The Phoenix Tourette Syndrome program, a unique partnership between Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Banner Sun Health Research Institute, has been verified as a Center of Excellence by the Tourette Association of America, an institution that aims to advance research and advocacy for Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders.  

The designation recognizes the partnership’s commitment to top-quality care, leadership in groundbreaking research and provision of education and training opportunities focused on Tourette syndrome to the Phoenix community.

“This is a recognition of the excellent clinical care that we’re providing to individuals with Tourette syndrome and their families,” said Michael Kruer, MD, Phoenix Children’s Pediatric Movement Disorders Program director and co-director of the Tourette Association of America Center of Excellence. “This designation also represents an opportunity to continue to expand partnerships across the Valley to provide comprehensive care across the lifespan.”

“This designation helps raise awareness about the expert care already available to Arizona patients and families impacted by tics and Tourette syndrome,” said David Shprecher, DO, Banner Sun Health Research Institute Movement Disorders program director and co-director of the Tourette Association of America Center of Excellence. “I’m proud of what we’ve established so far, though philanthropic support will be critical to expanding our programs’ social work and ancillary services.”

The Tourette Association of America’s Center of Excellence (CofE) program improves the quality of life for people who have Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders by promoting care, education, research, training and advocacy for these conditions. The program was launched in 2014 and each center of excellence collaborates with professional organizations and their own communities to address the needs of their patients.

“The Tourette community in Arizona deserves the utmost of quality care,” said Hillary Hasselbring, Arizona Chapter Chair, Tourette Association of America. “I believe that only a Center of Excellence can provide this support. We look forward to the future and we are excited to reach everyone who needs assistance.”

Lab worker examining samples

About Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Phoenix Children’s is Arizona’s only children’s hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals. For 35 years, Phoenix Children's has provided world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care to children and families in Arizona and throughout the Southwest. As one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country, Phoenix Children’s delivers care across more than 75 pediatric specialties. Recognized specifically for its patient-focused innovation, medical education, growth and research, Phoenix Children’s was named Business of the Year and Exceptional Innovator by the Greater Phoenix Chamber in 2018. For more information about the Hospital, visit phoenixchildrens.org.

About Banner Sun Health Research Institute

Since 1986, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, part of nonprofit Banner Health, has been a leader nationally and internationally in the effort to find answers to disorders of aging including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The institute’s Cleo Roberts Center for Clinical Research takes laboratory discoveries to clinical trials that foster hope for new treatments. Banner Health is Arizona’s leading health care provider and largest private employer.