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Fixel Newsletter: April 2026

 
 

Awareness at Fixel  

  Graphic featuring red tulips and text: Parkinson's Awareness Month

This April, we recognize Parkinson’s Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, innovative research, and comprehensive care in improving the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease. We also observe World Parkinson’s Day on April 11, a global moment to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and accelerate progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

 
 

Occupational Therapy Month

  Graphic featuring text: Happy Occupational Therapy Month

We also recognize Occupational Therapy Month, celebrating the vital role occupational therapists play in helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life. Through personalized, patient-centered care, occupational therapy supports people in overcoming physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges to safely and confidently engage in everyday activities.

 
 

National Healthcare Decision Day

Graphic featuring awareness ribbon and text: National Healthcare Decision Day, April 16  

National Healthcare Decisions Day is on April 16, raising awareness about the importance of advance care planning and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This day encourages open conversations between patients, families, and care teams to ensure that personal values and preferences are understood and respected.

 
 

National Administrative Professionals Day

  Graphic featuring text: Happy Administrative Professionals Day

On April 22nd, we are celebrating Administrative Professionals Day, dedicated to the individuals who keep our organization running smoothly every day. Their attention to detail, organization, and behind-the-scenes coordination play a vital role in supporting our teams, enhancing patient experiences, and ensuring seamless operations.

 
 

Upcoming Events

 
 

April 21st- Start and Spark

  Professional Headshot of Francesca Arias, PhD

April’s START & SPARK session will take place on April 21st at 5 pm, with networking and food available at 4:30 pm. This month's talk will feature guest speaker Franchesca Arias, PhD. 

 
 

April 23-24th: Dystonia Think Tank

  Dystonia Think Tank logo for Website

The Fixel Institute is hosting a Dystonia Think Tank! Bringing together leading clinicians, researchers and advocates focused on advancing care and discovery for individuals living with dystonia. This collaborative forum is designed to foster meaningful discussion, share emerging insights, and explore innovative strategies that can improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for patients and families affected by this complex movement disorder. More details will be shared as the event approaches.

Learn more here!

 
 

September 16-18th: DBS Think Tank

  DBS Think Tank 2025 Logo for website

The Fixel Institute is hosting the annual Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Think Tank, a globally recognized gathering of leading experts in neuromodulation. Since its founding in 2012, this collaborative forum has brought together clinicians, researchers, and engineers from across academia, industry, and clinical practice to explore the latest advancements, address emerging ethical considerations, and shape the future of DBS technology.

With a dynamic, discussion-driven agenda, the Think Tank fosters meaningful dialogue on cutting-edge research and novel applications for neurological and psychiatric conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, depression, and more. By encouraging open exchange and international collaboration, both in person and virtually, the DBS Think Tank continues to advance innovation and expand the impact of DBS for patients worldwide.

Learn more here!

 
 
 
 
 

Welcome New Team Members!


 
 
Professional headshot of Leonardo Almeida, MD

Leo Almeida, M.D.
Co-Director, Fixel Neuromodulation Research Program

 
 
Professional Headshot of Grace Huff

Grace Huff
Marketing and Communications Specialist

 
 
Professional headshot of Andreas Christou

Andreas "Andy" Christou
Special Projects Coordinator

 
 
Professional headshot of Michael "Buck" Bucholz

Michael "Buck" Buchholz
Jr. Data Lab Manager

 
 
Professional headshot of Reshia Mack

Reshia Mack
Administrative Specialist III

 
 

Important Updates


 
 

Research & Technology Innovation Incubator Coming Soon...

Rendered image of the future Research & Technology Innovation Incubator (RTII).  

The second floor of the Fixel Institute Research & Administration building is being transformed into the Research & Technology Innovation Incubator (RTII). A state-of-the-art hub designed to spark collaboration and accelerate discovery in neurological care.

Renovations will kick off later this year! During this time, the second floor will be closed to employees, with restrooms and water fountains available on the first floor only.

We look forward to sharing updates as the RTII takes shape and ushers in a new era of innovation at the Fixel Institute.

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Explore Fixel Research

 
 

Social determinants of healthy aging
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Machine learning prediction of discharge destination in patients with Parkinson’s disease; a nationwide cohort study

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Thalamic Neurostimulation and Effects on Movement Consolidation in Essential Tremor

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Share your research papers here to be featured. 

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News

 
 
Lourdes Dosal pictured with Fixel co-directors, Michael Okun and Kelly Foote

Warrior Lou and the healing power of support
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NO.2 in NIH funding graphic featuring the text: UF Neurosurgery and Neuroscience/ Neurology research rank number 2 in NIH funding

UF Neuro research is among the nation's top in NIH funding

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DASH flexitarian mediterranean diet to stop hypertension

Foods to eat for healthy aging

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Close-up of hands senior woman trying to hold a glass of water

New insights on DBS and movement retention in essential tremor

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Fixel in the news

 
 
American football players crouching in formation during a team practice

Inflammation may play a key role in brain changes in former football players

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Graphic of brain on a green, textured background

There is an effective surgical treatment for Parkinson's. Why arent more women with the disease getting it?

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