Fundamentals of Parkinson's for Professionals
With more than 1 million people in the U.S. living with Parkinson's disease (PD), healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines and settings will likely care for someone with Parkinson's and need to understand the nuances of this disease, even if they are not PD experts.
In this introductory course, healthcare professionals will learn about PD symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and the significance of their role as members of the interprofessional care team.
Through the utilization of course content, resources, and tools, healthcare professionals will be able to better communicate and care for people with PD, leading to better outcomes for people with Parkinson's.
Syllabus | |
Fundamentals of Parkinson's for Professionals References, Summary, and Resources Quiz Evaluation Credit Claiming and Certificate |
Target Audience
This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of:
- Physicians
- Physician Assistants
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists (pending)
Learning Objectives
At the end of this activity, the learner will be able to:
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease to understand the variability in presentation from person to person.
- Identify the types of treatment options to meet the ever-changing needs of people with Parkinson's.
- Articulate the significance of the interprofessional team to improve communication around optimal care.
Commercial Support Disclosure:
The Parkinson’s Foundation developed this course with support from the CVS Health Foundation.
Course summary
- 0.75 AAPA Category I CME
- 0.75 ACPE Pharmacy
- 0.75 ACPE Pharmacy Technician
- 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 0.75 ANCC
- 0.05 ASHA CE
- 0.75 IPCE Credit™
- 1.00 Occupational Therapist
- 0.75 Participation
Faculty
Ashley Paul, MD, MEd
Dr. Ashley Paul is an Assistant Professor of Neurology in the Division of Movement Disorders at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and serves as Neurology Core Clerkship Director. She completed neurology residency at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she served as Academic Chief Resident. She completed a Master of Education in the Health Professions at the Johns Hopkins School of Education. Her academic work focuses on clinical neurology education, competency-based medical education, feedback and growth mindset, clinical reasoning assessment, and the development of innovative, learner-centered curricula. Dr. Paul has been recognized for her contributions to medical education, including induction into the Johns Hopkins Distinguished Teaching Society for outstanding clinical teaching and for creating an effective and enjoyable learning environment for medical students. She also received the Institute of Excellence in Education Lisa J. Heiser Award for Junior Faculty Contribution in Education, recognizing her early-career contributions and promise as an educator. As Neurology Core Clerkship Director, Dr. Paul leads educational initiatives that make neurology more accessible, clinically relevant, and engaging for medical students. Her work includes co-developing the NeuroBricks Library with colleagues at Harvard Medical School, advancing clinical reasoning assessment through authentic clinical documentation, and creating curricula focused on feedback literacy and growth mindset during the transition to clerkships.Disclosures
Parkinson’s Foundation adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
Planning Committee
- Darla Freeman, SLPD, CCC-SLP: has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
- Adriana Gonzalez, MSW, LCSW: has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
- Erika Jacumin, PA-C: has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
- Lauren Krasucki, PT, DPT, MPH, CPH: has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
- Rebecca Miller, PhD: has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
- Joan Miravite, DNP, RN, FNP-BC: has a financial relationship with Abbott (Consultant, Speaker) and a financial relationship with Medtronic (Consultant).
- Jenelle Montgomery, PharmD, BCACP, CPP: has no relevant financial disclosures to disclose at this time.
- Lynda Nwabuobi, MD: has no relevant financial disclosures to disclose at this time.
- Randolph Todd, DMD: has no relevant financial disclosures to disclose at this time.
- Lisa Warren, MHS, OTR/L: has no relevant financial disclosures to disclose at this time.
Activity Director
- Ashley Paul, MD, MEd: has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Content Validator
- Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, FAAN: has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Planners
- Indhira Blackwood, MPA: has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
- Lisa Hoffman, MA: has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
In support of improving patient care, Parkinson's Foundation is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 0.75 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians
Parkinson’s Foundation designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses
The Parkinson’s Foundation designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.75 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Physician Assistants

Parkinson’s Foundation has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 0.75 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval valid through August 20, 2028 PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacists/Pharmacy Technicians
This activity is approved for 0.75 contact hour(s) ([0.075] CEU) in states that recognize ACPE.
Attending the full program will earn 0.75 contact hour(s).
Universal Activity Number(s): UAN JA4008310-0000-23-002-H01-P
Universal Activity Number(s): UAN JA4008310-0000-23-002-H01-T
Speech-Language Pathologists
LSVT Global is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. This course is offered for up to 0.05 continuing maintenance hours.

This event is offered for up to 0.05 ASHA CEUs.
Occupational Therapists
FL: Parkinson's Foundation is approved by the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice as a continuing education provider - #50-22818, 1 hour (online format).
Available Credit
- 0.75 AAPA Category I CME
- 0.75 ACPE Pharmacy
- 0.75 ACPE Pharmacy Technician
- 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 0.75 ANCC
- 0.05 ASHA CE
- 0.75 IPCE Credit™
- 1.00 Occupational Therapist
- 0.75 Participation

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