For my mentor Andrew Lees
Professor Claudio Bassetti
EAN President
Dear Professor Bassetti
Professor Andrew Lees — nomination for Moritz Romberg Lecture for Clinical Neurology
I would like to nominate Professor Andrew Lees, my mentor, to deliver the 2022 Moritz Romberg Lecture for Clinical Neurology. Andrew Lees is a truly remarkable neurologist and movement disorder expert. He has been a pioneer in clinical neurology. In my opinion, his three most significant contributions to the clinical study of Parkinson’s disease are:
- The formulation and validation of the Queen Square Brain Bank Diagnostic Criteria for Parkinson’s disease
- Pioneering the use of apomorphine as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease
- Describing dopamine dysregulation syndrome
He is the most cited clinical neurologist in the field of Parkinson’s disease.
An important aspect of Andrew Lees’ career is his influence in the field of neurology beyond the clinic. Andrew is a prolific author of very erudite books on neurology for the general public. His most recent book ‘Mentored by a Madman: The William Burroughs Experiment’ explains why Andrew is one of the most cited and influential clinicians and researchers of his generation. His creativity as a thinker and writer in Parkinson’s disease is unrivalled and sets him apart from other neurologists. I have little doubt that if Andrew Lees is chosen to give a named lecture at the EAN he will not only teach but entertain and is certain to get a prolonged standing ovation. Andrew has fans and many neurological friends on every continent and it would be a fitting tribute for Andrew, who is in semi-retirement, to be honoured in this way.
I attach his latest curriculum vitae which speaks for itself. If you have any other questions about my nomination please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
GAVIN GIOVANNONI