Pre-Function | The Plaza

Video: “It’s the Story of My Life”

Patient Storytelling:

Starring:

Mark Friedman, MS, Retired, Information Technology,

Public Sector Sales Leadership

Tia Kinsey, Epilepsy, Bank of America

Glenn Landau, Parkinsons, Landau Global Advisors

Supporting Roles:

Jeffrey B. English, MD, Medical Director, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Lawrence Seiden, MD, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Joash T. Lazarus, MD, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Knowing the Power of Your Story: A Health Equity Presentation

Moderator: Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, Founder & CEO | Joi Life Wellness Center

Panelists & Presenters: Jakai Nolan-McEwen, MD, Joi Life Wellness Center | Juny Simpson, Head of Health Equity, Customer Engagement, Genentech | Jacqueline Rosenthal, MD, Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute, Shepherd Center

Room Location: Whitley Ballroom

Our personal health stories hold immense power in shaping awareness, driving change, and improving access to quality care. This session will explore how sharing lived experiences can break down barriers to health equity, enhance health literacy, and foster shared decision-making between patients and providers. By addressing challenges such as systemic disparities, cultural stigmas, and gaps in care availability, we will discuss actionable solutions to improve access, including patient advocacy and community-driven healthcare initiatives. Attendees will learn how storytelling can be a catalyst for change, empowering individuals to navigate the healthcare system more effectively and drive meaningful impact in their communities.

Empowering Patients Through Knowledge & Increasing Shared Decision-Making in Neuroscience Care

TOPIC: MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS | NMOSD & AI

Moderator: Robin Hackney, Chief Marketing Officer, Healthcare Technology

Presenters:

Jeffrey B. English, MD, Medical Director, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Meena Kannan, MD, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Room Location: Whitley Ballroom I & II

TOPIC: PARKINSON’S | MOVEMENT DISORDERS | TARDIVE DYSKINESIA & AI

Presenters:

Joash T. Lazarus, MD | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Yulia Salamatova, DO, | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Program Partner: American Parkinson’s Disease Association

Room Location: The Gallery

TOPIC: ALZHEIMER’S & AI

Presenter:

Douglas S. Stuart, MD, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Room Location: Salons 6,7 & 8

TOPIC: EPILEPSY & AI

Presenters:

Lawrence G. Seiden, MD, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Room Location: Salons 3,4 & 5

Room Location: The Plaza

Reframing Conversations: Real Stories of Resilience in Neurological Care

Moderators: Lawrence Seiden, MD | Jeffrey B. English, MD | Joash T. Lazarus, MD | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Panelists: Tia Kinsey, Epilepsy Patient | Mark Friedman, MS Patient | Glenn Landau, Parkinson’s Patient

Room Location: Salons 6,7, & 8

Session Overview

Personal narratives have the transformative power to reshape our understanding and approach to neurological conditions. By hearing directly from patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers who have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation, you may find the inspiration and motivation needed to reimagine your own journey and push boundaries in both your personal and professional life. Join us as we hear from real-life heroes who have turned challenges into opportunities as they navigate their journeys living with MS, Parkinson’s and Epilepsy. Prepare to be amazed by these powerful stories of courage and innovation and leave with new perspectives that will inspire your own path forward.

Plan, Prepare, Protect: Real Stories and Strategies for Parkinson’s Care

Moderators: Yulia Salamatova, DO | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute | Nicole Lessard, BA, RN, Vice President, Chief Clinical Affairs Officer | Parkinson’s Foundation

Panelists: Jen Franks, Founder & Family Support Advocate, Serving Seniors, LLC | Jerry Feldman, Person living with Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador | Patrick Exley, Person Living with Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s Foundation Georgia Board Member | Susan Brown, Person Living with Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s Foundation Georgia Board Member

Room Location: Salons 3, 4, & 5

Program Partner: Parkinson’s Foundation

Session Overview

This session is designed to equip Parkinson’s patients and their care partners with actionable strategies and real-life stories to effectively navigate the challenges of managing Parkinson’s disease. It emphasizes planning for the future, preparing for changes in care needs, and protecting the well-being of both the patient and their caregiver. By sharing personal stories and practical strategies, this session fosters a supportive environment for learning and community-building.

MS Care Reimagined: How Health Coaching & Disease-Modifying Habits Change the Story

Moderator: Jeffrey B. English, MD | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute Presenter: Amy Behimer, Pharm.D., NBC-HWC

Room Location: The Gallery

Program Partner: MSAA

Session Overview

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) play a key role in MS care, but what about the daily habits that shape your health and well-being? Join Dr. Amy Behimer as she introduces "DMHs"—disease-modifying habits—that complement your treatment plan. You’ll hear real patient stories, learn why healthier habits can feel hard (and how to make them stick), and why reimagining your support team with the addition of a coach could be what’s been missing from your care plan.