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History & Mission

MISSION
The J. Kiffin Penry Epilepsy Education Programs provides physicians with comprehensive epilepsy education programs. In these unique, intensive programs Neurologist learn how to better treat their patients from some of the leading epilepsy clinicians and researchers in the country. These weekend and week-long education programs facilitate learning through lectures, group discussions and case-study workshops.

HISTORY
In the late 1970's, Dr. J. Kiffin Penry recognized a tremendous need for physician education in the field of epilepsy. He envisioned a comprehensive epilepsy education program to train neurologists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of seizures in order to better treat patients with epilepsy. Seven years later, his vision became a reality. With financial support from Abbott Laboratories and with assistance from well-known neurologists nationwide, he held a pilot program in November 1986. Thirteen neurologists from around the country attended that first program. Dr. Penry's enthusiasm and passion were felt by all, and, after five very intensive days, they became known as the "13 disciples."

Since 1986, there have been 65 week-long MiniFellowship Programs. As the MiniFellowship program thrived, Dr. Penry saw a need for other types of educational courses. In 1987, he began the Advances in Epilepsy Programs, weekend courses for neurologists who cannot afford the time for the week-long program or who see fewer epilepsy patients. He also saw a tremendous need to educate non-neurologists and paraprofessionals in institutional settings who treat epilepsy patients with multiple handicaps and developmental disabilities. Thus began the Advances in Epilepsy MRDD Programs, which are specifically designed for physicians caring for the developmentally disabled population. Combined, there have been 30 Advances in Epilepsy Programs since 1987.

Shortly thereafter, the Residents Program in Epilepsy was established. In addition to providing the neurology resident with the latest information on the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, this program seeks to increase the resident’s interest in treating patients with epilepsy, and encourage them to pursue epilepsy fellowships. To date, 44 sessions of the Residents Program in Epilepsy have been held since its inception in 1990. Each year, the program's attendance goal is to host at least one resident from each neurology residency program in the country. Participation in the Residents Program is through private invitation, determined in consultation with the various residency directors.

After Dr. J. Kiffin Penry's passing in March 1996, an advisory board was formed, comprised of long-term guest faculty of the Epilepsy MiniFellowship Programs. The Advisory Board is dedicated to sustaining Dr. Penry's vision with these unique educational programs.

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
J. Kiffin Penry's medical career spanned 45 years. He trained in internal medicine and neurology at Bowman Gray School of Medicine and the Boston City Hospital. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he joined the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) of the National Institutes of Health as the head of the Section on Epilepsy and Chief of Special Projects. Dr. Penry gained an international reputation for his work on the diagnosis and classification of epileptic seizures and syndromes. He started the Antiepileptic Drug Development Program that has since yielded several new antiepileptic agents. He also pioneered the development of antiepileptic drug-level monitoring, the use of simultaneous, closed-circuit TV and EEG monitoring, and the establishment of comprehensive epilepsy care centers. In 1979, Dr. Penry returned to his alma mater, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, as Professor of Neurology, head of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and Associate Dean for Research Development.