WA neurologist appointed president of the World Federation of Neurology

Professor William (Bill) Carroll, a neurologist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and multiple sclerosis clinician and researcher at the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (Perron Institute), has been elected president of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN).

Professor Carroll’s appointment serves as recognition for his decades of service in the field of MS research, for which he received the West Australian of the Year Award (Business & Professions) in 2012. He has also played critical roles in establishing groups such as the Pan-Asian Committee for the Treatment, Research, and Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis (PACTRIMS), for which he is foundation vice president, and advocating for MS awareness worldwide.

With treatment for the disease now readily available in Australia, Professor Carroll’s focus now is to shift attention onto progressive MS and reduce the significant disabling effects of this condition.

“It is a very promising time at the moment, with an unstoppable momentum locally and globally, including the World Health Organization’s initiative for non-communicable diseases such as dementia, MS and stroke,” said Professor Carroll.

A member of the London-based WFN for the past 18 years, Professor Carroll has been chair of the federation’s Congress Committee since 2014 and chair of its Global Neurology Network since 2013. His appointment as president was announced during the 23rd World Congress of Neurology, which is taking place this week in Kyoto, Japan.

Professor Carroll said he was “deeply honoured by his nomination and appointment”, stating that he intends to create a collaborative approach to achieve the goals of the WFN. He said he has a strong vision for the WFN over the next four years, particularly in the areas of education, equality in neurological care and encouraging the younger generation of neurologists.

“We are delighted with the news of Professor Carroll becoming president of the WFN and wish him every success in his new role,” said Perron Institute CEO Steve Arnott.

“His recognition as an eminent clinician and researcher, and now his elevation to the highest position in his field, is testament to his global standing. As West Australians, we should be very proud of Professor Carroll’s achievements.”

Professor Carroll will assume office on 1 January 2018.