UNC Department of Neurology

05/19/2026

🎉 Celebrating a Major Milestone!

We’re proud to announce that Dr. Monica M. Diaz has been promoted to Associate Professor of Neurology at UNC Chapel Hill.

A nationally recognized physician-scientist, Dr. Diaz leads impactful research in neuroinfectious diseases, neuroimmunology, and global health—advancing care for underserved populations both locally and worldwide.

👏 Join us in congratulating Dr. Diaz on this well-deserved achievement!
👉 Read more:

Dr. Monica M. Diaz, MD, MS, has been promoted to Associate Professor of Neurology at UNC Chapel Hill, recognizing her leadership in neuroinfectious disease research, global health, and medical education.

05/07/2026

Researchers at UNC and NC State are leveraging an open-source low-intensity focused ultrasound platform to expand multidisciplinary neuroscience research.

By enabling precise, noninvasive targeting of neural circuits, this technology supports translational studies aimed at improving our understanding of brain function and accelerating the development of future therapies for neurological disorders

Teams will study low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) neuromodulation as a potential noninvasive approach for neurological and spinal cord conditions.

04/30/2026

💙 You’re Not Alone — UNC Offers Support for Individuals & Families Living With Parkinson’s

As Parkinson’s Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to highlight the ongoing support, education, and community resources available through UNC’s Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence.

Our team provides:
• Patient & family education opportunities
• Access to support groups
• Community outreach programs
• PD‑focused workshops and learning sessions designed to empower individuals and caregivers

Living with Parkinson’s is a journey — and having the right support network makes a meaningful difference. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, adapting to changes, or seeking resources for a loved one, UNC is here to help you connect, learn, and thrive.

🔗 Explore available programs and resources: https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/divisions/movement-disorders/movement-disorders-patients/npfcoe/ -support-groups

UNC's Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence offers patients and their families comprehensive, specialized care for Parkinson’s disease.

04/29/2026

Congratulations to Sonya Lester, RN, our 2026 Nurse Manager of the Year! 🎉

Sonya’s leadership, compassion, and dedication to her team and patients make a lasting impact every day.

“I’m honored by this recognition, but it truly belongs to the team I work with every day.”

https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/sonya-lester-rn-named-2026-nurse-manager-of-the-year/

04/27/2026

🌟 Parkinson’s Awareness Month Spotlight: Our Allied Health Team 🌟

At UNC’s Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence, exceptional care goes far beyond medical treatment. Our allied health specialists—including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists—play a vital role in helping people with Parkinson’s maintain mobility, communication, independence, and quality of life.

During our Interdisciplinary Parkinson’s Disease Clinic, every patient receives a full set of evaluations from these specialists, who work hand‑in‑hand with our neurologists and clinical social worker to create a personalized care plan.

Their expertise helps patients:
• Improve gait and balance
• Build strength and endurance
• Adapt daily routines
• Maintain swallowing and speech function
• Stay confident and supported at home and in the community

Join us in celebrating the dedicated clinicians who make comprehensive, whole‑person Parkinson’s care possible. 💙
🔗 Learn more about UNC’s interdisciplinary Parkinson’s care: https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/divisions/movement-disorders/movement-disorders-patients/npfcoe/

UNC's Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence offers patients and their families comprehensive, specialized care for Parkinson’s disease.

04/22/2026

UNC is committed not only to treatment — but also to patient and family education, outreach, and empowerment.

Our Center of Excellence offers:
• PD 101 & educational programs
• Support groups
• Community workshops
• Opportunities to learn about therapy, safety, and communication

Knowledge is power — and our team is here to help you thrive.
🔗 Learn about our education and community offerings: https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/divisions/movement-disorders/movement-disorders-patients/npfcoe/ -community-outreach

UNC's Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence offers patients and their families comprehensive, specialized care for Parkinson’s disease.

04/21/2026

🎉 We’re proud to celebrate two outstanding achievements in UNC Neurology!

🏆 Dr. Monica Diaz has received the AAN Health Equity Award, recognizing her national leadership in advancing equity and addressing disparities in neurological care.

🔬 Dr. Thiri Lin, neurology resident, has been awarded an AAN Resident Research Scholarship for her commitment to advancing neurological research.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Diaz and Dr. Lin on these well‑deserved honors! 👏

04/17/2026

Living with Parkinson’s affects more than movement — it touches emotional health, relationships, communication, and daily routines.

That’s why UNC includes clinical social work support as part of every Center of Excellence visit. Patients receive help with:
• Goals and lifestyle changes
• Caregiver support
• Connecting with resources
• Navigating long‑term needs

We’re here for patients and families every step of the way.
🔗 See how our team supports you:

UNC's Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence offers patients and their families comprehensive, specialized care for Parkinson’s disease.

04/13/2026

A visit to UNC's Interdisciplinary Parkinson’s Clinic includes four full clinical evaluations in one coordinated morning:
• Neurology
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech‑language pathology

Patients leave with personalized resources and an integrated care plan designed by the entire team.

💙 Comprehensive care. Collaborative support.
🔗 Explore what to expect:

UNC's Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence offers patients and their families comprehensive, specialized care for Parkinson’s disease.

04/10/2026

💜 Coming Up Soon — Women & Epilepsy in the Triangle 💜

A reminder to women in the Triangle area living with epilepsy: Women and Epilepsy is happening soon, and there’s still time to register!

Join us for an uplifting and informative afternoon focused on the unique ways epilepsy can affect women at different stages of life — from adolescence and hormonal changes to family planning and menopause. This event offers a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and connect with others who truly understand.

✨ Why attend?
• Learn from expert speakers with specialized experience in epilepsy care
• Gain practical insights you can use right away
• Connect with other women and build community in a supportive environment

📍 Glasshouse Kitchen, Research Triangle Park
🗓 Friday, May 15, 2026
⏰ 3:00–6:00 PM

Whether you’re managing epilepsy yourself or supporting someone you care about, we hope you’ll join us.

👉 Register now: https://givebutter.com/WIEraleigh2026

📩 Questions? Contact northcarolina@efa.org

By Epilepsy Foundation of America