By Cait Kearney
Roy Hamilton
Penn Memory Center (PMC) neurologist Roy Hamilton, MD, MS, was awarded the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Changemaker Award for his “tremendous dedication” to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Winning the AAN Changemaker Award is one of the highlights of my career as a neurologist and as a diversity advocate,” said Dr. Hamilton.
Dr. Hamilton co-directs PMC’s Summer Training in Aging Research (STAR) program — an academic opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in aging research of underrepresented groups.
Additionally, Dr. Hamilton is the vice chair of diversity and inclusion of the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Neurology. He developed Penn Neurology’s Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE) program, which works to promote equity in the neurology department and to foster trusting relationships with historically disadvantaged groups from the local community.
Dr. Hamilton said the award symbolizes how far the field of neurology has come in recognizing the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce and advancing health equity for patients; but there’s still work to be done.
“There remains much to do to fully realize inclusive excellence and health equity in our field, but I’m proud that neurology and the AAN are taking important steps in the right direction,” said Dr. Hamilton.
Dr. Hamilton received his award at the AAN 2023 Annual Meeting in Boston.