Military medicine symposium to address care after traumatic brain injury

New Jersey Congressman and former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jon Runyan and Army Vice Chief of Staff General Peter Chiarelli will deliver keynote addresses at the fourth USU-HJF Military Medicine Symposium, "The TBI Spectrum," Sept. 22, 2011.

The symposium, which will be held at the Washington Renaissance Hotel, will focus on the full spectrum of care following traumatic brain injury (TBI), with expert panels addressing TBI research, acute care, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Gen. Chiarelli , who has championed TBI care and research for years, will provide the symposium's opening keynote address.

"Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries represent, in my opinion, the "signature wounds" of this war," Chiarelli said. "We owe it to the brave men and women who serve our country and their families, to continue to learn as much as possible about the brain in order to better prevent, diagnose and treat these injuries in the days ahead."

Congressman Runyan will present the afternoon keynote address. His membership in the Congressional Brain Injury Caucus and the House Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees, combined with his background as a former NFL player, give Runyan a unique insight into traumatic brain injury issues facing both military service members and the civilian community.

Among the other notable presenters are Dr. Daniel Perl, director of the Military Brain Injury Studies program; Dr. Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, director of Clinical Research at the Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine; Col. (Dr.) Rocco Armonda, director of Cerebrovascular Surgery and Interventional Neuroradiology of the National Capital Neurosurgery Consortium; Dr. Lawrence Latour, scientist, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Section on Stroke Diagnostics and Therapeutics; Dr. Patricia Dorn, interim director, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Dept. of Veterans Affairs; Rear Adm. (Dr.) C. Forrest Faison, III, commander, Navy Medicine West/Naval Medical Center San Diego, Calif.; Col. (Dr.) Paul Pasquina, chief, Department of Orthopedics, and Military Health System leadership perspective of preventing, diagnosing and treating TBIs.

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) will host the event. HJF's Center for Public-Private Partnerships is organizing the symposium. Humana Military Healthcare Services will sponsor the symposium breakfast and TriWest Healthcare Alliance will sponsor the symposium luncheon.

Provided by Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine