VOLUME 29, ISSUE 3 • SEPTEMBER 2025.

President's Letter

As I prepare to conclude my term as President of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society at our upcoming International Congress in Honolulu, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many members who have worked tirelessly and accomplished so much for the MDS and, directly or indirectly, the patients and their families who are our ultimate raison d’etre.

Over the past two years, we have taken meaningful steps to strengthen the Society’s impact and inclusivity. Among the highlights:

Patient & Carers Program – Bringing the voices of those living with movement disorders, their families, and caregivers into MDS activities in a structured way.

Equality of Access to Care Committee – Establishing a global effort to identify gaps, share strategies, and advocate for more equitable access to treatment and resources.

Strategic planning – Marking several successes from the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan and engaging leaders across all regions to build the framework for the next one, which be announced at the International Congress, and will guide us into an exciting new chapter.

Membership growth – We now number over 12,500 members from more than 160 countries, with diverse representation across our leadership.

Expansion of scientific and educational offerings – Continuing to grow and maintain the vast library of expert-led sub-specialty content and integrating increasingly ambitious programmatic offerings at our Congresses.

Increased visibility – Awareness events such as World Movement Disorders Day grow larger in scale and impact each year, elevating the voices of our patients and community.

These milestones come at a particularly meaningful moment as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of MDS — a testament to the vision of our founders and the dedication of thousands of members who, decade by decade, have advanced our shared mission to improve the lives of people with movement disorders worldwide.

We cannot, however, rest on our laurels. Some of our important initiatives are still in their nascence and will require our ongoing efforts to ensure that they achieve their stated aims. Some of these tasks will take years, if not decades. We live in a time of major geopolitical conflict and upheaval, but our members from all corners of the world, who work together and share respect and friendship, bear testament to the vital fact, not to be taken for granted, that the MDS values above all our shared humanity.

I will step down with optimism, knowing that the next Strategic Plan will carry forward these priorities and ensure MDS remains a leader in advancing care, research, and education.

It will be my privilege to pass the baton to Professor David Burn, who will bring his own vision, experience, and energy to lead MDS into its next phase. I have every confidence that under his leadership, the Society will continue to thrive and advance its mission.

Thank you for the opportunity to have served as your president – it has been an absolute honor, and I am humbled by the depth of talent with whom I have had the privilege to work. At the upcoming International Congress in Honolulu, I look forward to celebrating the achievements of many, recognizing our volunteers, committees, and regional leaders, and seeing first-hand how the new strategic directions begin to take shape.