The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health is home to scientists and clinicians discovering breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders that affect millions of people across the globe.
In July 2019, the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health opened a new state-of-the-art clinical care and research building, which houses the UF Health Neuromedicine—Williston Road practice. This marked UF Health’s latest step in the pursuit of providing the nation’s most comprehensive and advanced care for dystonia, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological disorders.
The $9 million world-class facility—which features some of the foremost experts in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, dystonia, Lewy body dementia, ALS, and concussions—was made possible by the generous support of many donors, including the Lauren and Lee Fixel Family Foundation and Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure.
The institute expands upon the interdisciplinary service and science hub model started by Fixel Institute Executive Director Michael S. Okun, MD, and Fixel Institute Co-director Kelly D. Foote, MD.
Under the ground-breaking hub model, a care team including neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and swallowing specialists, nutritionists, psychiatrists, and social workers all work together under one roof to foster collaboration.
In addition to 28 exam rooms and seven therapy rooms, including three clinical-trials rooms and a telemedicine room, the Fixel Institute incorporates indoor and outdoor rehabilitation, spaces to meditate, a clinical trials center and five laboratory spaces for researchers.
“We sometimes forget that it’s not just the medicines and therapies, it’s patients and families who need to heal, and we need to have the right team members to help them live happy and meaningful lives despite the presence of neurological disease,” said Okun.
Since opening, the Fixel Institute has further expanded its team of renowned neuroscientists with the recruitment of four prominent investigators from leading research institutions: Matthew Farrer, PhD, from the University of British Columbia; Malú G. Tansey, PhD, from Emory University School of Medicine; Matthew LaVoie, PhD, from Harvard Medical School; and Stefan Prokop, MD, from the University of Pennsylvania.
“When you get a lot of smart people in the same room trying to solve similar problems, really good things happen,” said Foote. “And we will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people suffering from these complex neurological disorders.”
Centers of Excellence at the Fixel Institute
- Tyler’s Hope Center for Comprehensive Dystonia Care Parkinson’s Foundation
- Center of Excellence
- Research Center of Excellence
- Cure PSP Center of Care
- Huntington’s Disease Society of America Center of Excellence Lewy Body Dementia Association
- Research Center of Excellence Tourette Association of America Southeast Regional Center of Excellence
