Dr Ed Richfield appointed academic director for Parkinson’s Advanced MasterClass
NewsWe’re delighted to share that Dr Ed Richfield is stepping into the role of academic director for the Parkinson’s Advanced MasterClass, starting with this week’s MasterClass 48 module 1.
A familiar face to many, Ed has been part of Parkinson’s Academy for over a decade. He’s been sharing his expertise in palliative care, elderly medicine and Parkinson’s as part of the faculty for years, and also founded the Palliative Care Academy.
Ed’s interest in palliative care began early in his training as a geriatrician. At the same time, he found himself increasingly involved in supporting people with movement disorders, training alongside consultants whose approach to conditions like Parkinson’s really inspired him. In 2014, while halfway through a PhD in palliative care in Parkinson’s, Ed signed up as a delegate on Parkinson’s MasterClass 25. As Dr Peter Fletcher, academic director emeritus, reflects:
“When specialist registrar Ed Richfield signed up to participate in MasterClass 25 in June 2014 he was already half way through a PhD researching palliative care in Parkinson’s disease (Pd)! If all of that wasn’t enough Ed was engaged in lots and lots of teaching as well. He had also conducted numerous audits including one on palliative care services for people with Pd. The only problem with the latter was that there was no gold standard. Simples! Ed’s PhD work meant that he was able to write one.”
Peter also shared a memory from Ed’s original course application:
“On Ed’s original needs analysis, one of his wants/needs was:
‘To establish relationships with more experienced PD clinicians, to aid a process of continued professional development and ongoing learning.’
So nearly 11 years on from attending MC25, I think we can put a very large tick in that box.”
Ed remembers that first MasterClass clearly:
“I have always hated the idea of ‘networking’ and was sceptical about this aspect of the course. In fact, I was surprised and relieved to discover that the MasterClass team were genuinely inclusive, keen to hear the thoughts and ideas of delegates, and viewed learning as a whole group activity rather than a didactic process.
Peter and the team created a collegiate atmosphere, where faculty and delegates learnt from each other and shared their passion for improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s.”
That collaborative approach and sense of learning together is still at the heart of every course. Ed found himself sharing his research with fellow delegates, and before long, was invited back as a speaker. His sessions on palliative care in Parkinson’s quickly became an integral part of our MasterClass programmes, and he later joined the faculty as a permanent member.
Recognising the broader need for education in palliative care across many other long-term neurological conditions, Ed went on to establish the Palliative Care Academy in 2017 – a unique education programme designed to cultivate a dual specialism in neurology and palliative care.
“This ethos of inclusion often sees delegates becoming faculty members as they build their own areas of expertise,” says Ed. “And it’s manifest in the fact that Tom and I have now assumed leadership of the Foundation and Advanced MasterClass. We do so with enthusiasm, as well as trepidation, as we look to continue the great work of Peter, Daiga and the Neurology Academy team.”
Ed’s appointment comes as Dr Peter Fletcher steps back from leading the Academy after more than two decades. One of the founding members of Parkinson’s Academy when it was established in 2002, Peter has shaped not only the Foundation and Advanced MasterClasses, but the ethos of Neurology Academy as a whole.
“On a personal level I am delighted to see Ed take the helm,” says Peter. “He has the broad range of skills that means he can cast a critical eye on what is needed, how to deliver it and to reflect on how it all went.
With the Parkinson’s Academy now in its third decade, the Advanced MasterClass continues to evolve – and indeed it is our MasterClass that can directly trace its origins back to MasterClass 1 in 2002. The needs that drove that first course have only escalated over time, so in 2025 we need to continue this work.
I have no doubt that Ed has the vision and skills to do just that.
Congratulations Ed, and the very best of luck to you and the wonderful team that you now lead.”
We couldn’t agree more. A huge congratulations to Ed on stepping into this new role! His passion and years of experience at the Academy make him a fantastic fit to lead the Parkinson’s Advanced MasterClass.
Ed now joins Dr Tom Mace, our new academic director of the Foundation MasterClass, in leading the Parkinson’s Academy into its next chapter. Both have come through the Academy as delegates, gone on to speak and teach, and are now shaping the next generation of Parkinson’s education.
As Ed puts it:
“The focus of the MasterClass will continue to be on high quality education, delivered in a collegiate and inclusive setting, where the expertise of delegates is recognised, while being supplemented by our team of expert faculty from around the country.
In doing so we hope to continue providing the ‘knowledge you can’t get from a textbook’ (thanks Peter!) and building the clinical workforce that drives high quality care for people living with Parkinson’s.”
We’re grateful to Peter for the huge legacy he leaves behind. As Sarah Gillett, managing director of Neurology Academy, says:
“It’s hard to imagine the Academy without Peter at the helm. His contribution has been truly immeasurable, and we’re so grateful for everything he’s built. Thank you, Peter, for everything – we wouldn’t be who we are today without you.”
This week, we’ll be running the first Advanced MasterClass under Ed’s guidance in Sheffield and we look forward to welcoming a new cohort of delegates to the Academy.
If you’d like to hear more from Ed, you can catch him in our new ‘Fireside chats’ series – a more informal online course which has already had over 220 sign-ups.
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'The things you can't get from the books'
Parkinson's Academy, our original and longest running Academy, houses 22 years of inspirational projects, resources, and evidence for improving outcomes for people with Parkinson's. Led by co-founder and educational director Dr Peter Fletcher, the Academy has a truly collegiate feel and prides itself on delivering 'the things you can't get from books' - a practical learning model which inspires all Neurology Academy courses.