A trust consultant has been invited to join medical advisory board of the USA-Tourette Syndrome Association – and is the only non-US clinician member.
Dr Andrea Cavanna, consultant in behavioural neurology at the Barberry in Edgbaston, was approached by the association in October.
Dr Cavanna believes he was approached due to our trust’s “amazingly high reputation, both nationally and internationally” for clinical excellence, research and trials.
The USA-TSA is one of the most influential Tourette’s associations, and its medical advisory board is the largest grant-funding body for research into the condition worldwide.
Our trust’s Tourette’s syndrome clinic, based at the Barberry, provides specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment for about 200 patients with severe tic disorders.
Patients are routinely invited to take part in clinical trials conducted by members of the Michael Trimble Neuropsychiatry Research Group, led by Dr Cavanna and Dr Hugh Rickards.
Dr Cavanna said: “I’m honoured at this great recognition of the high quality work, in terms of clinical care and clinical research that is done at our clinic.
“The USA-TSA is the most important Tourette’s syndrome association in the world, it’s the main funding source for research projects internationally.
“The fact the association felt the need to invite a non-USA clinical scientist to join their medical advisory board, and chose a Birmingham specialist, means that our trust has reached an international level of excellence.
“This also gives us energy and enthusiasm to keep up the good work and expand both the clinic capacity and the related research activity.”
