Health summit offers cutting-edge research and technology to improve care of paralyzed veterans and others with disabilities

New Veterans Affairs Secretary, Robert Wilkie, to give keynote address Thursday, August 30

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Aug 28, 2018, 07:00 ET

DALLAS, Aug. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today, over 500 clinicians from across the country — physicians, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists and more — are gathering at the Healthcare Summit + Expo, the largest of its kind, to improve the care of people with paralysis.

The event is hosted by Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and runs through August 30 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. This conference gives clinicians a unique, hands-on look at the latest technology, research and care models in spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other diseases.

The new Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie, will give a keynote address on Thursday, August 30.

"PVA is the only veterans service organization that presents an annual healthcare summit of this kind," said PVA National President David Zurfluh, a disabled Air Force veteran. "Our goal is to ensure healthcare professionals who work in spinal cord injury and disease and other specialty fields share information that will improve the care of veterans with paralysis, and ultimately help all people with disabilities."

The Summit will offer demonstrations of exciting technologies like the PneuChair, a pneumatic powered light-weight waterproof wheelchair; the exoskeleton, which enables people with paralysis to walk again; and a phone app that helps patients monitor their own live pressure map to avoid injuries. These and many other breakthroughs for individuals living with SCI/D will be explored. General healthcare topics such as interdisciplinary care, telehealth, adaptive sports and alternative pain management will also be discussed during educational sessions.

The 2018 Clinician Excellence Awards will be given out at Summit to recognize clinicians with exceptional professional achievement, leadership and advocacy for SCI/D, MS and ALS healthcare.

Schedule Snapshot

Summit:	Tuesday, August 28 – Thursday, August 30, 2018
	8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day

Expo:	Monday, August 27 – 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
	Tuesday, August 28 – Wednesday, August 29
	Selected times throughout both days

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

VA Secretary speech:	Thursday August 30, 8:30 – 9:00 a.m.

For more information and the full agenda, please visit summitpva.org.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For more than 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans of America also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America