Imagine suddenly being attack-ed by a case of involuntary, uncontrollable tics ” that is precisely what happens to those afflicted with Tourette syndrome and Neal R. Swerdlow, M.D., Ph.D, a professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), 9500 Gilman Drive, has taken it on in a mission of help.
Swerdlow was recently acknowledged for his efforts when the national Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) held its ninth annual Champion of Children Awards Dinner.
“This is an award that sort of recognizes the work that I have been doing with the TSA over the last 15 years,” Swerdlow said. “It provides an opportunity for the TSA to increase public knowledge about the work they are doing and educate those who may be afflicted with it and not know it.”
In addition to receiving both his M.D. and Ph.D. from UCSD, Swerdlow also completed his Psychiatry Residency training and Board Certification there. He has been a professor since 1991 and currently directs the Psychiatric Clerkship and Electives Program at the school.
“The fact that scientists and physicians are able to dedicate large amounts of our time to TSA on a pro-bono basis is only because we get a lot of support from our families who allow us to do this important volunteer work,” he said.
For more information, visit www.ucsd.edu. n