World Parkinson Congress 2023 Ambassador

World Parkinson Congress (WPC) Ambassador – Barcelona 2023

It is a privilege to be working alongside these inspiring people from around the world, some of whom I had met at the last WPC in Kyoto last year.

Reflections from the WPC Kyoto 2019

The WPC’s mission is to ‘provide an international forum to learn about the latest scientific discoveries, medical practices, caregiver initiatives and advocacy work related to Parkinson’s disease. By bringing physicians, scientists, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, caregivers and people with Parkinson’s disease together, each Congress allows for a worldwide dialogue to help expedite the discovery of a cure and best treatment practices for this devastating disease.’

I found it hard initially to be surrounded by so many people with Parkinson’s, many at more advanced stages than myself. I very quickly realised though that I was part of an amazing community of people from all over the world who are truly inspirational. I met many people I had read about or corresponded with before and also many new people, some of whom I have enduring friendships with. The educational content of the meeting was phenomenal and I was pleased that I had spent many hours before the congress compiling my timetable of ‘must take part in’ sessions, presentations and workshops. There was so much to choose from and something for everyone.

The energy and enthusiasm created from this diverse group of people brought together by one common goal was incredible as we learned together, laughed together, shared insights, experiences and ideas. Witnessing first hand the commitment, expertise and energy that goes into finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for Parkinson’s was in itself uplifting. I knew well before the end of the congress, that I was part of something very special and I knew I wanted to become more involved in the next one.

Coffee breaks and lunchtimes were another opportunity to meet people, to chat, to share our experiences, ideas and hopes. They were also an opportunity to try a range of experiences on offer including reiki and massage therapy. The renewal room provided individual areas where we could rest, relax and on occasion sleep as we needed throughout the day. The travel, the learning, the networking, the heat and of course Parkinson’s meant this was a much needed and valued facility for many of us. The organisers truly had thought of everything, except perhaps they might have underestimated the challenge for many of us of eating lunch with chopsticks!

I had looked forward to the congress but I had no idea that by the time I left, I would not only feel better educated, I would feel I had been involved in something very special and inspirational.

I had planned a couple of days before and after the congress so I had chance to see some of the sights, to sample the local cuisine, to travel to Osaka and Nara and, although I hadn’t imagined I would, I managed to spend a wonderful day cycling around Kyoto too!

For anyone with an interest in Parkinson’s if you can only attend one meeting, it is the World Parkinson Congress that will leave you better educated, better connected and better resourced whether you are living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone with Parkinson’s or whether your clinical practice or research is linked to Parkinson’s.

Plans are already well underway for the next WPC in Barcelona from 4th-7th June 2023 and I’m delighted to be playing a small part in it. For more information, please follow the link below.

World Parkinson Congress 2023