National VA Parkinson's Disease Consortium

The National VA Parkinson's Disease Consortium:

History & Mission

Our Mission…

To support the provision of optimal care and education for veterans diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders through professional education, collaboration and advocacy.

The National VA Parkinson's Disease Consortium was established in 2003 as a means to broaden the impact of the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs) and encourage the delivery of modern Parkinson's disease management across the collective VA Healthcare System. While the PADRECCs serve as Centers of Excellence, the Consortium aims to revolutionize clinical care at unique VA Medical Centers via professional education, collaboration and support. All VA clinicians, including movement disorder specialists, neurologists, gerontologists, general internists, practitioners and other allied health professionals, are invited and encouraged to join in this paramount campaign.

The Consortium was commenced in April 2003 with a national conference in Miami, Florida titled "Novel Concepts and Management Strategies in Parkinson's Disease". Approximately 75 VA clinicians selected from the PADRECC service areas were invited to attend the conference as Consortium charter members. The PADRECC directors presented a series of lectures focused on current treatment modalities. Additionally, the Consortium Advisory Committee was formed as well as the Research, Education and Communication subcommittees.

The Advisory Committee met in Philadelphia on September 3, 2003, in San Francisco on April 29, 2004 and then again in Philadelphia on January 18-19, 2006. These meetings have shaped the foundation of the Consortium by pursuing opportunities to advance resources and national alliances in the Parkinson community. Consortium initiatives have included the distribution of Parkinson's disease toolkits to all Consortium members, exhibits at national conferences, the creation of a VA movement disorder specialist directory, and quarterly circulation of a Parkinson's disease eCommuniqué to the Consortium listserv.

The concept of a "Consortium Center Network" was devised during the 2006 Advisory meeting and launched during the inaugural conference in Philadelphia from September 21-22, 2006. The 41 established Consortium Centers ensure accessibility and continuity of specialized care for veterans afflicted by parkinsonism, regardless of locality. These Centers offer movement disorder clinics staffed by a movement disorder specialist or neurology clinician and are supported by the PADRECCs through administrative assistance, professional collaboration, and training/educational offerings. Together, the PADRECCs and Consortium Centers create a hub and spoke model of care that is thus far unprecedented in the VA system.

Veterans who cannot access direct care at a PADRECC facility can be evaluated and treated at the closest Consortium Center within their region. Click here for more information on how to make a referral/appointment at a Consortium Center.

Consortium Center Refferal List /  Membership & Consortium Center Designation /  Executive Committe Bios /  Resource Request Form /  eCommunique /  Grant Opportunities /  Education & Clinical Resources / The Monthly Transmitter  / Consortium Newsletters /  Consortium Brochures

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