Healthcare summit to deliver cutting-edge research and technology to help paralyzed veterans and others with disabilities

Post Date:August 16, 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Lani Poblette 202-733-7838, LaniP@pva.org
 
WHAT: Over 500 clinicians — physicians, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists and more — will attend the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) eighth annual Healthcare Summit + Expo for a unique, hands-on look at the latest technology, research and care models in spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other diseases.

Summit is designed for experts from across the country to share information that will improve the care of veterans with paralysis and ultimately help all people with disabilities. Exciting technologies include:
  • PneuChair, developed by Rory Cooper, Ph.D.
    Pneumatic powered light-weight wheelchair is waterproof and can be recharged in minutes.
  • Exoskeleton
    Enables people with paralysis to walk again.
  • CMAP
    Phone app with live pressure mapping to help those with paralysis avoid injuries.
These and many other breakthroughs for individuals living with SCI/D will be explored during educational sessions and demonstrated at the Summit. Many issues also pertinent to general healthcare, such as interdisciplinary care, telehealth, adaptive sports and alternative pain management will be discussed.
WHEN: Summit: Tuesday, August 28 – Thursday, August 30, 2018

Expo: Tuesday, August 28 – Wednesday, August 29

Media Window*: Tuesday August 28, 10 a.m. – Noon
*Demonstrations & interviews available

VA Secretary speech: Thursday, August 30, 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. (tentative)
WHERE: Omni Dallas Hotel, 555 S Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75202
WHO: David Zurfluh, U.S. Air Force veteran, national president, Paralyzed Veterans of America

Carl Blake, U.S. Army veteran, executive director, Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paul Gutierrez, M.S., M.D., Healthcare Summit + Expo program committee chair

Robert Wilkie, secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs

Lucille Beck, Ph.D., acting deputy under secretary for Health for Policy and Services, Veterans Health Administration


Demonstrations of new technology, interviews on Summit topics and other veterans’ healthcare issues are available upon request.

Please contact Lani Poblete at LaniP@pva.org or 202-733-7838.

For more information or to view the full agenda, please visit summitpva.org.