What is the Buddy Program:
The Buddy Program is an educational program that pairs first-year medical students with people diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Buddies are matched for one calendar year, and are asked to meet for approximately 2-3 hours a month.
The program aims to:
- Educate medical students on Parkinson’s and neurological disease
- Help students understand the day to day issues faced by individuals living with Parkinson’s
- Introduce students to research and career opportunities in neurology and movement disorders
- Provide people with Parkinson’s the opportunity to interact and help educate the medical community
Who Can Participate:
Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease:
- Individuals that have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and are at any stage in the disease
- Individuals with an interest and time commitment to interact with medical students each month
- Individuals that can either get around on their own or have a caregiver that can provide assistance
Medical Students:
- Students entering their first year at the University of Louisville Medical School
- Students with an interest in interacting and learning more about patients with Parkinson’s
- Students who can commit 2-3 hours a month to spend with their buddies and 1 hour per quarter for mentor sessions with the Medical School Liaison, Dr. Kathrin LaFaver.
*Please note that this is an educational program and students are not able to give medical advice
