Mauricio Delgado-Ayala, M.D., integral in founding of Mexican Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Neuro-Developmental Disorders
By Julie Kirchem, Department of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics
Dr. Mauricio Delgado-Ayala, professor of neurology and neurotherapeutics, is one of the founders of a newly established multidisciplinary academy of health care professionals and researchers interested in promoting scientific education for those who care for patients affected by cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders in Mexico and Latin America. Dr. Delgado-Ayala, who is director of neurology at Texas Scottish-Rite Hospital, treats children with cerebral palsy and other developmental disorders and has been on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM).
The Mexican Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Neuro-Developmental Disorders will bring together neurologists, physiatrists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, therapists, psychologists and many other health professionals and scientists to discuss the latest research and treatments for childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorders throughout the lifespan.
The Academy will provide educational and research opportunities in Mexico.
“I have always tried to get Mexico and Latin American countries to participate in the American Academy’s meetings and educational opportunities,” said Dr. Delgado-Ayala, “but there have been obstacles that have made it difficult like the language barrier and the cost of traveling to meetings in the U.S.”
Beyond the logistical hurdles, Dr. Delgado says there are other more challenging reasons why a designated academy for that region made sense.
“It’s a very different reality over there in terms of the socio-economics of their patients and this academy will be able to address and advocate for patient needs that are unique to that area,” he said.
The Mexican Academy will collaborate with other academies around the world through the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability (IAACD) that was founded last year, providing a voice for Mexico and Latin America.
The Mexican Academy will hold its first annual meeting in September 2015 in Mexico City.