The following are a sampling of the medical sessions offered. An * identifies a Nursing CEU and an ** identifies a PT CEU

Clinical and Molecular Findings in EDS *  **

Nazli McDonnell, MD, PhD 

Putting her Medical Degree and her PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Maryland to work, Dr. McDonnell is currently a principal investigator at the National Institutes of Health, specifically researching Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue: EDS, Marfan Syndrome, Fibromuscular Dysplasia, Stickler Syndrome, Familial Aneurysm Syndrome, and related disorders. Astute, talented, and personable, she will update attendees on her cutting-edge study, including new variations in EDS Types and future treatment possibilities.

Friday, August 1, 8:45am-9:45am

Your Feet and EDS *  **

Patrick Agnew, MD 

Having spoken at more than a decade of EDS Conferences and having a firm grasp of EDS-specific issues, such as clubfoot, flatfeet, orthotics, and weak ankles, he understands and treats the problems that plague most EDS patients. He also sits on the Professional Advisory Network, fielding pertinent questions from members and reviewing literature published by the organization.

Friday, August 1, 10:00am-10:45am

EDS and Strokes *  **

James Grotta, MD, PhD 

With his medical degree from Virginia School of Medicine, a Residency in Neurology and almost 30 years as a Professor of Neurology at the University of Texas (currently the Chairman) Dr. Grotta explains how a relatively new, image-guided, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment technique, Interventional Radiology, can be an alternative to surgery; especially when pain, cost, and trauma to the body are issues. You will learn when IR might be the best treatment: brain stenosis, vascular disease, aneurysms; and how an IR specialist works with your primary physician. The success rate? You’ll have to come to his session to hear the statistics.

Friday, August 1, 11:15am-12:00noon

Living with EDS *  **

Linda Neumann-Potash, RN 

Diagnosed with EDS over 20 years ago, Linda is a registered nurse with 23 years of experience and currently the case manager/coordinator for bariatric surgery at the Nebraska Medical Center. She also served as the Executive Director of EDNF from 1996-2003. Ms. Potash gives attendees a bird's eye view of the psychological and medical aspects of working and raising her children while battling this insidious disorder. You will really enjoy her hands-on experience and layman's terms, as well as the ease in which she fields questions.

Ask the Doctors

Panel of Physicians 

Perhaps our most popular sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to ask a myriad of questions concerning EDS. Have yours ready!

Effective Non-Surgical Treatments for Joint Pain *  **

John Parks Trowbridge, MD 

With his medical degree from Case Western and additional studies in Diet and Nutrition and Clinical Metal Toxicology, Dr. Trowbridge continues to research non-medical, non-drug methods to treat his patients with ligament laxity. In 1990 he discovered Recontructive Therapy; a natural and long-lasting technique that stimulates the body's own natural healing processes to 1) reconstruct stronger, thicker, more durable ligament bands that hold joints together and tendon bands that are required for muscles to move bones; 2) relieve excruciating pain; and 3) restore strength, confidence, and endurance to hypermobile patients (like those with HEDS). He is also taking one-on-one appointments so sign up early.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndromes *  **

Marcus Spurlock, MD 

As if EDS wasn't enough, many EDS patients are also plagued with Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Fatigue. Dr. Spurlock graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science and Medicine and with a Medical Doctorate from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine with extensive experience in anti-aging medicine, environmental medicine, viral diseases and is a board certified Family Physician with many years of experience in treating FM and CFIDS. He will specifically address some of the more common underlying causes for the onset of these illnesses, the debilitating symptoms, environmental factors and alternative treatment options that are available.

Dealing with the Death of a Loved One

Linda Neumann-Potash, RN 

We often say, "No one should have to bury a child." Actually, no one should have to bury any family member or dear friend, but we do. And sometimes the grief is overwhelming. Ms. Potash speaks from her experience as a nurse, as well as a mother who lost her young son. For this session, participants are encouraged to bring a picture or any other momento they want to share.

Your Feet and EDS

Patrick Agnew, DO 

Having spoken at more than a decade of EDS Conferences and having a firm grasp of EDS-specific issues, such as clubfoot, flatfeet, orthotics, and weak ankles, he understands and treats the problems that plague most EDS patients. He also sits on the Professional Advisory Network, fielding pertinent questions from members and reviewing literature published by the organization.

Joseph Ernest, MD 

Currently at the Wake University of Medicine, Department of OB/GYN, Dr. Earnest has a wealth of knowledge to impart to young women contemplating pregnancy and motherhood. Although there are many considerations and issues with any pregnancy, EDS patients, especially the Vascular or Classical Types, definitely want to approach pregnancy with caution. Learn why pregnancy can be traumatic (even life-threatening), how you can prepare for pregnancy, and how to select the right doctor.

Henri Marcoux 

With successful practices all over Canada and the US, Henri brings relief to those who suffer from chronic pain. And unlike most chiropractors, his treatments don't hurt. He is so sure that his method will change your life of pain, he welcomes you to try a complimentary session with one of his staff.

Pain Management Workshop

Maggie Buckley, MS 

Having EDS herself and having served on our BOD for several years, Ms. Buckley relates all too well to the problems EDS patients encounter. Dedicated and energetic, she joined the American Pain Foundation's Pain Community and Advisory Council, and in 2005 she founded the Women with Pain Coalition, a multi-cultural, national initiative improving the treatment of pain for all women. And, yes, men can also enjoy this session.

Pat Wyse, MD, PhD, FRCSC 

An ophthalmologist and professor at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, Dr. Wyse runs subspecialty clinics for patients with Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan Syndromes. He discusses how Genetics produced the eyes you have and how you can protect them to see into the future.

Thoracic Aortic Surgery in Patients with Connective-Tissue Disorders *  **

Dr. Joseph Coselli, MD, FACC

Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Baylor College, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery  at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, and Associate Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery, Dr. Coselli has performed more than 5,200 Aortic repairs and 2,250 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms repairs. It's no wonder that he's internationally acclaimed as the world's most successful surgeon in his field. This session is a must for Classical and Vascular types, as well as every doctor and healthcare professional. And as we learn more about EDS, we discover that many patients with other types also eventually suffer from similar bleeding issues. So take copious notes and share them when you get home.

Diana Driscoll, DO 

Having received her Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Houston in 1985, she was then certified as a Therapeutic Optometrist in 1981 (allowing her to treat diseases and write scripts) and as a Glaucoma Specialist in 2002. But she is particularly excited to work with her EDS patients and their eye complications, which probably stems from the fact that she too is an EDS patient.

Prashanth Sunkureddi, MD 

Being a connective tissue disorder, EDS affects the muscles and joints of every EDS patient. Those EDS patients with the Hypermobility Type know this all too well. In fact, most patients with HEDS have a rheumatologist as the core physician in their medical team. Learn about your muscular system so you can better explain EDS to medical personnel as well as friends and family.

Pain Management Workshop

Maggie Buckley, MS 

Having EDS herself and having served on our BOD for several years, Ms. Buckley relates all too well to the problems EDS patients encounter. Dedicated and energetic, she joined the American Pain Foundation's Pain Community and Advisory Council, and in 2005 she founded the Women with Pain Coalition, a multi-cultural, national inititive improving the treatment of pain for all women. And, yes, men can also enjoy this session.

Brad Tinkle, MD

Do you get a good night's sleep? Most EDS patients do not. However the body cannot heal itse;f itself if you toss and turn each night. If you suffer from stress, worry, and pain, you must go to this session.

Leanne Burnett, MD

Do you suffer from migraines like most EDSers? Want some relief? In this session, Neurologist Leanne Burnett discusses the pathopysiology of migraines, their triggers, and treatment options. You'll learn what lifestyle choices increase the risk of having a migraine, treatment options when you have that pounding migraine, the concept of daily preventative medication for migraines, and the concept of analgesic rebound.

Nursing Perils and the ER*  **

Denise McGinley, RN 

During this session, participants will gain heightened awareness of the unique problems facing patients with EDS, and the sometimes unusual presentations of life and /or limb-threatening illnesses. It also focuses on commonplace medical practices and/or treatment modalities that can spell disaster for EDS sufferers.

Genetic Counseling and EDS

Dru Leistitz, MS 

Do you know for sure if you have EDS? Why is there a test for Vascular EDS but not some of the other EDS types? How do you get tested? Representing Dr. Peter Byers and his research team at the University of Washington, Dr will discuss the role of the Geneticist in the diagnosis of EDS and what tests are there for the different types. /font>

Saturday, August 2, 1:15pm-2:00pm

EDS and Your Muscles and Joints*  **

Elizabeth Russell, MD, FACP 

With her Medical Degree from Rutgers, an Internal Medicine Intership from Cornell, a Post-Doc in Biophysics and a Fellowship in Rheumatology, Dr. Russell is intimately familiar with muscles and tendons and how EDS affects them. Most importantly, she will discuss the clinical approach and treatment of muscle and tendon abnormalities.

Innovative Pain Descriptions for Children*  **

Julie Nanos, BS, Psychology 

One of the most difficult things is understanding your child's pain and translating this for physicians and other medical personnel. Pulling from her degree in Psychology and from a mother's heart, Julie has written a book on Pain with innovative descriptions any child will understand. Thought provoking and beautifully illustrated, her pain descriptions might be incorporated into future textbooks. For the present she is speaking at hospitals and conferences.

Genetic Counseling and EDS*  **

Dru Leistitz, MS 

Do you know for sure if you have EDS? Why is there a test for Vascular EDS but not some of the other EDS types? How do you get tested? Representing Dr. Peter Byers and his research team at the University of Washington, Dr will discuss the role of the Geneticist in the diagnosis of EDS and what tests are there for the different types. /font>

Saturday, August 2, 4:15pm-5:00pm