DMRF Remembers Mark Hallett, MD
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Mark Hallett, MD. Dr. Hallett was a giant in the field of movement disorders, a global expert in dystonia, and a great friend to the DMRF.
Dr. Hallett’s contributions to the body of knowledge about dystonia were exceptional and included over 1,500 publications. For several decades he served as Chief of the Human Motor Control Section of the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. He was a true scientist, innately curious, and eager to challenge — and be challenged — regarding medical and scientific discoveries. Dr. Hallett’s accomplishments in the field of neurology were recognized through numerous awards and honorary memberships and degrees.
In addition to his critically important research that focused on motor control, motor learning and the pathophysiology of movement disorders, Dr. Hallett was a caring and compassionate clinician. Patients traveled from all corners of the country to be treated by him.
Dr. Hallett served on the DMRF Medical and Scientific Advisory Council several times over the years, and he could always be counted on to ask important questions and contribute his keen insights and advice on how to advance an idea or research project. He organized and chaired scientific workshops hosted by the Foundation, served on numerous Scientific Program and Organizing Committees, and served as an editor for he DMRF’s journal, Dystonia (along with countless other journals).
He gave selflessly of his talents, experience and passion to the DMRF and other foundations. Dr. Hallett was a champion of patient advocacy groups, as he so clearly respected the contributions that organizations like the DMRF make to the field. He trained more than 150 movement disorders fellows and was a mentor to several DMRF Clinical Fellows. He always made time for young investigators, not just to provide scientific guidance, but also to stress the importance of family and friends.
Apart from his timeless scientific contributions, he will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence, wonderful sense of humor, and integrity. Anyone who was fortunate enough to know him was no doubt affected by all these remarkable qualities.
We send our sympathies to his family and all who knew him.
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