SARASOTA- A Suncoast specialist is breaking the language barrier when it comes to helping patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez serves as Medical Director of Parkinson Place specializing in Movement Disorders.
Dr. Gonzalez is one of the only specialists on the Suncoast who is bilingual.
“The barrier is less, and they feel more confident with that, they can better explain their symptoms, what they expect with Parkinson’s, they usually feel better with that,” said Medical Director of Parkinson Place and Movement Disorder Specialist, Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez.
Dr. Gonzalez says he feels honored to be able to help those whose first language is not English.
“It’s very close to me, that’s my culture, my background, so I try not to only help all the American people, I try to honor the Spanish in this wonderful country that embrace us as Hispanic,” said Dr. Gonzalez.
Parkinson Place serves the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of more than 1,400 members living with Parkinson’s disease on the Suncoast and across the country, like Juan Fernandez who joins via zoom from New Jersey.
“I do it in my home, and its better in person, it does the work,” said Parkinson Place member, Juan Fernandez.
Fernandez says since the pandemic began, the services he would get weekly became scarce until he found Parkinson Place in Florida.
“In one year, because of the pandemic, I lost a little bit of movement,” said Fernandez.
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, the nervous system disorder begins to affects movement in those suffering.
The non-profit hosts over 65 classes, support groups, and special educational events per month.
“We try to make the best of them, and make them be happy, and make sure they can live well with Parkinson,” said Dr. Gonzalez.
For more information on Parkinson Place, you can visit their website here.
