#65: Jim McNasby - Transforming Lives with DBS and Advocacy in Parkinson's Disease

Stimulating Brains

In this episode of Stimulating Brains, we're thrilled to have Jim McNasby join us. Jim is a deep brain stimulation (DBS) patient and the Chief Counsel at the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Jim has an inspiring story, not just as a DBS patient but also as a legal professional working at the forefront of Parkinson’s research advocacy. We’ll dive into his personal experience with DBS—how it has shaped his life since his diagnosis in 2000 and his surgery in 2019—and explore his crucial role at the Michael J. Fox Foundation, where he helps drive forward their mission to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

I had the pleasure of hearing Jim speak at the Neuromodec Conference, where he shared a powerful story of how DBS transformed his life, even showing a video that vividly captured its positive effects. We’ll talk about that, his DBS wishlist, and the work he’s doing to advocate for patients and drive research.

In this episode, we explore his personal experiences, the impact of DBS, and his role in advancing Parkinson's research and advocacy at the foundation. Jim also reflects on the transformative moment when his DBS was first activated and discusses his vision for the future of patient care and innovation in the field.