By: Mallory Bachmann
Through his RMS Family Foundation, Dr. Schilsky supports specialty training in one of neurology’s most critical fields.
The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases recently received a generous donation from the RMS Family Foundation to fully fund the two-year training of incoming movement disorders fellow Dr. Jerry “Dan” Fenn.
Founder of the RMS Family Foundation, Dr. Randy Schilsky, brings a deeply personal perspective to its mission. A longtime healthcare professional and former CEO of a large urgent care and family practice organization, Dr. Schilsky spent 17 years searching for answers before being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019. His experience drives the foundation’s commitment to advancing early diagnosis, awareness, and research. Dr. Schilsky believes that the more fellows we train, the sooner we can reach earlier diagnoses and begin effective treatments that restore quality of life.
Since opening its doors in 2002, the Fixel Institute (formerly known as the Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration) has proudly served as a premier training ground for movement disorder fellows. It remains one of the largest movement disorder fellowship programs in the United States, training an average of three fellows each year. The program offers a comprehensive experience that blends multidisciplinary clinical training, hands-on research opportunities, and a strong focus on patient-centered care, preparing the next generation of specialists to lead in both academic and clinical settings.
Co-founder of the Fixel Institute and neurologist Dr. Michael Okun believes that when we invest in our future generation, we are investing in hope for better treatments, earlier diagnoses, and more meaningful lives for people with Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders.
“Our Parkinson’s fellowship program is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of movement disorder care. We’re not just training doctors, we’re building future leaders who will push boundaries in clinical care and research,” said Dr. Okun.
What set the Fixel Institute apart for Dr. Schilsky was the strength of its fellowship program and his longstanding connection with Dr. Okun.
“Dr. Okun—his unyielding efforts in the realm of Parkinson’s disease management and his never-ending activism directed toward the eradication of the underlying human causes of this disease—have been truly remarkable,” said Dr. Schilsky.
The recipient of this funding, Dr. Fenn, began his fellowship in early July after completing his residency at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. His passion for treating movement disorders is rooted in a desire to support patients through their most challenging moments and help lighten their burden whenever possible. The RMS Family Foundation funding has allowed Dr. Fenn to focus on his patients and passion for learning without the added responsibility of financial stress.
“I am incredibly appreciative of the support. I’m grateful that there are still individuals and foundations who recognize how important education, research, training, and investment in the development of future doctors are to society,” said Dr. Fenn.
Thanks to generous supporters like the RMS Family Foundation, the Fixel Institute can continue shaping the future of neurological care, training the next generation of specialists and bringing us closer each day to life-changing breakthroughs for those living with movement disorders.
To support the continued advancement of training, research, and patient care at the Fixel Institute, please consider making a contribution: The Fixel Institute Movement Disorders Fellowship Fund – University of Florida Advancement