From strategy to action: Shaping what comes next 

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Dear MDS Members, 

The coming months offer important opportunities for you to help shape the future of MDS.  

Firstly, regional leadership nominations are open now. I encourage you to learn more about the opportunities in your region, put forward colleagues who can bring new perspectives and energy to our leadership, and participate in the election process. 

And as we look ahead to the 2026 International Congress in Seoul, I am struck by the momentum across our global community. This year’s Congress will convene colleagues from around the world, including dozens of MDS committees and groups already working together to move our Strategic Plan from vision to action. Dozens of thoughtful and innovative Action Plans are underway to turn our strategic priorities into concrete outcomes.  

Just a few of the important budding initiatives:  

• A Task Force on Gastrointestinal Issues in Parkinson’s Disease to develop guidance on therapeutic strategies amid co-occurring GI diagnoses. 

• A Task Force on Tremor Syndrome Classification to review the current system for clarity in distinguishing tremor syndromes from disease entities, particularly when it comes to essential or dystonic tremor. 

• An AI viewpoint and strategic framework (co-developed by the Technology Study Group and Clinical Outcome Assessment Program) is being drafted to help MDS and the broader movement disorders community navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly advancing technologies. 

And there is much more ahead. 

In November, we will mark World Movement Disorders Day with this year’s theme: “Movement Disorders: More Common Than You Think.” The campaign will highlight the prevalence and impact of movement disorders and help broaden understanding of conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. I hope you will join MDS in sharing this message and helping us reach audiences beyond our professional community. 

None of this progress happens without your expertise, ideas and commitment. Thank you for your dedication, and I look forward to continuing this work together — and to seeing you in Seoul!