Michael Okun

Michael S. Okun is an American neurologist, neuroscientist and author. He is the co-founder and director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida (2019-current) and is also the former chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Florida (2015-2023) as well as the Medical Director/Advisor for the Parkinson’s Foundation (2006-current). He is best known for his work in translating physiological principles underpinning human neurological diseases (such as Parkinson’s, Tourette, dystonia and tremor) into real-world therapies. His research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and many disease foundations. He has published over 600 papers in medical journals such as JAMA, Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine. He and his group have contributed data to support the FDA approval of several device related approaches now used to treat human disease. He has published 14 books. He is a poet (Lessons From the Bedside, 1995) and his book, Parkinson’s Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life was translated into over 20 languages. His most recent co-authored books include Ending Parkinson’s Disease and Living with Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Okun was recognized in a 2015 White House ceremony by the Obama administration as a Champion of Change for Parkinson’s Disease and he recently (2023) became only the 5th professor in the history of the University of Florida College of Medicine to be promoted to the rank of Distinguished Professor.