Michael S. Okun

Michael S. Okun, MD, was the author of the Amazon bestseller Parkinson's Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life which was translated into over 20 languages. His laboratory focuses on research underpinning Parkinson's, Tourette, and other movement disorders and he is active in the development of new treatments and devices. He was recently recognized at the White House as a Champion of Change for his work in these areas. Dr. Okun is currently Chairman of Neurology, Professor and Co-director of the Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration at the University of Florida College of Medicine. The center is unique in that it is comprised of 40+ interdisciplinary faculty members from diverse areas of campus, all of whom are dedicated to care, outreach, education and research. He was instrumental in the construction of a one-stop patient-centered clinical-research experience for national and international patients seen at the University of Florida. Dr. Okun is the Co-chair of the Medical Advisory Board for the Tourette Association of America and the National Medical Director for the Parkinson's Foundation. Dr. Okun has enjoyed a prolific research career exploring Tourette syndrome and non-motor basal ganglia brain features. He is currently developing a device to identify and treat tics through a NIH funded project. He has been an integral part of some of the pioneering studies exploring the cognitive, behavioral, and mood effects of brain stimulation. Dr. Okun holds the Adelaide Lackner Professorship in Neurology and has published over 350 peer-reviewed articles. He is a poet (Lessons From the Bedside, 1995) and his books on Parkinson's (Parkinson's Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life and 10 Breakthrough Therapies in Parkinson's Disease have both been Amazon bestsellers.