Better Lives, Together: Fresno Parkinson's Summit

Dr. Ray Dorsey is a neurologist, researcher, and public health advocate working to end Parkinson’s disease by addressing its root causes: toxic environmental exposures. He is the founding Director of the Center for the Brain & Environment at Atria Health and Research Institute and serves as Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester. Dr. Dorsey has testified before Congress, advised the World Health Organization, and was recognized by the White House as a “Champion for Change.” He is the co-author of Ending Parkinson’s Disease (2020) and the New York Times bestseller, The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment (2025).

Rafael Zuzuárregui is a neurologist who cares for patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. He specializes in using deep brain stimulation (electrodes implanted in the brain to regulate abnormal activity) and botulinum toxin therapy (injections that can relieve muscle contractions). He is also interested in diagnosing and treating rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (a condition in which patients physically act out vivid dreams).

Zuzuárregui's research focuses on the overlap between movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, and sleep disorders. He is particularly interested in how deep brain stimulation can help improve sleep in patients with these disorders. He also studies issues related to medical education.

At Boston University School of Medicine, Zuzuárregui earned his medical degree; completed a residency in neurology, serving as chief resident; and completed a fellowship in movement disorders. He then completed a fellowship in sleep disorders at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

As Associate Vice President of Advocacy and State Policy for the Parkinson's Foundation, Deborah Swerdlow leads the Foundation's state policy work as well as efforts to engage people with Parkinson's, care partners, and other community members in support of both federal and state policies. Deborah comes to the Foundation with 15 years of experience in policy and advocacy, including her most recent government service as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services mission area. She previously served as Deputy Director of the State Campaigns team at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, where she led national issue campaigns on tax policy, food assistance, pandemic relief and other anti-poverty priorities. Earlier in her career, she served as Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator for the American Association of University Women and as a program associate and legislative assistant at the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism.