Workshop provides immersive, interactive platform for learning and skill-building 

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The Movement Disorders Skills Workshop was November 23-24, 2024 at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Faridabad, Haryana, India. The workshop was conducted under the mentorship of the course director Dr. (Prof.) Sanjay Pandey and guidance of the MDS-sponsored esteemed faculty, Dr. (Prof.) Raymond Rosales. 

The workshop hosted 65 enthusiastic attendees and more than 22 faculty members in a well-balanced representation of the different states of the country, as well as from the neighboring countries. The delegates represented a diverse spectrum of neurology professionals, including residents, fellows, and practicing neurologists. The event witnessed pan-India participation, with notable engagement from Southern India, reflecting delegates' dedication to skill development. 

Many attendees remained until the final session, showcasing their commitment to enhancing their understanding and skills in movement disorder management. This widespread participation and active involvement underscored the workshop's success in fostering learning and collaboration within the neurology community. 

The two-day workshop provided an immersive and interactive platform for learning and skill-building in movement disorders. Day 1 began with foundational sessions on muscle anatomy, surface marking, and clinical and electromyographic techniques for muscle localization. Participants engaged in cadaveric muscle localization and surface marking in small groups, guided by expert faculty and dedicated group leaders. A standout session included Dr. Raymond Rosales demonstrating ultrasonographic localization of neck, upper limb, and lower limb muscles. The evening featured "Case Video Rounds," a highlight for attendees, offering them an opportunity to actively engage in expert-led discussions on clinical approaches and phenomenology. The day was concluded with a formal inauguration ceremony graced by the Institute's Medical Director. The event placed special emphasis on expanding MDS membership, encouraging participants to join the society and engage in collaborative research efforts. 

Day 2 focused on botulinum toxin therapy and hyperkinetic movement disorders, including conditions such as hemifacial spasm, oromandibular dystonia, laryngeal dystonia, cervical dystonia, and focal hand dystonia. Live demonstrations of botulinum toxin injections for various cases offered participants invaluable practical insights. The afternoon sessions delved into deep brain stimulation (DBS), covering patient selection for DBS, surgical steps, programming basics, and advancements in technology. The workshop concluded with a live DBS programming session for a Parkinson’s disease patient, leaving participants with practical, hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of movement disorder management. 

Delegates, ranging from residents to senior neurologists, expressed enthusiasm about the hands-on cadaveric injections and expert-led botulinum toxin demonstrations. Feedback emphasized the value of such workshops for practicing injection techniques, as these practical skills are often overlooked in standard neurology training. The live toxin injection and DBS programming demonstrations offered invaluable tips from experts, underscoring the need for more skills-based training opportunities. 

The Movement Disorders Skills Workshop is the first of its kind in our country and holds significant value for the emerging movement disorder specialists. It provided an essential opportunity for hands-on practice with injection techniques and direct interaction with the experts. Such training centers are very few, making it crucial to integrate skills-based workshops into the educational journey of aspiring movement disorder specialists. 

We are extremely thankful to our esteemed guest faculty, Dr. Raymond Rosales, for his generous participation and for sharing his expertise with the young delegates, addressing all their queries with patience and enthusiasm. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to MDS for their support through the MDS Developing World Education Program (DWEP). 

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