Collaborative Care Was the Message of Amputee Conference

On April 11-12 2008, ODU's Department of Health Sciences hosted a two-day workshop conference, "Improving Functional Outcomes for Amputees: A Collaborative Approach."

Paul F. Pasquina, M.D., LTC (pictured) is Medical Director of the Amputee Program and Chairman of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. As a physician with extensive experience in the care and treatment of military combat trainees, Pasquina's presentation focused on his recent work caring for combat casualties at Walter Reed. He also discussed the military's comprehensive, collaborative approach to the care of amputees.

The conference featured physicians, prosthetists, physical therapists, nurses and case managers to discuss current best practices in the rehabilitation of amputees from pre-surgery through advanced rehabilitation, with special emphasis on how collaboration can improve outcomes. Military and civilian amputee patients participated in a series of breakout sessions.