reflections on Lymphedema bcla lymphedema awareness conference
Key Note Speakers Dr. Stanley G. Rockson medical director / stanford university
Dr. Pierre-Yves von der Weid associate professor / u of calgary
Visit www.bclymph.org to learn more about bcla
Table of Contents reflec tions on ly mphedema
01
03
introduction
key note speakers
05
07
today’s schedule
bc lymphedema association panel
10
13
bc lymphedema association board directors
exhibitors & sponsors
bcl a ly m ph edem a awa r en e s s con f er ence
Introduction
01 | reflections of lymphedema — introduction
welcome to our Lymphedema Conference —Reflections on
Lymphedema. “Reflections” refers to: what we see in the mirror every day and how we perceive and take care of ourselves; thoughtful “reflection” on what research is telling us about future enhancements possible in the treatment of lymphedema. The agenda is packed with information on the latest research in lymphedema: Dr. Rockson from Stanford University; Dr. PierreYves von der Weid from the University of Calgary; a UBC PhD student describing a new study and asking for participants who will be offered a free night garment. Also featured: presenters on nutrition to reduce the burden on your lymphatic system; wound prevention, skin health and care; de-bunking myths about exercise; hands-on demonstrations of bandaging and self massage; a healthcare panel with Dr. Doug Courtemanche as facilitator. A special guest will also be present. The conference is a great opportunity to visit with, and ask questions of, the many exhibitors who carry various lymphedema related products. It is also a way to meet others who share your concerns or challenges around living with, or treating patients living with, lymphedema.
BCLA needs help for various tasks throughout the year such as becoming more involved in local events and having a BCLA booth at events like the Run for the Cure in September. We need organizers and volunteers to plan for these. Please let a Board member know if you can help.
Also, a very heartfelt “thank you” to all the Board Members who take time away from their busy lives to support the efforts of the BCLA and who worked diligently to put on this event. Thanks to Lynn and Paula for their invaluable support with membership and the newsletter. Thank you as well to the volunteers who helped make this day happen. Your support is critical to the success of BCLA .
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Key Note Speakers
03 | reflections of lymphedema — key note speakers
stanley g. rockson Dr. Rockson, MD, Harvard Medical School, Chief of Consultative Cardiology and the Allan and Tina Neill Professor of Lymphedema Research and Medicine at Stanford University. He is also a Director at the Stanford Centre for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders focusing on new and emerging treatments for lymphedema. He has been awarded the Pioneer Award, Lymphatic Research Foundation. His published work includes articles on lymphatic disease and investigation of lymphangiomatosis.
pierre-yves von der weid Pierre-Yves von der Weid, PhD, Associate Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary studying the roles and functions of the lymphatic vessels in health and disease. His research group is particularly interested in the influence of inflammation on lymphatic functions. He is currently leading the Lymphedema Research and Education Program in the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases at the University of Calgary.
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Today’s Schedule
8:00
registration, refreshments & exhibitor visits
9:00
introduction & conference opening Conference Presenter: Dr. Moira Stillwell, Vancouver-Langara MLA
9:10
lymphedema: unanswered questions & research advances Conference Presenter: Stanley G. Rockson, MD —Keynote Speaker Director, Centre for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders Stanford University School of Medicine
10:25
health break & exhibitor visits
11:00
reduce the burden on your lymph system through diet changes Conference Presenter: Angela Wright, BSc, cnp, rncp Lead Nutritionist, Inspire Health —Integrative Cancer Care
11:45
Concurrent Sessions exercise—debunking the myths Conference Presenter: Bolette Rafn, UBC PhD Student
self-bandaging demonstration Conference Presenter: John Mulligan, RMT, Clinical Specialist at Lymphedema Depot, Education Working Group of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework
12:15
lunch, networking & exhibitor visits
1:30
canadian perspective on research Conference Presenter: Pierre-Yves von der Weid, PhD Chair, Inflammation Research Network, Associate Professor, U of Calgary
05 | reflections of lymphedema— today’s schedule
2:30
bc research project (participants needed) Conference Presenter: Bolette Rafn, UBC PhD Student
2:45
Concurrent Sessions skin health & wound prevention and care Conference Presenter: Dr. Douglas Courtemanche, MD, MS, Director of the Vascular Anomolies Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital
self-massage demonstration Conference Presenter: Janet Sprague, BHSc PT, Keary Physiotherapy/Go Physiotherapy
3:15 3:45
health break & exhibitor visits
lymphedema expert panel discussion Chaired by Dr. Douglas Courtemanche
4:50
closing
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BC Lymphedema Association Panel
douglas courtemanche Dr. Courtemanche, UBC Medical Degree, 1983. He is a certified Plastic Surgeon who practices at BC Children’s and Vancouver General Hospitals. He is also a Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at UBC and Director of the Vascular Anomolies Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital.
BRIAN KUNIMOTO MD degree UBC 1983. FRCP(C) Dermatology 1989. Clinical Associate Professor UBC . Dr. Brian Kunimoto has been in private medical dermatology practice from 1989 until 2008 and in a group practice at the Skin Care Centre (VGH ) since 2008. Founding Director of the VGH Wound Healing Clinic from 1990 until present. He is the Co-Program Director of the Dermatology Residency Program 2012 to present.
WINKLE KWAN Dr. Kwan received his medical degree in 1986. A Radiation Oncologist with the BC Cancer Agency at the Fraser Valley Centre in Surrey, breast cancer treatment has been his area of expertise for 15 years. Treating arm lymphedema after breast cancer therapy drew his attention to the topic of lymphedema. He follows over 200 patients in a nationwide effort to identify triggering factors and incidences of arm problems after breast cancer treatment. He is also part of the Canadian Lymphedema Foundation Research Working Group to advance and better organize efforts of research in Canada.
John Mulligan John Mulligan, Registered Massage Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, co-founder and Clinical Specialist at Lymphedema Depot. He has been treating lymphedema patients in his private practice for 17 years, serves
07 | reflections of lymphedema— bc lymphedema association panel
on the Education Working Group of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework and has been certified by the Lymphology Association of North America since 2001. He writes, presents and teaches on the subject of lymphedema.
Bolette Skjødt Rafn Bolette Rafn has Bachelor degree in Physiotherapy and completed her MSc in Health Science at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Her thesis specifically focused on rehabilitation of arm function of breast cancer patients after surgery, a project supervised by Dr. Kristin Campbell. Several years of clinical experience and research has been focused on prevention and early rehabilitation of physical impairments among breast cancer patients. She began her Ph.D. in breast cancer rehabilitation in September 2015.
Janet Sprague Janet received her physiotherapy degree in 1987. She became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (Klose method) in 1996, received her Lymphology Association of North America (LANA ) in 2001 and completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification in 2010. Janet, an advocate of healthy living joined BCLA in the spring of 2015. Her goal is to help promote the awareness of lymphedema and treatment options available to people who are living with lymphedema.
Moira Stillwell Dr. Stillwell is a radiologist and a nuclear medicine physician. She was Head of Nuclear Medicine at St. Paul’s, Surrey Memorial, Abbotsford Regional Hospitals and the Cancer Clinic prior to being elected MLA in 2009. She has held several ministerial and Cabinet positions and acted as Parliamentary Secretary in different areas including the Health Ministry with a focus on Health Innovation. Her experience in the area of Breast Health includes: Co-Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
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2020 Task Force, co-medical director of the Breast Health Program at BC Women’s Hospital; past chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation—BC Yukon Chapter; and has served on the Board of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance and the BC Women’s Hospital Foundation Board. She was also a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Radiology in the Faculty of Medicine at the UBC .
Angela Wright Angela Wright, BSc, CNP , RNCP and Lead Nutritionist at Inspire Health. She holds an Honours Degree in Environmental Science, a degree in Applied Holistic Nutrition and is a member of the International Organization of Holistic Nutritionists. After 7 years of private practice she joined the Inspire Health team three years ago. Angela works to educate others about the roles of food and nutrients in maintaining a healthy body, and empowering individuals to make conscious decisions based on their particular needs and goals.
09 | reflections of lymphedema— bc lymphedema association panel
BC Lymphedema Association Board Directors lucette wesley—President Lucette has over 30 years experience working in the field of group insurance, including 15 years of senior leadership positions with several major Canadian insurance companies. She has volunteered her time as an executive of the South Burnaby Garden Club for many years and is an avid gardener. She originally joined the Board of the BC Lymphedema Association as Vice-President and Privacy Officer, but has stepped into the role of President in early 2011. She has friends who are cancer survivors and Lymphedema patients. She advocates a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude as the best tools for those living a full life with Lymphedema.
Sharla Walkey—vice-president Sharla Walkey has held varied roles in the corporate world for the last 15 years. Whilst in University in 2000 Sharla was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and, as a result of the surgery and radiation treatment, she developed Lymphedema. Sharla is determined to advocate for more standardized treatment for lymphedema across Canada, and looks forward to her role as a BCLA Board Member (Vice President) helping her reach this goal.
Christine Chandler—Secretary Christine emigrated from England in 1965 and worked as a teacher for 32 years. After retirement, she has volunteered for a number of non-profit board or committee positions for the last 15 years. In 1993, with no explainable cause, Christine developed primary lymphedema of the right arm. Her motivation in supporting BCLA is to help others learn about the resources and support available to manage their condition.
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Janet Sprague—treasurer Janet received her physiotherapy degree in 1987. She became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (Klose method) in 1996, received her Lymphology Association of North America (LANA ) in 2001 and completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification in 2010. Janet, an advocate of healthy living joined BCLA in the spring of 2015. Her goal is to help promote the awareness of lymphedema and treatment options available to people who are living with lymphedema.
janine Leitch—director Janine is a primary grade school teacher who has lived with secondary leg lymphedema for 18 years. She has been a BCLA member since 2009.
Lene tonnisen—director Lene, an RMT certified in the Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) , has been using it to treat Lymphedema since 1998. She joined the BCLA as a board member in 2010. She has worked and volunteered in a variety of settings, including Massage Therapy at a World Burn Congress, and at a disability rehab centre in Africa; and has become a certified compression garment fitter, to name a few. Lene hopes that Lymphedema treatment will progress and become standardized so that many more people can benefit from it. Awareness of treatment options is key and she hopes that the BCLA will be an effective resource to inform people of this!
Leona towers—director Leona Towers joined the board in May/09. As a retired teacher, she brings with her organizational and writing skills that she will use to help advocate for Lymphedema awareness, education, and research. Leona developed secondary Lymphedema in both legs many years
1 1 | reflections of lymphedema— bc lymphedema association board director s
after surgery and radiation treatment for cancer. She is a retired teacher who enjoys physical activity, travelling, gardening, and learning.
DR. ELLIOTT WEISS—director Elliott has been a Medical Advisor to the BCLA since its inception. He is a Medical Specialist with a title of Division Head, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) . In his work at UBC , he is involved in teaching medical students and residents, and is also a Clinical Instructor. He acts as a Medical Consultant for one of Canada’s largest disability insurers. His clinical practice includes all subspecialties of PMR . He became interested in primary and secondary Lymphedema many years ago and his clinical practice involves the diagnosis and management of lymphedematous conditions, both from a medical and a disability perspective.
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Exhibitors
13 | reflections of lymphedema— exhibitor s & sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors
platinum sponsor $2000
gold sponsors $1000
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