center for the next 4 years
• Mentee Center should be located in an underserved country. List of MDS no-fee eligible countries.
   

Mentor Center Requirements

• Mentor Center is an established center of expertise in Movement Disorders (e.g., obtains multiple Movement Disorders trained neurologists on staff)

Review and Selection

Applications are reviewed by the MDS Education Committee in consultation with the MDS Regional Section Officers. Selections are based on applicant eligibility, program scope and feasibility, quality of training program, current need and the future potential of the Mentee Center. 

Grant Awards

Selected pairings will receive a maximum award of $8,000 USD annually: 

• Travel: MDS will reimburse travel expenses (flight, hotel, meals) for mentor/mentee visits to the respective Centers of up to $6,500 annually for two consecutive years. In instances where the mentee / mentor is unable to incur the initial costs, the MDS Secretariat will assist with booking flights (economy class) and arranging hotels for visits. 
• Honorarium: The mentor center receives an honorarium of $1,500 annually. 

Application

The Center-to-Center Program application and required supporting documentation should be completed in cooperation with both Mentor and Mentee Centers. 

2025-2027 program applications have closed.