Midwestern University's Parkinson’s Health Fair Connects Patients, Caregivers, and Future Clinicians

The Midwestern University Clinics in Downers Grove welcomed patients, caregivers, and students in late April for the annual Parkinson’s Health Fair. This free community event focused on providing practical strategies for living well with Parkinson’s disease.

Hosted by the University’s Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Institutes, the fair offered information and hands-on support. Attendees rotated through interactive stations covering speech and swallowing, balance and mobility, strength, cognition, and more. Faculty and students guided brief screenings and shared evidence-based tips designed to improve day-to-day quality of life.

A Team Approach to Care

One of the defining features of the event was its interprofessional model. In addition to physical therapy and speech-language services, representatives from Family Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Dental, and Optometry programs were available to answer questions and connect participants with resources.

For students, the experience offered a front-row seat to collaborative care in action.

“Teaming up with speech therapists also reinforced how essential interprofessional care is in managing Parkinson’s disease. It broadens my perspective on patient care and strengthens our ability to deliver patient-centered care,” said physical therapy student Aliyah Crespo (CHS-Downers Grove PT ’27).

Her classmate Victoria Guzik (CHS-Downers Grove PT ’27) added that working alongside students and faculty from other disciplines helped expand her understanding of patient care. “Seeing different medical practices participate in how they can help Parkinson’s patients in the future was really informative,” Victoria said.

For speech-language pathology student Corinne Wing (CHS-Downers Grove, SLP '27), the experience deepened her understanding of collaborative patient care. “Collaborating with Physical Therapy students and faculty helped me better understand the motor and mobility-related challenges individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience,” she said. “As a speech-language pathology student, it was meaningful to see Parkinson’s disease from another clinical perspective and learn more about the importance of interdisciplinary care.”

Empowering Patients and Caregivers

Designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and those who support them, the fair emphasized small, actionable steps from improving balance to managing swallowing challenges that can make a meaningful difference at home.

“The most meaningful aspect of the experience was witnessing the participants’ willingness to learn and actively take ownership of their health to become the best versions of themselves,” Aliyah said.

Victoria noted that the event also highlighted how differently Parkinson’s disease can affect individuals. “I learned that there are multiple presentations and everyone presents with different deficits. Working with these participants was such a great experience because every individual was different.”

For many attendees, the fair served as an introduction to the University’s ongoing commitment to community healthcare and to the collaborative care available through the Midwestern University Clinics.