VOLUME 30, ISSUE 1 • March 2026. Full issue »

2026 PAS Leadership Award

Mentorship, momentum, and the meaning of leadership

I am honored to be presented with the 2026 MDS-PAS Leadership Award at the 5th MDS PAS Congress in Houston. One the highlights of being part of the PAS is working alongside so many wonderful colleagues from across the region, many of whom were at the recent meeting. This leadership award is a team accomplishment and a reflection of all of you within the PAS that I have worked and collaborated with over many years, and continue to do so.

The strength of our Society is in the membership and seeing younger members now participating in all parts of the Society including committees, special interest groups, and as speakers and poster presenters shows we can continue to be relevant and supportive to the next generation and ultimately to care of our patients with movement disorders. During the recent PAS Congress, we ran a new session, called an Open Forum, with speakers and audience questions that allowed a discussion of issues around career planning and mentorship. Part of leadership is helping nurture and support, and I hope such sessions can continue to be an integral part of the Society meetings.

Leadership is also about setting an example. I would have to acknowledge Cindy Comella as one of my role models — and as a prior chair of the PAS, she showed how ‘it could be done.’ Challenges should not be obstacles, but opportunities for change and growth.