Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Awarded $1M from Merz North America for Clinical Fellowships

CHICAGO - Nov. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Merz North America will award up to $1,000,000 in grants to support the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation’s (DMRF) Clinical Fellowship Training Program over the next three years. The DMRF provides one-year fellowship grants to train movement disorder neurologists in the diagnosis and treatment of dystonia, the third most common movement disorder.

“Despite improvements in research and treatment, dystonia patients often have trouble finding a doctor who knows how to diagnosis and treat their symptoms. Too often diagnosis is delayed or missed,” said Art Kessler, President of the DMRF, who has lived with dystonia since childhood. “Plus, funding trends in academic institutions severely limit the number of fellowships for rare disorders like dystonia—making it all the more difficult for doctors to access specialized training.”

“At Merz, we believe that one of the most important ways we can support dystonia patients is to fund physician training and education. By providing funding for the DMRF Clinical Fellowship Training Program, we hope to raise awareness of dystonia among the next generation of movement disorder physicians, ensuring that they are better prepared to diagnose and treat this rare but serious disease,” said Bill Humphries, President and Chief Executive Officer for Merz North America, Inc.

The fellowship program supports clinical training of exceptionally qualified physicians in preparation for a career in movement disorders with special expertise in dystonia. Training focuses on critical aspects of dystonia including diagnosis and evaluation, ongoing patient care and management, pharmacotherapy with a special emphasis on neurotoxin therapy, and neurosurgical interventions. The program emphasizes a patient-centered approach and includes hands-on experience in clinics as well as participation in professional meetings and workshops.

More information about the DMRF Clinical Fellowship Training Program is available at http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/research

About the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation
The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research for improved dystonia treatments and ultimately a cure, promoting awareness, and supporting the well-being of affected individuals and families. Since 1976, the DMRF has supported and stimulated the dystonia research field. Work supported by the DMRF has led to an overall better understanding of dystonia as well as breakthroughs in genetics and therapeutics. The Foundation also provides patient education and support resources. The DMRF can be reached at 800-377-3978 or www.dystonia-foundation.org as well as on Facebook, Twitter (@DMRF), and YouTube.