The WPC in Kyoto was my first experience at a World Parkinson Congress. I wasn’t sure what to expect, yet I left energized, invigorated, and inspired – partly by Kyoto, but mainly by the PWP I met. As physicians, and especially as PD neurologists, we do our best to think of the PWPs we see as individuals with their own lives and stories. At the same time, our interaction with PWPs is mainly in small clinic rooms where we focus on what is not always going well. This interaction has its purpose, but the nature of healthcare today doesn’t allow us the time really needed to spend more time to talk about life and get a broader picture. That’s a shame, really, as it is this picture that allows for the absolute best medical care.

At the WPC I saw PWPs in all environments: riding the metro with me, having dinner, sharing a traditional Japanese bath (I could use one of those about now!), and living life. Seeing this reminded me why I got into this field: to help people live their lives. I love hearing PWPs tell me about their vacations down rivers in Asia or in castles in Europe. Since I returned from Kyoto I’ve made it more of a point to recommend the WPC to many of the PWPs I see in the clinic as well. I can see them having the same invigoration that I had. Perhaps most importantly of all, the WPC reminded me that I am counting down the days to when PD is a thing of the past.

Binit B. Shah, MD is an Associate Professor, Neurology Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, Division Neurology Clerkship Director, Movement Disorders Fellowship Director at University of Virginia.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this post reflect that of the author(s) solely. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the World Parkinson Coalition®