Parkinson’s Foundation MasterClass 47: a must-attend event for healthcare professionals with an interest in Parkinson’s

Event reports
04 Oct 2024

The Parkinson’s Foundation MasterClass 47, held at Halifax Hall, Sheffield on 24th-25th September 2024, delivered another exceptional educational experience for healthcare professionals developing an interest in Parkinson’s. The two-day event provided participants with a greater understanding and practical tools in supporting individuals living with Parkinson’s, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees who highlighted the depth of learning and the high calibre of speakers. This MasterClass was the first under the guidance of our new academic director of the Parkinson's Foundation MasterClass, Dr Tom Mace.

Dr Tom Mace, consultant geriatrician, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust & academic director of the Parkinson's Foundation MasterClass

Unmissable learning opportunities

Delegates were full of praise for the wide-ranging and impactful sessions, which catered to both early-career and experienced professionals. Key highlights included:

  • Dr Tom Mace’s introduction, which set a clear and motivating agenda. One attendee noted, “This was an excellent introduction and really set the tone for an engaging course. It made me feel welcome and ready to learn.”

  • Early treatment options, where practical guidance on Parkinson’s medications was shared. “This session was so useful and practical. The cheat sheet was a game-changer for me – I feel much more confident in my clinical decisions now,” said one participant.

  • Managing neuropsychiatric complications, led by Dr David Okai, explored essential strategies for addressing the psychological challenges of Parkinson’s. One attendee commented, “David is such a knowledgeable speaker, and this session gave me crucial insights that I can apply immediately in my practice.”

  • Late-stage disease management with Dr Christopher Kobylecki provided an expert overview of advanced treatments. A participant shared, “This session was fantastic – so much valuable information that I can use when managing my complex patients. I feel more prepared than ever.”

Highly engaging and interactive

The MasterClass was designed to foster active participation and knowledge-sharing. Attendees were especially impressed by the interactive format, which included the use of Slido. “The Slido tool was brilliant! It made the sessions feel really dynamic and inclusive, even for those attending virtually,” remarked one attendee.

The panel discussions also stood out, with participants able to explore real-life clinical scenarios. One attendee noted, “It’s great to hear about practical cases – it really helped me connect theory to my own clinical practice.”

Participants consistently praised the speakers for making complex topics accessible. “The presenters were exceptional, breaking down difficult concepts into understandable and practical advice. I learned so much!” said one attendee.

For virtual attendees, the MasterClass provided a seamless and engaging experience. Many praised the ease of participating remotely, with one commenting, “Being able to attend online was invaluable. The technology worked really well, and I still felt involved in every session.”

Thank you to our sponsor

This event has been part funded by sponsorship from Parkinson’s Excellence Network. The sponsor has had no control over the educational content of this activity.

Philippa Duggan-Carter, lead nurse Parkinson’s and movement disorders, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust & Dr Lara Teare, consultant neurologist, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Why you should join the next MasterClass

The Parkinson’s Foundation MasterClass is not just an educational event – it’s an opportunity to connect with a passionate community of professionals committed to advancing Parkinson’s care. The event offers:

  • Cutting-edge knowledge: Attendees noted the high value of the content, with one saying, “This course covered everything I needed and more. I left feeling completely up to date on the latest in Parkinson’s care.”

  • Expert-led sessions: Attendees appreciated learning from top experts in the field. One participant shared, “The speakers were all incredibly knowledgeable and approachable. It was a privilege to learn from them.”

  • Practical tools: With a focus on actionable insights, one attendee said, “I walked away with so many practical tips and resources that I can apply immediately in my clinic.”

  • Interactive learning: The format was highly engaging, with attendees able to participate actively. As one noted, “The case studies and discussions were brilliant - I feel so much more prepared to handle complex cases.”

  • Networking opportunities: The event provided excellent opportunities to connect with peers. “It was fantastic to network with others in the field. I’ve made great connections that will benefit me professionally,” said one participant.

Join us in 2025

The outstanding success of Parkinson’s Foundation MasterClass 47 highlights why this event is a must for any healthcare professional involved in Parkinson’s care. Whether you’re building your foundation in the field or looking to enhance your expertise, the MasterClass offers unparalleled value.

Make sure to secure your place for next year’s event and join an engaging, insightful, and career-enhancing experience, or if you can’t wait that long, we have the on-demand version ready and waiting for you.

Stay updated on future MasterClass opportunities and other educational events by subscribing to our newsletter. We look forward to welcoming you to the next MasterClass!

'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.