7-17-12
Experts in Military Issues to Share Research, Best Practices
Experts in Military Issues to Share Research and Best Practices
at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s
Specialty Conference Sept. 7–8
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — Occupational therapy clinicians, educators, researchers, and students will gather in San Antonio from Sept. 7-8, 2012, to attend the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA’s) specialty conference, Advanced Practice in Traumatic Injuries & PTSD: Lessons for Military, VA, & Civilian Practitioners. Journalists have access to occupational therapy experts providing innovative ways to help military personnel and veterans live life to its fullest.
“Wounded warriors, with their multiple injuries, are anxious to return to their communities and to lead active and independent lives,” said Frank Gainer, MHS, OTR/L, FAOTA, AOTA’s director of conferences and a 24-year U.S. Army veteran. “Occupational therapy is the profession that makes this happen.”
Focusing on science, innovation, and evidence, outstanding speakers will come together with occupational therapy clinicians, leaders, educators, researchers, and students for 2 incredible days. Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).
Col. Paul F. Pasquina, MD, chief of the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and consultant to the Office of the Surgeon General for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, will present the keynote address from 8-9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7.
Occupational therapy can be applied to many facets of both active duty and veteran life. Conference sessions will cover:
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Upper Extremity Orthopedic Injuries
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The Battle Against Pain
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Burns
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Vision Loss
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Returning to Work After Injury
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Assistive Technology
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Sensory-Based Treatment of PTSD
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Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
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Driving & Community Mobility
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Amputations
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Soldiers in Transition to Civilian Life
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Warrior Transition Units
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The Impact of Deployment on Families
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Occupational therapy’s role in military issues is needed now, more than ever in our history.
"Some soldiers return with physical injuries while others return without even a scratch, but even they may suffer mental abrasions which can go undetected,” says AOTA Board of Directors member Sudip Bose, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, an emergency physician, Iraq War veteran, and founder of www.TheBattleContinues.org. “Occupational therapy practitioners use a holistic approach to treat physical injuries, but they are also paramount in helping veterans adjust when they return home from the military battlefield to face future battles, including the recovery process, a new deployment, or returning to civilian life."
Media are invited to attend sessions, chat with professionals, and learn more about occupational therapy. This conference will include many topics that demonstrate how occupational therapy is improving the lives of military clients every day. For a full listing of presentations, please visit www.aota.org/ConferenceDocs/Advanced-Practice/Session-Description.aspx. All sessions will take place at the Westin Riverwalk, 420 W. Market St., San Antonio.
To schedule an interview with an event speaker, expert, or occupational therapy practitioner, call Media Relations Manager Katie Riley, 301-652-6611, ext. 2963, or e-mail, kriley@aota.org. For more information on Advanced Practice in Traumatic Injuries & PTSD: Lessons for Military, VA & Civilian Practitioners, visit http://www.aota.org/.
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.
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