LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville and the Parkinson’s Support Center of Kentuckiana are looking for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who are interested in being connected with first-year medical students for a year-long interactive program.
The PD Buddy Program, now in its third year, is a collaboration between the UofL School of Medicine, UofL Physicians – Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, UofL College of Education and Human Development and the Parkinson’s Support Center of Kentuckiana.
The program matches first-year medical students with patients affected by Parkinson’s disease. The “buddy” pairs meet monthly to share challenges and accomplishments of living with the disease. Students appreciate the opportunity to learn about PD outside a classroom setting, and patients have enjoyed sharing their stories and the social interactions. Students also receive education about PD and several group activities such as a holiday party or a bowling afternoon are scheduled throughout the year.
The program runs from September 2017-April 2018 and the average time commitment is three to four hours per month. For more information about the PD Buddy Program, watch our video on YouTube.
To sign up, contact UofL Physicians at 502-582-7654. The deadline for registration is Aug. 31.