María L. De León, M.D., is a fellowship-trained movement disorder specialist, patient, caregiver, and passionate advocate for gender equity in healthcare. For over two decades, she has championed women's health, particularly in Parkinson's disease (PD), pioneering research on gender differences in neurological conditions. She played a key role in developing the Women & PD Initiative and authored The Parkinson's Diva, the first book addressing the unique challenges women face with the disease. Through her work with organizations like the World Parkinson Coalition (WPC), she has helped bridge gaps in care, raise awareness, and advocate for more inclusive research and treatment strategies.Dr. De León collaborates with leading institutions, including the NIH, FDA, DOD, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation, contributing to research on early PD detection and clinical trial design. She co-authored the first paper on the effects of PD medications on menstruation and developed In Her Shoes, a guide for women living with PD. Committed to empowering Hispanic communities, she works with Give for a Smile and the PD Gene Latino project to increase representation in genetic research and expand access to care. A recipient of multiple awards, including the 2021 MJFF Public Policy Award, and a two-time finalist for Healthcare Collaborator Champion, Dr. De León continues to be a driving force in the fight for equitable and patient-centered care in Parkinson's disease.
