MDS Asian and Oceanian Section Nominees

Over the past two decades, I have focussed on creating a holistic eco-system for treatment, training and research in Movement Disorders. I have already worked in MDS-AOS as member of Education Committee, Secretary-elect and Secretary and contributed significantly towards networking of  Affiliate Societies of AOS.

I have gained further experience by serving in the MDS Education Committee for the past 5 years, and currently as Chair.  With this experience I am confident that I will be able to take MDS-AOS forward to accomplish its goals. My vision for MDS-AOS is that it should serve as a first point of reference for patients, doctors and caregivers with easy-to-use knowledge articles, research data, training materials, guidelines, etc.   

To enable this, I would like to work on the following specific areas:

1. Engage larger impact groups to become part of MDS, e.g., medical students, residents and practitioners, basic scientists, allied health professionals, patients and caregivers, and government policy makers.
2. Introduce country specific educational courses in local languages taking into consideration socio-cultural aspects.
3. Enhance coverage of MDS LEAP, Centre-to-centre and Train the Trainer programs in AOS to create cadres of Movement Disorder experts. 
4. Introduce regional MDS-AOS sections for focussed participation and better governance.
5. Introduce AOS specific Study Groups, Task forces and Special Interest Groups.
6. Ensure gender, age and regional balance in leadership and faculty representations.
7. Introduce regional movement disorder journal to publish regional scientific work.
8. Introduce regular programs to update clinicians on advances in diagnosis and care. 

Dr. Pramod Kumar Pal (MBBS, MD, DM, FRCP (Lon)) is currently Professor of Neurology and Program Director of Movement Disorder Fellowship Program at National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore, India. He was trained as Clinical Fellow in Movement Disorders at Neurodegenerative Disorders Centre, Vancouver and in Electrophysiology and TMS at Toronto Western Hospital. Dr. Pal has > 500 publications (H-index: 58), was the Treasurer and President of Indian Academy of Neurology, Founding Secretary and currently President of Movement Disorders Society of India.  He was awarded the “Philip Thompson Lectureship Award-2023” by MDS-AOS.

As member of MDS (since 2001), he has contributed significantly. In the past he was a member of MDS-AOS Education Committee, Secretary-Elect (2017-2019) and Secretary (2019-2021) of MDS-AOS, member of Movement Disorders journal Editorial Board, member of Education Committee of MDS and currently the Chair (2023-2025).   Dr. Pal is Chair of Infection Related Movement Disorders Study Group, member of  Rating Scales Education and Training Program Committee, Tic Disorders Task Force and other study groups including Rare Movement Disorders, Neurophysiology, Movement Disorders in Asia and Ataxia.  Recently he received the Honorary Membership of MDS.

My commitment to serve in MDS-AOS is driven by my passion for the region that I have "grown-up" in as a locally-trained neurologist, and my gratitude for the society that has been instrumental to my growth as a movement disorder clinician-scientist.

I am grateful for the transformative opportunities I have received, from participating in the MDS-LEAP and SYNERGIES program in my earlier years to serving in faculty and leadership roles within the MDS and AOS. I hope to "give back" to the process and continue the great work by our inspiring MDS-AOS leaders who have built a strong camaraderie in the region and commitment towards supporting younger peers.         

In serving MDS-AOS, I hope to leverage on:

1. The invaluable experiences and skills I have garnered from working in various central/regional MDS committees, in particular, a deeper understanding of society's mission and organizational processes
2. My growing understanding regarding our region's diverse needs and opportunities through various local/regional engagements
3. The relationship and teamwork that I have enjoyed with colleagues from MDS-AOS and affiliate societies through partnership in committees, education and research, including ASNA and AOAN initiatives

I hope to contribute to developing impactful MDS-AOS strategies with a focus on:

1. Expanding MDS-AOS outreach in underserved countries/regions (e.g.,Indonesia, Indochina, and Central Asia)
2. Enhancing career development opportunities for early-career AOS members beyond clinical/research skill training
3. Developing innovative education programs, tailored to regional educational needs (e.g.,skills in genetic testing and artificial intelligence)
4. Accelerating AOS research collaborations/discoveries, focusing on aspects of movement disorders that are unique to the region

Dr. Ai-Huey Tan (MD, FRCP Edin, PhD) is an Associate Professor and Consultant Movement Disorder Neurologist at University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a research focus on microbiome-gut-brain-axis, genetics and rare diseases. From 2018-2022, she was the past President of the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences and the past Treasurer of the ASEAN Neurological Association.

She currently chairs the MDS Communications-Oversight Committee, which strategizes society's internal and external communications to better advance MDS missions including coordinating the annual World Movement Disorder Awareness Day. As a past Chair of the Web-Based-Learning Subcommittee, she contributed to the development/enhancement of online modules including initiating the new fundamental and case-based-learning series. She works actively in the MDS Evidence-Based-Medicine Committee to synthesize evidence-based recommendations for patient care.

As a dedicated MDS-AOS Executive-Committee Member, she enjoyed contributing to regional strategic planning and initiatives. She has co-directed three flagship MDS-AOS programs-School for Young Neurologist, Basic Science School and SYNERGIES, and taught at several regional congresses/workshops. 

I am excited to apply for a treasure position within the Movement Disorder Society-AOS section, driven by my passion for advancing the understanding and treatment of movement disorders. My academic and professional background in neurology, coupled with my commitment to research and community engagement, aligns perfectly with the Society’s mission to promote research, education, and clinical practice in this vital field.

At serving in Education and Executive committees of MDS-AOS and joining the evidence-based medicine committee and basic science interest group of MDS, I have been involved in many educational activities related to movement disorders. This experience has honed my skills in communication and organization, and has reinforced my belief in the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. I am eager to bring this experience to the Movement Disorder Society, where I can contribute to ongoing research initiatives, educational programs, and support for affected communities.

Joining the Movement Disorder Society represents an incredible opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in the field and to be part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by movement disorders. I am eager to lend my skills and passion to support the Society’s initiatives and contribute to meaningful advancements in this field.

Dr. Chin-Hsien Lin graduated from College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, and received her neurological residency training in National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH). She received her PhD training from Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica and post-doctoral fellowship training in the Center for University of British Columbia, Canada. 

Dr. Lin is now a professor in Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital. Her main academic interests include genetic, biomarker and molecular biology studies of Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. She investigated the molecular mechanisms of mutations of Parkinson’s disease or dystonia causative genes in neuronal degeneration by using cellular and animal model systems. She was elected to join the leadership program (LEAP) of international Movement Disorder Society (MDS)-AOS section in 2015. Dr. Lin was the President of Taiwan Movement Disorders Society and is now joining several committees of MDS, including executive committee of the MDS-AOS section, evidence-based medicine (EBM) and basic neuroscience committees of MDS.

The Movement Disorder Society is a vibrant platform for clinicians and researchers, offering diverse academic activities. To truly achieve its mission, it is crucial to extend its reach to all areas, especially underserved and resource-limited regions. I would like to contribute to this goal of MDS by assisting in developing a comprehensive plan that broadens access, strengthens local involvement, and enhances the academic impact of MDS across the AOS region.

There is significant potential to expand movement disorder training in more demand-driven and region-specific manner. I would like to facilitate small-group teaching modules to foster closer and more meaningful interactions between faculty and attendees, thus providing personalized and impactful learning experiences.

To ensure consistent and high-quality training across the region, I propose a spoke-and-hub model where key centres of excellence serve as hubs to support nearby areas. This approach can offer scalable and sustainable education while maintaining high standards. I also feel it is important to ensure that subspecialty training in movement disorders incorporates fundamental clinical neurology, maintaining a balance between traditional knowledge and cutting-edge research.

The AOS region has untapped clinical resources, and promoting local clinical research that reflects the region's unique demographics, cultural contexts, and disease patterns is essential. By facilitating region-specific data generation, MDS AOS can contribute to a more nuanced and globally relevant understanding of movement disorders. I would like to support initiatives that empower local researchers and clinicians. 

My experience as Secretary of the Movement Disorders Society of India (MDSI) has reinforced my commitment to the academic development and spreading awareness about movement disorders. Serving on the MDS AOS Executive Committee would provide a platform to extend this commitment and contribute to the Society’s regional and global mission.

Head, Department of Neurology | Vice Chairman, Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata (I-NK)
Program Director, Movement Disorders | Director of Research, I-NK

Dr. Hrishikesh Kumar is among the leading voices in Movement Disorders in India. He established the Movement Disorders Program at I-NK (Kolkata) in 2011, which has since grown into one of India's busiest and most recognized centers.

Dr Kumar has founded a Movement Disorders research center at his institute, which is affiliated with the University of Calcutta. The centre runs a sought-after PhD program and fosters strong collaboration between basic science and clinical research in Movement Disorders. It has state-of-the-art facilities, including a Gait Lab, TMS Lab, and Cell Culture Lab, supporting over 30 researchers under the mentorship of Dr Kumar.

Dr. Kumar has been an active member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) for almost 20 years. He has served the MDS-Asian and Oceanian Section (AOS) in several capacities, including on the Education Committee, Social Media Committee, AOPMC Scientific Committee, and AOPMC Oversight Committee. As Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, he and his team successfully hosted the AOPMC 2023 in Kolkata.

A founding member and Honorary Fellow of the Movement Disorders Society of India (MDSI), Dr. Kumar has served the society as Executive Committee Member, Treasurer, and Secretary. He is also Co-chair of the National Parkinson Network.

Committed to national and international collaboration, Dr. Kumar has established partnerships with numerous institutions across India and abroad. He has been recognized as Professor of Practice by Newcastle University (UK) and the University of Calcutta.

Beyond clinical and academic pursuits, Dr. Kumar is actively involved in social and philanthropic work related to Movement Disorders. He has founded patient support groups for Parkinson’s Disease and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 12 (SCA12). With support from colleagues and philanthropists, he has launched a telemedicine facility in the remote Sundarbans region. In recognition of his exceptional service to patients, the state government honored him with the "Exceptional Clinician Award", the highest civilian award for medical professionals in the state.

I always interested to help growing science of MD and help patients who affected with this disorders. By becoming affiliated member, holding congress, training fellows, speaking in conferences, participating in the international event,etc have tried to accomplish my goals.

I am interested in educational aspects, I am deputy of education of neurology group of our university(shahid beheshti university of medical sciences) since 4 years ago, I have been deputy of education of our neurology department at our hospital for 4 years, mentor of medical students for 4 years, etc. and have lots of experience in education. Also, I have been educator of peer reviewing program for 3 years.

I have been part of executive committee of Iranian Parkinson’s Society, and directors of several national and international congress.  Therfore, have lots of experience  that can help MDS tp reach its mission. 

I like to help MDS to grow the knowledge of MD easier and faster across the globe.

I want to hone my experience as a leadership as well.

Mehri completed her MD at SUMS and her neurology training at IUMS, got the highest score on the national board exam. She served as an assistant professor of neurology at the same university. Then, she was awarded a MDS training grant for 3m study in Australia. She further her expertise under the supervision of Profs. Jog and Lang in Canada for one year, and Prof. Bhatia in the UK. Upon completing her training in MDs,she joined SBMU, she has published over150 papers. In 2022, she trained under Prof. Klein supervisionin genetic MDs at Lübeck, and in 2023, she received MDS and EHDN grants for training at UCL under Prof.Tabrizi’s supervision. Currently, she is an associate professor of neurology and a movement disorders specialist at SBMU. She serves as the deputy of education for the neurology group at SBMU. She received several national and international awards, including the Kazem Ashtiani Prize from the National Elites Foundation, the Abureyhan Prize for the best national researcher, the best researcher award at the international MS Congress, and the Best Young Neurologist award. She established the first MD fellowship program in Iran. Also, Mehri joined the MDS at her early career, and has been part of the many committiess and Task Forces including Tasf Force for ME, Task Forc for EOPD, Task force for Postural Instability, Task for for Genetic Study in PD, MEWG, Young Streeng Committiee, Pediaric Steering committies, etc. 

In addition, She had been vise-chair of MEWG and is current chair of MEWG

She designed E-Learning Mudule for Sleep Disorders in PD and roadmap for Dystonia, and completed SYNERGY program as a junior faculty.

Mehri was selected as a mentee in the first round of Peer Reviewing Program, and after that until know she has been serving as a mentor in this program.

She has been director of several join programs with MDS including 2^nd and 3^rd International MD congress in Iran, School of MD for young neurologist, Update on HD, etc.

China has the largest population of patients with Parkinson's disease and other movements disorders. In recent years, our clinical expertise and research outputs in this field have grown significantly. However, the contributions and global impacts we provided from China to MDS and MDS-AOS remain relatively modest. While a few outstanding representatives from China hold leaderships position within MDS-AOS, I believe there is still much work to be done in strengthening the communication and collaboration between China and the global MDS.

India, for example, has made impressive progression in building strong ties with MDS-AOS and offers a model worth emulating.

One challenge I have observed is the language barrier (English), particularly in older generation, which can hinder international collaboration. However, with the emergence of a new generation of neurologists and growing opportunities for international engagement, I am confident that participation from China in MDS activities will continue to increase. 

With my background in the genetics and neuroimaging research in movement disorders, as well as extensive international collaboration experience, I am well-positioned to help bridge this gap. I also have experience organizing international symposiums and am confident that I can contribute in my ability to contribute to MDS-AOS by developing educational programs focuesd on genetics and neuroimaging. My vision is to build a stronger bridge between China and MDS/MDS-AOS communities. 

Wei Luo is a neurologist and professor of neurology in the department of neurology at the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, in Hangzhou, China. He obtained his medical degree and Ph.D. degree from Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, where he trained in genetics and movement disorders. He also has pursued international clinical and academic training and communications as a visiting associate professor, including: 1) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, USA (2008.05-2009.09, collaborator PI: Elliot Gershon); 2) National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL, UK (2012.04-2012.09, collaborator PI: Anthony Schapira); 3) CHU de Grenoble, France (2015.08-2015.09, collaborator PI: Elena Moro); 4) Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA (2019.10-2019.10, collaborator PI: Dimitri Krainc). 

Dr. Luo has been dedicated to the clinical and basic research in movement disorders, and achieved remarkable outcomes in improving diagnostic accuracy and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of movement disorders. He has over 130 peer-reviewed papers, including two in Brain and twelve in Movement Disorders. His key contributions include: 1) Discovery of the intronic (TTTCA)n insertion in the SAMD12 gene as the first known genetic cause of familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy. 2) Identification of the JAM2 gene as a novel genetic cause for primary familial brain calcification. 3) Uncovering specific brain functional alterations in patients with Parkinson's disease and familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy. Drawing on this expertise, Dr. Luo has orgnized over 100 local training sessions to enhance the diagnostic and clinical capabilities of local neurologists in the field of movement disorders. 

Dr. Luo also keeps trying to promote global communications and corrlaborations in the field of movement disorders. Since 2019, he has chaired six international symposiums focused on the theme of “Undiagnosed Movement Disorders (2019-2024)”. In 2025, he serves as a member of the Scientific Program Committee (ASPC) for the 9th Asian and Oceanian Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders congress (AOPMC), contributing actively to its organization. He is currently the leading PI of a Phase II clinical trial for a mitochondrial-related drug (a new type of small-molecule mitophagy activator) of Parkinson’s disease and is leading an international consensus initiative on primary brain calcification. 

My vision aligns with the core mission of the International Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) to promote education and foster collaboration on a global scale. I am committed to enhancing education for healthcare professionals by organizing courses and sessions that equip them with the latest knowledge and skills to improve the care of patients with Parkinson’s disease and related disorders.

Through my role as the section head of movement disorders at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, I have seen firsthand the importance of structured educational programs and their impact on clinical outcomes.

In addition to organizing educational sessions, I aim to encourage greater involvement of general neurologists in MDS activities, helping to bridge the gap between specialists and general practitioners. By actively involving neurologists from different backgrounds, I hope to broaden the reach of MDS initiatives and empower more healthcare providers with the tools needed to diagnose and manage movement disorders effectively.

As co-chair of the Middle East Working Group and a graduate of the MDS LEAP program, I am committed to fostering collaboration across regions, particularly in underserved areas. My goal is to develop partnerships between local and international experts, ensuring that the latest advancements in movement disorder care are accessible to all. By promoting cross-regional collaborations and organizing tailored education programs, I seek to support MDS’s mission of building a global network of specialists dedicated to improving patient outcomes. Ultimately, my vision is to create a more inclusive, connected community that elevates care standards worldwide.

Dr. Shivam Mittal is an American board-certified neurologist specializing in movement disorders. He completed his neurology residency at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, followed by a fellowship in movement disorders at the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, he served as a post-doctoral research fellow at Yale University. Currently, Dr. Mittal is the section head of movement disorders at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

He established the first movement disorders center in the UAE and developed a multidisciplinary team offering comprehensive care, including deep brain stimulation (DBS), for patients across the Middle East. With strong leadership qualities, Dr. Mittal is a graduate of the MDS LEAP class of 2022 and is actively involved in the International Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) - Asian and Oceanian Section (AOS). He has served as faculty in numerous courses, contributed to the education committee, and co-chairs the Middle East Working Group, helping to foster collaboration between the region and the international MDS community to advance movement disorder care.

Delays in diagnosis, limited treatment options, and lack of patient support are still challenges in Indonesia. My goal is to create educational programs for both patients and doctors to improve ability to recognize and manage movement disorders effectively. I also want to start support groups for patients and caregivers, so they can share experiences and resources for coping with their disease. Through these, hopefully we can build a supportive network that will improve treatment and quality of life for patients with movement disorders 

I'm Dr. Frandy Susatia, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders in Jakarta. Since 2010, I have served as the co-chair of the Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center at Siloam Hospitals Kebon Jeruk, one of the few centers in Indonesia offering DBS

I completed my fellowship in movement disorders at the University of Florida, From 2019 to 2023, I was a member of the MDS AOS Education Committee. have served as a faculty member at various movement disorders congresses and seminars, including the AOPMC and local conferences. My work is dedicated to advancing care and treatment options for patients with movement disorders in Indonesia.
 

My vision is to foster research collaboration and education across diverse healthcare systems to advance movement disorders care in the AOS region. I am committed to the mission of bridging gaps in access to education, research opportunities, and clinical care in low- and middle-income AOS countries. I wish to leverage my subspecialty expertise and prior experience in teaching and curriculum design, to help guide innovative educational initiatives that support both early-career professionals and established clinicians.

Having spearheaded my institution’s involvement in several international collaborative initiatives, I am aware of the positive impact of international cooperation in research. One of my key objectives as an MDS-AOS executive member would be to help identify and develop mechanisms that foster regional research collaborations, facilitate the sharing of expertise and resources, and generate impactful, inclusive scholarship.

As a neurologist of Middle Eastern descent and Director and Vice-President of the Australian Lebanese Foundation, I am particularly committed to supporting the Middle East Working Group and addressing the unique challenges faced by clinicians and researchers in the region and to support initiatives that ensure diverse populations benefit from cutting-edge research. 

As a LEAP alumnus, and beneficiary of the generous mentorship of many within the MDS-AOS and MDS membership at large I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to give back to the MDS community in a leadership role.
 

I am a neurologist and clinician-scientist based in Sydney, Australia, with subspecialty expertise in movement disorders, cognitive neurology, and sleep medicine. I completed my doctoral studies at the University of Sydney, followed by several clinical and research fellowships—including an Endeavour Fellowship at the University of Cambridge, a visitorship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and a movement disorders fellowship at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London. I returned to Sydney to develop the movement disorders service at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

As a clinical academic at the University of Sydney, I lead a cross-disciplinary research program focused on the mechanisms and progression of cognitive, sleep, and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Lewy body disorders, with an emphasis on dementia and prodromal stages and sleep-wake circuitry. Despite being early in my career, I have secured over $6 million in competitive funding from national and international sources and received prestigious awards including the MDS Junior Award. My vision is to translate cutting edge science to advance precision diagnostics and better symptomatic interventions in synucleinopathies.

I am passionate about education—co-leading faculty development programs, contributing to open-access medical education, and mentoring PhD students, clinician-researchers, and trainees. Within MDS, I completed the LEAP program (2022) and currently serve on the editorial board of Moving Along, as well as the MDS Online Curriculum and LEAP Steering Committees. I have contributed as faculty to MDS-AOS and MDS Congresses, given talks for learning courses, and authored online neuroimaging modules for MDS.

In the last two years, I have engaged in academic exchanges on neuromodulation with movement disorders specialists in Asia, especially those in Mainland China. Therefore, I aim to join the executive committee to promote movement disorders and neuromodulation in China.

Besides, I am experienced in simulation education, including online simulation education, and hope to enhance MDS-AOS regional courses by incorporating simulation education elements. While there are many excellent movement disorders courses within the MDS AOS, they are organised individually. Therefore, I plan to better organise these courses into a structured movement disorders training program for the movement disorders trainees in the region.

Furthermore, I am a reliable team player, who enjoy working with others and respond to emails promptly. 

Dr. Chan Hiu Fai was graduated from the School of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong in 2002. She completed her internal medicine and neurology training at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Subsequently, she finished her movement disorders fellowship at the University of Toronto.

At present, she works as a Consultant of the Department of Medicine of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She is an Honorary Clinical Associate Professor at both the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is the Vice-President of the Hong Kong Brain Foundation and a council member of the Hong Kong Neurological Society. She was the Past President of the Hong Kong Movement Disorders Society. In addition, she serves on the Education Committee of the International Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Society Asian & Oceanian Section (MDS-AOS) and co-directed the MDS-AOS functional movement disorders online course in 2024. She has also actively contributed to the MDS nonmotor psychiatric and non-psychiatric COA dystonia projects.