Hope HealthCare Services announces Dr. Amanda Jane Avila as medical director for the Hope Parkinson Program. Specializing in the medical management of movement disorders, Dr. Avila is the first movement disorder specialist to practice locally in Southwest Florida and will assist patients in the medical management of Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, stiffness and balance control.

Dr. Avila will discuss medication management in Parkinson’s disease at the Nov. 16 “Lunch & Learn for Hope Parkinson Program,” taking place in Hope HealthCare Services’ community room at 9470 HealthPark Circle in Fort Myers. There is no cost to attend, and reservations are made by calling 239-985-7727.

An undergraduate of Boston College, Dr. Avila earned her M.D. from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and completed a fellowship at the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration. Dr. Avila completed her neurology residency at Brown University and is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She has been a junior member of the American Academy of Neurology since 2007 and the Movement Disorders Society since 2011.

The Hope Parkinson Program provides support, counseling and other services needed for quality of life through knowledge, movement, creativity and fellowship – all important components of treatment for individuals and their care partners. Services include education, support group meetings, referrals for medical care, exercise and movement classes, creative arts classes and socialization.