ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Okun, MD
Michael Okun, MD, is a board-certified neurologist, movement disorders specialist, neuroscientist, and author who practices with the philosophy that “the patient is the sun” and should be at the center of all care decisions.
He co-founded and co-directs the internationally renowned Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at University of Florida with his neurosurgeon partner and colleague, Kelly Foote, MD. Since 2006, he has served as both the Medical Director and, more recently, the Medical Advisor for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
“My singular philosophy is that the patient is the sun, and the health care team should orbit around the patient’s needs.”
- Dr. Michael Okun
When he is not caring for patients, Dr. Okun conducts human research, including clinical trials and investigations into the cognitive, behavioral, and mood effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and neuromodulation. He has published more than 600 papers and review articles on Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. His work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Smallwood Foundation, the Tourette Association of America, the Parkinson’s Alliance, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Dr. Okun is also passionate about the importance of arts in medicine. In 1995, he authored his first book of poetry, Lessons From the Bedside. Since then, he has written 14 books related to living a full life with neurological disorders, including The New York Times bestseller, The Parkinson's Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment (Public Affairs, 2025).
Michael S. Okun is the Adelaide Lackner Distinguished Professor of Neurology at the University of Florida and Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases. Michael is one of the world’s leading Parkinson’s disease researchers who has advanced surgical treatments. Michael is the National Medical Advisor of the Parkinson’s Foundation, the country’s largest Parkinson’s disease patient and advocacy group. Michael is a prolific writer with over 500 publications, and the author of the book, The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment (Public Affairs, 2025).
Booking
Television and radio interviews
Podcast and YouTube interviews
Guest editorials and op-eds
Lectures and keynote engagements
ABOUT
The Parkinson's Plan Book
This is not just a book about Parkinson’s- it’s a call to confront one of the fastest-growing neurological diseases of our time by addressing its preventable root causes. Grounded in rigorous science and brought to life through powerful storytelling, The Parkinson’s Plan makes complex issues accessible-blending personal narratives with public health insight in a work that is as readable as it is urgent.
With practical tools to reduce toxic exposure, challenge the status quo, and protect future generations, The Parkinson’s Plan empowers individuals, communities, and policymakers to take meaningful action toward creating a world without preventable brain diseases like Parkinson’s, autism, ALS, and Alzheimer’s.
PRAISE
Featured Endorsements
The Parkinson’s Plan is endorsed by over 65 leaders across medicine, environmental health, advocacy, and policy- united call for action to prevent Parkinson’s and protect brain health for generations to come.
- Dr. Eric Topol Author of Super Agers, Founder of Scripps Research
- Senator Cory Booker Parkinson’s and Environmental Health Advocate
- Dr. Sanjay Gupta Neurosurgeon, Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN
- Tim Tebow Heisman Trophy Winner, Parkinson’s Advocate
- Lonnie Ali Parkinson’s Advocate, Co-Founder of the Muhammad Ali Center
- Christian McBride Grammy Award-Winning Bassist, Parkinson’s Advocate
- Ken Cook President and Co-Founder, Environmental Working Group (EWG)
The authors introduce the “Parkinson’s 25,” the most detailed checklist ever to prevent and slow the progression of Parkinson’s.
The Parkinson's Plan book resonates with those who:
- Report on the alarming rise of preventable chronic illnesses and the cutting-edge science that could turn the tide
- Investigate the link between environmental toxins and diseases like Parkinson’s, ALS, autism, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and more
- Seek out credible, practical health information that empowers readers/listeners with tools to reduce risk and reclaim control
- Follow the work of Eric Topol, Peter Attia, and Michael Pollan- and are attuned to the next major public health wake-up call
This book doesn’t just add to the conversation- it shifts it, offering a powerful framework for prevention rooted in science, policy, and human stories.
Hot topics for interviews and talks:
- How to avoid the most feared and disabling conditions of our time and slow the rise of brain disease
- Getting older doesn’t mean losing your mind: How to usher-in your golden years without fear
- The seeds of brain disease are planted early- what you can do today to protect future generations
- The toxic truth: How toxic chemicals in our food, water, and air are fueling the rise of brain diseases
- What Parkinson’s teaches us about conditions Alzheimer’s, ALS, autism, and cancer- and how to prevent them
MEDIA CREDENTIALS
Features, Mentions & Appearances
Dr. Michael Okun’s research has been published in the leading neurology, medical, and economic journals and been featured in print and digital publications including NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, People.com, Gizmodo, Global News, and others. He has appeared or mentioned on NBC News, The Joe Rogan Experience, The Genius Life, The Ultimate Heath Podcast, The Empowering Neurologist, Dhru Purohit Show, and others.