Dean P. Sutherland, M.D. Ph.D., Our Physician Advisor

We are grateful to Dr. Dean Sutherland, a Board Certified Neurologist, founder of the Southeastern Center for Parkinson Disease and Assistant Clinical Professor at Florida State University, for volunteering his time and expertise to Neuro Challenge Foundation and to the Neuro Challenge Parkinson Disease Comprehensive Care Center in Sarasota, Florida. His unusual combination of experience as an academic researcher, a clinical diagnostician, a parent, and as a caregiver to his own parent gives him, and us, a unique perspective on the challenges that neuro consumers face medically, scientifically and in daily life. His desire to specialize in Neurology came from his early days of teaching neuroanatomy to medical students. He realized he had an interest in clinical case studies that were related to the benchtop research he was performing as a Ph.D. Dr. Sutherland was selected to address his classmates at graduation from medical school and served as Chief Resident in Neurology at the University of Florida before moving with his family to Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Sutherland’s ground-breaking research, done at the Florida State University during the 1980s, is frequently quoted in medical journals. Conceptually similar the genome mapping project of the same time period, neuroscientists and neuro anatomists performed layers of experimentation to map the brain. The spectacular results we see today in the placement of electrodes, called deep brain stimulators, are one such application of this brain mapping research. Dr. Sutherland’s skills as both a research scientist and a compassionate clinician allo him to uncover the ever deepening layers of complexity offered by the nervous system. He especially enjoys interacting with his patients, helping them to understand their neurological challenges and working with them to develop reality based, robust treatment plans. Solving complicated Parkinson cases is a daily matter for Dr. Sutherland, who receives referral from physicians nationwide. Patients, too, travel thousands of miles for a consultation or a check up. The opportunity to solve complex problems is the driving force behind Neuro Challenge and it is Dr. Sutherland’s inspiration.

Born in Ventura, California, Dr. Sutherland graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors in Science, a Masters in Neuroscience and a Ph,D. in Neuroscience. He also holds a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Florida where he served as Chief Resident. He is the Founder and Director of the Southeastern Center for Parkinson Disease, a partner in Negroski, Stein, Sutherland & Hanes Neurology and an Associate Professor at the Florida State University College of Medicine.

To schedule an appointment with Dr, Sutherland, call the Neuro Challenge Comprehensive Care Center.
Toll free (888) NCF-GIVE or (888) 623-4483
In Sarasota, Florida (941) 926-6413