Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (Houston, TX) - PADRECC

The Houston Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC) at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is one of six new VA Centers of Excellence around the country, specializing in research, education and clinical care for veterans with Parkinson's disease and related neurological movement disorders. In addition to conducting research on drug trials, rehabilitation, epidemiology, health services delivery, and quality of life, the Houston Center will participate in a landmark study to assess the effectiveness of surgical implantation of deep brain stimulators in reducing the symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease. The Center operates as a Consortium with the other 5 PADRECCs.

PADRECC Staff Directory

Eugene C. Lai, MD,PhD - Director
Richard K. Simpson, MD,PhD - Associate Director
Gabriel Hou, MD,PhD - Associate Director of Research
Aliya Sarwar, MD - Associate Director of Clinical Care
Linda Fincher, BS, RN - Assistant Clinical Director
Naomi Nelson, PhD - Co-Associate Director of Education
Marilyn Trail, MOT, OTR - Co-Associate Director of Education
Shawna Johnson, BS, RN - Clinical Coordinator 
Michele York, PhD - Clinical Neuropsychologist
Brenda Wade - Administrative Officer
Farah Atassi, MD, MPH - Health Science Specialist
Suzanne Moore, BA - Health Science Specialist
Louise Mercer - Clinic Clerk

PADRECC Services Offered

The Houston PADRECC offers clinical services, educational outreach and support to veterans with Parkinson's Disease and related neurodegenerative movement disorders. The PADRECC also organizes professional education programs and seminars to allied health professionals interested in Parkinson's Disease and related movement disorders. 

PADRECC Newsletters

To browse the Houston PADRECC Education Newsletters for Patients and Health Care Professionals, click here.

PADRECC PowerpointPresentations

To view selected Powerpoint presentations on Parkinson's disease presented by PADRECC Staff members, click here.

Contact Information

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
PADRECC
Room 2B-146
2002 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030
mail stop: 127-PD

Phone: (713) 794-7841
Fax: (713) 794-8888

For any questions or comments regarding this website's content, please e-mail the webmaster at marilyn.trail@med.va.gov .