Newswise — ST. PAUL, Minn. – The American Academy of Neurology(AAN) has named neurologist Constantine Moschonas, MD, of Scottsdale, Ariz., as the AAN Donald M. Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum Advocate of the Year. Moschonas received his award at the Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum on January 14, 2012, in Austin, Texas, for his outstanding work in raising awareness about brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, autism, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

The award recognizes the exemplary efforts of graduates of the Donald M. Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum, a skills-development program designed by the American Academy of Neurology to train selected members to be effective advocates for their patients and their profession. Moschonas received the award for developing a two-year plan to hold monthly educational conferences for the public after seeing a need for more education about brain disease. He is also a member of the AAN Medical Economics and Management Committee and Payment Policy Subcommittee.

“The Forum provided me with the knowledge needed to use a variety of tools, including social media, to market public events and involve patients in taking charge of their brain health,” said Moschanos, who serves as Medical Director of Four Peaks Neurology in Scottsdale. “We regularly have over 100 attendees at our events, which is exciting and rewarding to see.”

Moschonas voluntarily uses his social media skills to teach within the medical community as well. He will host a webinar to educate other neurologists about electronic health record implementation in February.

Nationally, Moschonas has been recognized by the Consumers’ Research Council of America as one of "America's Top Physicians" in neurology.

The Forum was named in memory of former AAN Board of Directors member Donald M. Palatucci, MD, and honors his spirited efforts as an advocate for his patients and chosen profession.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of 24,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.