Media contact: Bob Shepard
David G. Standaert, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, was presented with the Parkinson Association of Alabama Lifetime Achievement Award for his committed efforts in Parkinson’s disease research throughout his career. He was honored at a surprise reception held at the Woodward House in Birmingham on Oct. 4, as family, friends, colleagues and others gathered to celebrate his long history of accolades and accomplishments.
Standaert, who holds the John N. Whitaker Endowed Professorship in Neurology, is an internationally renowned Parkinson’s disease clinician and researcher. He was recruited to UAB in 2006 from Harvard Medical School and named chair in 2012.
Under his leadership, UAB was named one of eight Udall Centers of Excellence in Parkinson’s disease in the nation. The Department of Neurology has grown to more than 90 faculty members and 500 staff members. Standaert created a research force that consistently pushes the field forward in discovery and clinical implementation. The department now ranks 21st in funding from the National Institutes of Health with more than $16 million in 2021. The Parkinson’s Association of Alabama has provided the department with more than $2 million in research funding.
“The Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Parkinson’s disease research was presented to Dr. Standaert for his contributions to neuroscience and Parkinson’s disease but also for his character and his ability to blaze a trail wherever he goes,” said PAA emeritus director Ken Cater. “Thank you for all you have done and will do to continue the efforts to eradicate Parkinson’s disease and provide our patients with improved quality of life through your clinical achievements and leadership.”