Ahead of the Game Concussion Conference

(Newswire.net — January 24, 2017) Bend, Oregon — The Center Foundation presents Ahead of the Game, a two-day conference in Bend, Oregon on April 21-22 led by nationally recognized concussion experts. The conference is for all disciplines involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of concussions including physicians, neuropsychologists, school administrators, school nurses, athletic directors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, athletic trainers, and coaches, and other medical providers. CME, PDU, and CEU certificates are available.

The conference takes place at The Tetherow Event Pavilion and kicks off with a focus on concussion management and best practices for return to learn and return to play. Discussions will explore challenges to schools for students with prolonged post-concussion symptoms, as well as improving communication between the schools and medical providers. There will also be education regarding Oregon state laws on concussion and school responsibility. Friday’s featured speakers include:

• Ann Glang, PhD, research professor at University of Oregon and co-director of The Center on Brain Injury Research & Training (CBIRT)
• Dr. Stan Herring, team physician for the Seattle Seahawks
• Melissa McCart, DEd, Oregon TBI Education Coordinator, CBIRT
• Sue Hayes, MS, SLP, Regional TBI Liaison, High Desert ESD
• David Kracke, Attorney at Law, Nichols & Associates, TBI Policy and Legislative Specialist

As part of the conference, Kevin Guskiewicz, MD will present grand rounds for medical staff at St. Charles on Friday, April 21 and give an update on concussion prevention and concussion management. Dr. Guskiewicz is co-director of the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center and director of the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“This is a remarkable opportunity for leading experts in the field, medical providers, and educators to come together and discuss the latest evidence-based research,” said Sonja Donohue, Executive Director for The Center Foundation. “There is so much new information that can help us get students get back on track after experiencing brain injury and we need to work together to make sure they’re getting what they need.”

The keynote speaker for the reception dinner on Friday night is Dr. Stan Herring, team physician for the Seattle Seahawks and University of Washington clinical professor. Jenna Sneva, a young woman who sustained at least 11 concussions while participating in club soccer and competitive skiing will also speak about her experiences, which led to the origination of Jenna’s law in Oregon.

On Saturday, the sessions include discussion of the latest science around recurrent concussions, evidence based return to activity protocols, post-traumatic headache management, sleep disorders associated with concussion, and more. Saturday’s expert panel includes: 

• James Bryan, PhD, neuropsychologist for the FC Timbers in Portland, Oregon
• Jim Chesnutt, MD, Sports Medicine, OHSU Concussion Program
• Kevin Guskiewicz, PhD, ATC, University of North Carolina
• Stan Herring, MD, physiatrist and team physician for the Seattle Sea Hawks
• Sondra Marshall, PhD, neuropsychologist, St. Charles Health System and COPA
• Juan Piantino, MD, OHSU pediatric neurologist
• Juliette Preston, MD, neurologist OHSU, headache specialist
• Kirsten Scott, OD, neuro-optometry, Bend Oregon
• Viviane Ugalde, MD, physiatrist, Medical Director Concussion Management for the Center Foundation in Bend, Oregon

“If we can help coaches, students, parents, school staff and medical providers identify and report concussion symptoms early on, we can do a lot to support recovery for our Central Oregon youth,” said Viviane Ugalde, MD from The Center Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care & Research. “Central Oregon has one of the most comprehensive brain injury partnerships between The Center, St. Charles Health System, and the High Desert Education Service District and we want to expand awareness so that we can help more families.”

For more information, or to register, please visit centerfoundation.org or call (541) 322-2399.