MEL 8675: Elective in Movement Disorders

Drs. Theresa Zesiewicz, Robert Hauser, and Juan Sanchez-Ramos

All students enrolled in this elective must email Dr. Zesiewicz at tzesiewi@health.usf.edu at the start of the academic year.

This elective will provide instruction in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. Students will rotate with each of the movement disorders physicians (Dr. Zesiewicz, Sanchez-Ramos, and Hauser) one day per week. Students will also observe a movement disorder neurosurgeon, either in the OR or in clinic, one day per week (Drs. Smith and Vale). The diagnosis, treatment, and pathophysiology of movement disorders will be emphasized. Movement disorders will consist of Parkinson's disease, Essential tremor, Dystonia, Ataxia, Tic disorders, Huntington's Disease, and others. Students will have the opportunity to participate in evaluation and management of patients with a variety of movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease, Atypical Parkinsonisms, Essential tremor, dystonia, and chorea. Students may also have the opportunity to observe clinical trial visits and injections of botulinum toxin for movement disorders.

Objectives

1. Diagnose movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Essential Tremor, Dystonia, Ataxia, and Huntington's disease
2. Experience in treatment of movement disorders, including observing botulinum toxin injection
3. Observe with the movement disorders neurosurgeons
4. Provide opportunity for participation in clinical or basic science research in movement disorders

Learning Outcomes

Students see patients at the North and South Campus Movement Disorder centers and on the consultative services at Tampa General Hospital. Upon completion of this elective, students should understand the principles of diagnosis and management of patients who have movement disorders.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated by the course director at the end of the course, based largely on clinical evaluations completed by all residents and faculty who work with them.