Treating Parkinson’s Takes a Team. These Students are Learning How.

An interprofessional presentation brought together students from five disciplines to demonstrate how coordinated care helps patients manage a complex neurological disease.

Though excluded from the most recent film adaptation of “The Odyssey,” King Nestor is a featured character in Homer’s original epics. He’s described as a fierce war veteran who, with age, developed tremors, shakiness, and unsteadiness. Modern historians and physicians say King Nestor experienced what we now call Parkinson’s Disease.

This example set the tone for the Interprofessional Healthcare Forum’s (IPHF) presentation, “The Care of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease,” held on July 16. Students from five programs at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) led a virtual presentation on the condition, focusing on the importance of team-based care for treating a patient with Parkinson’s. The presentation was open to MCPHS students, faculty, and staff.

“One of the best ways to learn about other healthcare professions is to step beyond the curriculum and hear directly from other providers,” said Dr. Stephen Cina, creator of and faculty advisor for the IPHF. “During these activities, students have an opportunity to explain their role caring for patients with a specific disease state. In turn, their colleagues get a better understanding of how care responsibilities intersect.”

The presentation began with an introduction about the history, causes, and prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease. “Parkinsonism is an umbrella term we have for conditions that are causing a hypokinetic movement problem,” explained Chadd Baer, Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies. “Parkinson’s Disease is specifically a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder.”

Then, students from each program shared research into best practices for treating patients with Parkinson’s.

A diagnosis often begins with a primary care provider, like a physician assistant, students explained, who can assess and identify the four cardinal features of the condition. A strict medication regimen is a critical part of managing symptoms. “Timing is therapy,” Jill Patel, PharmD ’28 explained. “Pharmacists can ensure patients receive the right medication, at the right dose, at the right time.”

These initial providers often refer to other specialties to continue symptom management. Physical therapists can help patients build strength and reduce their risk of falling. Meanwhile, occupational therapists can help patients adapt their lives based on their symptoms and address mental wellness. “We will focus on mindfulness and meditation strategies as a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be very harmful on a patient’s mental and emotional state,” said Brynn Murphy, MSOT ’27.

Finally, Sydney Sloan, DAC CHM ’28, shared how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are complementary therapies alongside conventional neurological care. “Clinical evidence shows acupuncture may improve symptoms that some of the medications don’t fully address, including sleep, pain, constipation, anxiety, depression, and balance,” she said.

Each student emphasized the need for constant communication among providers, with adjustments based on the patient’s disease stage and individual goals.

While this event was held over Zoom, many of the IPHF’s and Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education events and activities are held in-person, bringing at least two academic programs together to learn with, from, and about each other.

The IPHF is a student organization on the Worcester and Manchester, NH campuses. The group holds several events throughout the year to give students the opportunity to practice their interprofessional collaboration skills. Students interested in joining the IPHF or participating in future events can contact Dr. Cina.