Ok, here's an idea. Would there be a way to ask everybody we know, and compile a list of any neurologist in any country who seems particularly acute, or particularly helpful, or especially WILLING TO CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE VIEWPOINTS such as ways to reduce medications or seriously confront their side effects or work with things like mucuna, etc. And then make a patient-reviewed informational guide with contact info for any of these physicians? Does this already exist someplace?

I feel so at a loss to find neurological support (especially informed support) for what I'm trying to accomplish. I have strong ideas about what I need and how I should try and approach it - but I need a doctor who will say ok, I trust your instincts, let me see what I can do to help you get there.

Me thinks this will be a very lonely post. I know of no such person....
Though I am currently intrigued by Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona who authored "Coyote Medicine", not for neuro in particular (his training is in psychiatry), but for such an interesting approach to illness/wellness. madelyn

What a good idea. When I have needed to find a neurologist it has been terribly difficult, especially since I don't know anyone where I live who has PD. I only have trial and error to rely on.

Of course, everyone would need to understand that the one that works for one might not worki for the other. Nevertheless there are some qualities that we all look for, namely competence.

I'll start and recommend my guy.

Samer Tabbal. MD
Washington University Medical School
St. Louis, Mo
Barnes Jewish Hospital
(314) 362-6908

It takes a long time to get an appointment but he's worth the wait.

thanks, pkell. my cynicism is dispelled. At least there is one. madelyn

Fiona, that's a splendid idea. I also wonder if a list of the ones to avoid would be helpful. I've been to 4 neurologists so far, and with 3 of them I couldn't wait to get out of their office. One of them, the director of a major parkinson's institute, greeted me with a cold stare and said, "What do you want from me?" A complete waste of time and money. The fourth neuro is a sweetheart, warm and empathetic, but doesn't seem to have much experience as a movement disorder specialist. So, in the meantime, I'll keep running down leads til I find someone. And I'll keep an eye on this forum. At least I've got a brilliant family practitioner, a wonderful rolfer/message therapist and a remarkable Osteopath/Cranial-Sacral guy. Now if I could just find the perfect car mechanic. . . .

Jon

Don't forget the liability issue of possible slander. (Lawyers are constantly looking for business .) However, it is a good resource, but I would pass the list around via emails. And as was pointed out, it's just like watching a movie - what one person likes can be totally opposite anothehr)
Peg

Thanks, guys, for the ideas. Now if I only had the energy and focus to actually see a project thru these days....

Peg, I wanted to say about libel etc - there are websites already where you can go and shop for doctors and read the patient "reviews" and comments...Since they are providing a service, I think the public has a right to evaluate it and share that evaluation, no?

Dr. Holly Shill
Sun health research institute
Sun City, Arizona

She is both a researcher and MDS. I recommend her highly!

Isn't "good neurologist" an oxymoron?

Why does this speciality attracts so many heartless SOBs?

Dr. Mark Lew
USC Movement DisOrders program

Dr. Jeff Bronstein
Chair UCLA Movement Disorder Program

Secretary: HEnrietta Salazar (310) 206-9799