Patient and Clinician Perspectives on Empathy in Parkinson Disease Care: Daniel Irizarry, MD

WATCH TIME: 3 minutes

"With this experience that the clinicians will go through, it will remind them of the need for empathy, despite the challenges of a busy clinical schedule, and the therapeutic value of that empathy may be more valuable than the medicines they prescribe."

Empathy can play an important role in the care of patients with Parkinson disease (PD), as it potentially enhances clinicians’ ability to understand and respond to the complex and evolving needs of their patients. Beyond managing motor symptoms, patients may often face a range of nonmotor challenges that may not be immediately visible or easily expressed. When clinicians approach care with empathy, they would be better equipped to recognize these nuanced concerns, foster trust, and engage in more effective communication. This patient-centered approach not only can support a more accurate diagnosis, but can also improve patient adherence, satisfaction, and overall quality of life throughout the disease course.

At the 4th Annual Advanced Therapeutics in Movement and Related Disorders (ATMRD) Congress, held by the PMD Alliance from June 27-30, 2025, an interactive breakfast session offers attendees a hands-on simulation of both motor and nonmotor symptoms associated with PD and related disorders.¹ By experiencing these symptoms firsthand, providers may gain valuable insights that can enhance patient communication, inform treatment decisions, and deepen their understanding of the challenges patients with PD face. Prior to the session, one of the expert facilitators, Daniel Irizarry, MD, sat down with NeurologyLive^® to reflect on his dual experience as a former physician and a patient living with PD.

In the conversation, Irizarry, who currently serves as a medical advisor at Tactical Medical Solutions, provided his perspective on the often-overlooked value of empathy in clinical care for patients with PD. He highlighted how simple, consistent practices such as listening carefully and addressing sensitive but relevant symptoms can significantly enhance the therapeutic relationship. Irizarry underscored that truly understanding a patient’s needs is the foundation for effective treatment planning, especially in complex conditions like PD, where symptoms such as psychosis or sexual dysfunction may go unreported unless actively explored.

Click here for more coverage of ATMRD 2025.

REFERENCES
1. Papesh K, Mitchell A, Labib-Kiyarash E, et al. Empathy in Action Breakfast: Multi-Sensory Experiential Hands-On Session. Presented at: ATMRD; June 27-30, 2025; Washington, DC.