Shake It Up is delighted to announce Dr. Gerard Tao as the first recipient of the Shake It Up Australia Movement Disorder Fellowship, with this first fellowship funded by the Trawalla Foundation.

The program is a Shake It Up initiative aimed at addressing the growing shortage of specialists in Parkinson’s disease and related conditions. With over 200,000 Australians living with Parkinson’s and someone in Australia estimated to be diagnosed every 40 minutes, this program is a necessary step towards ensuring access to quality care and research.

Dr. Tao, who is currently undertaking his second core neurology year at the Northern Hospital, will dedicate his final year of training to movement disorders at The Alfred in 2025. He will also embark on a PhD focused on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery in Parkinson’s disease, exploring innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this debilitating condition.

“I’m excited to continue my neurology training, focusing on movement disorders, at The Alfred in 2025. My PhD research on Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s disease will explore innovative ways to improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s,” said Dr. Tao. “I am grateful to have been awarded the Trawalla Foundation Fellowship and to be able to work with innovative approaches that will help so many people.”

Through this program, Shake It Up Australia aims to train a new generation of clinician-researchers who can provide expert care, conduct research, and lead clinical trials. This ensures that Australians diagnosed with Parkinson’s will have increased access to specialists and innovative treatment options, regardless of their location.

“We’re committed to nurturing a new generation of movement disorder specialists who are equipped to deliver exceptional clinical care and drive advancements in Parkinson’s research,” said Vicki Miller, CEO of Shake It Up Australia. “Just like our investment in the Neuroscience Clinical Trials Unit at The Alfred in 2023, this fellowship is a testament to our dedication to building capacity and ensuring greater access to clinical trials for everyone living with Parkinson’s.”

Shake It Up Australia is proud to partner with institutions like The Alfred to support the training of the next generation of movement disorder specialists. By awarding grants of $270,000, the program aims to equip talented individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to provide exceptional care and advance research in Parkinson’s disease.

“Providing Dr. Tao with the opportunity to undertake his fellowship at The Alfred is a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of our neurological faculty,” said Dr. Kelly Bertram, Clinical Neurologist and Movement Disorders specialist at the Alfred hospital. “By training promising individuals within our country, we are not only investing in their professional development but also ensuring that they remain here to contribute to our healthcare system.”

The Trawalla Foundation is dedicated to supporting initiatives, like the Movement Disorder Capacity Building Program, that have a vision for the future and address critical health challenges. 

“The Trawalla Foundation’s support of the Shake It Up Australia Movement Disorder Fellowship is a game-changer for Parkinson’s patients in Australia,” said Sarah Buckley, CEO of Trawalla Foundation. “By investing in training and development, we’re helping to build a stronger healthcare system that can better meet the needs of people living with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.” 

Find out more about the The Shake It Up Australia Movement Disorder Capacity Building Program and funding opportunities through Shake It Up here.