The Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD) works to improve the lives of those living with migraine by funding research, educating healthcare providers across various specialties, and raising public awareness through initiatives like the Shades for Migraine campaign. The Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD) works to improve the lives of those living with migraine by funding research, educating healthcare providers across various specialties, and raising public awareness through initiatives like the Shades for Migraine campaign. Pulse 2.0 interviewed AMD President and Founder Dr. Rick Godley to learn more.
Dr. Godley’s Background
Could you tell me more about your background? Dr. Godley said:
“I’m an ENT surgeon, also known as an otolaryngologist. Over my career, I’ve cared for patients of all ages with ear, sinus, and tonsil infections, cancers, sleep apnea, and some cosmetic concerns. I earned my medical degree from Boston University, trained in surgery at the University of Massachusetts, and completed my ENT residency at Yale–New Haven Hospital.”
“I’ve taught at Johns Hopkins, Massachusetts Eye & Ear, and Rhode Island Hospital. These days, I see patients part-time in Providence, focusing on rhinology and migraine care. I’m also the co-founder and president of the nonprofit, Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD).”
Formation Of The Nonprofit
How did the idea for the nonprofit come together? Dr. Godley shared:
“It started when I used an in-office CT scanner to check a patient’s sinuses during an episode of pain and pressure—and found little or no inflammation. I learned that migraine can mimic sinus infections, sending “false alarms” to the brain. Migraine can also cause dizziness and balance issues, known as vestibular migraine.”
“Seeing how often migraine was mistaken for other conditions, I wanted to raise awareness and educate both patients and healthcare providers. That led to the creation of the Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD) and its educational website.”
“Over time, our small but dedicated team has built a range of innovative programs for both patients and clinicians. We’ve also taken on research to better understand migraine’s many symptoms—especially those outside of headache.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the nonprofit? Dr. Godley reflected:
“While giving lectures and joining panel discussions are rewarding, my favorite moments often come from the behind-the-scenes work—developing educational videos, creating continuing education courses, and designing resources for healthcare professionals. I enjoy the mix of research, creativity, and problem-solving that goes into these projects.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of your nonprofit’s most significant milestones? Dr. Godley cited:
“We’ve had many moments that make me proud. In 2025, our website (MigraineDisorders.Org) had more than two million views. Our educational content and resources are medically reviewed and AMD is a trusted source for migraine-related information. One of our biggest successes has been Shades for Migraine, our global awareness campaign. Every June (Migraine and Headache Awareness Month), SFM encourages people to show their support for the one billion people living with migraine disease worldwide. In June, people post a picture wearing sunglasses on their social media with the #ShadesForMigraine. In 2025, we gave out 20,000 pairs of our signature purple sunglasses, had more than 50 Community Leader volunteers located across the globe spreading awareness in their communities, and had 50 SFM branded billboards in 20 US cities. All of this helped us reach more than 400 million people in all 50 states and 56 countries. With our highest participation to date, we made a significant impact while also providing educational resources to the public and fostering a strong, supportive community for those affected by migraine.”
Customer Success Stories
Would you like to share any specific success stories? Dr. Godley highlighted:
“One highlight is A Migraine Toolbox—a free, 6.5-hour online course for healthcare providers. Thousands have taken it, and feedback often includes comments like, ‘the best CME course I’ve ever taken.'”
“We also launched the HEADS Registry—Headache, Ear, Auditory, Dizziness, and Sinus—a large patient and clinician database tracking more than 50 migraine-related symptoms over time. With more than 1,000 participants, it’s already becoming a valuable source of new insights.”
Metrics
Can you discuss any notable metrics? Dr. Godley revealed:
“Patient education is central to our mission, and social media helps us connect with the migraine community where they are. In 2025, AMD reached 16.9 million impressions —up 56% from 2024 — and grew its following by 35%.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates your nonprofit from others? Dr. Godley affirmed:
“We stand out for our focus on ENT-related migraine symptoms and for building bridges between medical specialties. For example, we created Migraine Science Collaborative, a free service offering curated research updates every two weeks, and launched the Migraine in Otolaryngology Society, an interdisciplinary professional community.”
Challenges Faced
What are some challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them? Dr. Godley acknowledged:
“Changing long-standing perceptions about migraine within the medical community is difficult, especially in groups that don’t yet recognize the full impact of the disease. Fundraising can also be challenging since migraine is not typically seen as life-threatening and is often invisible. Many do not even know migraine is considered a disease. Despite being the second leading cause of disability worldwide, migraine receives much less research funding than many other diseases.”
“Even with a small staff, AMD achieves a great deal. Our mission—Research, Education, and Awareness—drives everything we do. From funding early research to producing patient podcasts, videos, and newsletters, to training clinicians through CME courses and an apprenticeship program, our team brings a high level of skill and passion to every project.”
“This year, we launched a new fundraising initiative for Shades for Migraine that not only supports the campaign but also engages the public in a meaningful way. Sponsor a Pair of Virtual Shades has allowed us to connect with people on a personal level while highlighting the critical need for increased funding to expand education and raise awareness.”
Future Goals
What are some of your nonprofit’s future goals? Dr. Godley concluded:
“We’ll continue producing high-quality, reliable information for the migraine community and updating our online resources. One exciting focus will be a research consortium studying how the nerves in the sinus lining function—and sometimes malfunction—from multiple scientific perspectives.”
“We continue to expand Shades for Migraine, welcoming more volunteers who are spreading awareness in their communities across the U.S. and around the world. Together, we’re always striving to reach more people who are searching for connection and a supportive migraine community.”
