Keynote Speaker
Lt. General Michael T. Flynn, USA, (Ret.)
General Flynn will speak to service and sacrifice and what each means to those who serve, and willingly go in harm’s way. Their experiences facing the realities of combat must never be forgotten, especially those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We, as a nation and as communities, must develop new ideas and try fresh, bold approaches to helping our military and our Veterans succeed.
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Lieutenant General (US Army) Retired, Michael “Mike” Flynn served as the National Security Advisor to the 45th President of the United States of America and over 33 years in the United States Army rising to the highest military intelligence position in the Department of Defense. Mike holds three master’s degrees and two honorary doctorates and is considered one of the nation’s foremost experts on national security, foreign policy, intelligence and security issues. He has spoken on a variety of topics to both U.S. and international audiences and has lectured at numerous universities and colleges. Mike’s passion is to help fellow Veterans and the challenges they face ranging from integration into civil society to the effects of wartime injuries and how they impact their overall healthcare challenges.
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​Lt. General Flynn will also participate in a roundtable discussion, with selected leaders and invited delegates to a real-time question and answer forum that will be a once in a lifetime experience.
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General Flynn will play a key role in helping to spark a discussion about the challenges that so many of our Veterans face. Technologies and therapies such as hyperbaric, low level light, neurofeedback, and advances in digital brain filming, to name a few, can be instrumental in helping Veterans with traumatic brain injuries, and even address the dramatically high rate of Veteran suicides. We can all contribute to this important discussion, and ultimately the solution.
The Brain in Health and Disease: Connectomics,
Neuro-epigenetics and Neuroplasticity
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Innovative Approaches to TBI and PTSD
Joseph C. Maroon, MD
Joseph Maroon MD is clinical professor, Vice Chairman and Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. His medical and surgical training was obtained at Indiana, Georgetown, and Oxford (England) Universities, and the University of Vermont.
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He has published over 283 peer reviewed papers, 64 book chapters and 7 books dealing with the prevention and treatment of traumatic injuries to the brain and spinal cord in athletics; minimally invasive approaches to brain and spinal diseases; and complimentary approaches to inflammatory diseases associated with aging.
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Dr. Maroon co-developed ImPACT, a neurocognitive test for concussion management, which is the only FDA approved test (2016) for concussion evaluation. Over 13 million athletes have been tested to date.
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He is on the editorial boards of Neurological Research, The Physician and Sportsmedicine, Surgical Neurology International, and others.
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Athletically he was a Scholastic All American in football at Indiana University, has participated in 80 triathlons, and completed 8 Ironman distance races (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run), the last in 2017.
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For the past 30 years Dr. Maroon has been the team neurosurgeon for The Pittsburgh Steelers, and the first neurosurgeon directly appointed in the NFL. Since 2007 he has been a member of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee. He is also the medical director for the WWE, and Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research.
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Honors include: President of the International Congress of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University Distinguished Alumnus, and inductee into the Lou Holtz and National Fitness Halls of Fame. In 2018 he received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Jerome Bettis Foundation.
HBOT Legislation
State Senator Tom A. Wright
Senator Wright was elected to the Senate in 2018 and represents Senate District 14, which consists of parts of Brevard and Volusia Counties. He currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and Space. He also serves on four additional committees; The Committee on Children, Families and Elder Affairs; Commerce and Tourism; Environment and Natural Resources and the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee. He is Co-Chair of the Florida Space Caucus.
During the 2019 Legislative Session, Senator Wright’s Alternative Treatment Options for Veterans passed the Florida Legislature. This bill will allow for a study to review alternative avenues for veterans who currently suffer from service connected injuries that have resulted in diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. It is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Senator Wright brings his own experiences to the table, having personally sponsored eight veterans to receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy; one of the five listed treatments in the bill. Of those veterans, all eight healed with resounding success.
Growing up in Minnesota, Senator Wright always was an entrepreneur. Starting in business for himself at age 23 he grew many various companies to successful futures. In his 50’s he became more involved in serving others as his abilities and resources provided.
Throughout his personal life, Senator Wright has dedicated his time and effort to provide support on issues relating to our veterans, to eliminate the domestic abuse of women, children and animals. Now as a State Senator, he strives to make a positive difference in our great State of Florida.
Senator Wright moved to Florida in 2004 with his wife Cindy and they live in New Smyrna Beach, FL.
Changing the Treatment Paradigm of Brain Trauma with rTMS Therapy
Ryan J. Wakim, MD
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Ryan Wakim is a psychiatrist who works to expand access to mental health care, addiction, and innovative treatments. Dr. Wakim sits as the acting President and CEO of an emerging behavioral health corporation, which includes TransforMationS. He regularly consults with numerous hospital systems, state boards, and criminal justice programs to develop standards of care rooted in evidence-based medicine, advancing mental health treatment within the region.
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As a board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Wakim specializes in human interaction, complex problem solving, and both cognitive and behavioral theories. He has used Neurostar TMS therapy for patients in his practice beginning in October 2017. The life-changing results he has seen since that time, including with a member of his own family, has provided him with patient outcomes and experiences never imagined with medications and therapy alone.
HBOT in chronic TBI, a randomized trial, and the culmination of 30 years of treatment and research
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Expanding and unifying hyperbaric medicine: dosing of hyperbaric therapy across the spectrum of hydrostatic pressure, hyperoxia, and medical gases
Dr. Paul Harch, MD
www.hbot.com
Dr. Harch is a world-recognized leading expert in hyperbaric medicine with one of the largest practices in neurological hyperbaric medicine. He is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Director of Hyperbaric Medicine at University Medical Center, New Orleans, which was opened in August, 2015, and former Director of the LSU Hyperbaric Medicine Fellowship. He has presented nearly 200 lectures on hyperbaric medicine and authored more than 70 academic publications.
Dr. Harch will be giving lectures on the results of a randomized trial of HBOT in the treatment of chronic TBI that is the culmination of 30 years of clinical treatment and research, and a unifying lecture on hyperbaric medicine dosing across the entire spectrum of pressure and hyperoxia. The second lecture will seamlessly meld normobaric oxygen therapy with the Russian experience, "mild" hyperbaric therapy, and traditional hyperbaric therapy dosing.
Dr. Harch serves as the Chairperson of Hyperbaric Medicine International's Scientific Advisory Committee.
HBOT...a living testimony
Brigadier General Patt Maney, USA, (Ret.)
An ROTC graduate, General Maney served almost 37 years in the Army Reserve, including over eight years of active duty with service in Panama, Haiti, Bosnia and Afghanistan. In Bosnia, he served at the Office of the High Representative, an international peace implementation organization established by the Dayton Peace Accord, ultimately serving as the acting chief of staff. In Afghanistan, he was the senior advisor for the political sector for the US Ambassador and held the diplomatic rank of attaché. After 17 months in country, he was wounded in an IED blast and spent almost 20 months at Walter Reed Army Hospital. After a year as a patient at Walter Reed a physician family friend suggested he try hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He credits HBOT with “giving him his life back” and allowing him to complete a fulfilling judicial career with service to fellow veterans, teaching him that, “Hard Times Bring Good Things”. Among his major military awards are the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Maney currently serves as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (Florida-North) and on the Florida Supreme Court’s Steering Committee on Problem Solving Courts. He is a retired Okaloosa County (FL) Court Judge. He served for six years on the Florida Supreme Court’s Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and previously served on the statutory Florida Defense Support Task Force and Florida's Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council. He was instrumental in establishing Florida's Veterans Treatment Courts and served four VA Secretaries for more than five years as a member of the VA Readjustment Advisory Committee.
Emerging Applications of Nutritional Ketosis: Disease Management to Operational Performance
Dominic P. D'Agostino, PH.D.
Dr. Dominic D’Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He is also a Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). His hyperbaric research studies are supported by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Department of Defense (DoD), and conducted at USF’s Hyperbaric Biomedical Research Laboratory.
His focus has been on developing and testing nutritional strategies and metabolic-based therapies for neurological disorders, seizures and cancer. He was a crew member on NASA NEEMO 22 and served as a research scientist and support diver for NEEMO 23. He has a personal interest in environmental medicine and methods to enhance safety and physiological resilience of military personnel in extreme environments.
Bob Schmidt
Bob Schmidt is director of the Pro Football Retired Players Association and the guiding vision behind the Home Field Advantage. He is also the Founder and President of the Vince Lombardi Foundation and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Great American Broadband, Inc.
He is the former caretaker of his college football teammate, Hall of Famer Willie Wood, and has been a long-time advocate for former players. He is the former head coach of the Georgetown University Football Team.
Tim Murphy, PhD
Earning his degrees in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh (PhD), Cleveland State University (MA) and Wheeling Jesuit University (BA), he worked at hospitals in the Pittsburgh region including Children’s Hospital, Magee Womens, Mercy, and West Penn and owned a multi-disciplinary private practice. At the University of Pittsburgh, he served as Assistant Professor in the School of Medicine as well as adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Public Health.
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In 1996, he was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate and reelected in 2000. While a state senator he established himself as a leader on healthcare public policy when he penned the historic Patient Bill of Rights law setting regulations for Managed Care.
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He then was elected to eight terms in the United States Congress representing Southwestern Pennsylvania. His multiyear investigation into federal problems with mental health policy culminated in the comprehensive bill “Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act”. Praised as the most substantial federal mental health reforms in over half a century, it was signed into law by President Obama in December 2016. Murphy served on the Energy and Commerce committee and several subcommittees including Health, Energy and Power, Environment and the Economy. In addition, he chaired the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation where he led several major congressional investigations.
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Dr. Murphy volunteered and was commissioned an officer in the United State Navy Reserve in 2009. He served for eight years in the Medical Service Corps as a psychologist on an inpatient TBI/PTSD Unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda. Additional active duty time was aboard the aircraft carriers (USS Carl Vinson, USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Ronald Reagan), and with Navy Special Warfare in Coronado CA, and Dam Neck VA. He achieved the rank of Commander. His medals include: Joint Service Commendation, Navy Commendation with Gold Star, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement, and Navy Unit Commendation among others. He served on a research team for the Defense Veterans Brain Injury Center on behavioral and psychological outcomes of TBI.
His numerous publications include research journal articles, trade magazine columns and s editorial columns in newspapers throughout the country and Europe. Dr. Murphy co-authored two books with Loriann Hoff-Oberlin: The Angry Child: Regaining Control When Your Child is Out of Control (2001) and Overcoming Passive Aggression: How to Stop Hidden Anger from Spoiling Your Relationships, Career and Happiness (first edition 2005, second edition 2016).
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Murphy now practices as a psychologist specializing in the treatment of military, veterans and first responders.
He and his wife Nan live in suburban Pittsburgh. They have one daughter, a son in law and two beautiful grandchildren.
CEO of the Pro Football Retired Players Association
Bob Schmidt
Bob Schmidt is the CEO of the Pro Football Retired Players Association and the guiding vision behind the Home Field Advantage. He is also the Founder and President of the Vince Lombardi Foundation and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Great American Broadband, Inc. He is the former caretaker of his college football teammate, Hall of Famer Willie Wood, and has been a long-time advocate for former players. He is the former head coach of the Georgetown University Football Team.
In addition to Bob Schmidt, three Pro Football Hall of Famers, Joe DeLamielleure, Dave Robinson, Jack Youngblood will be in attendance to forward the conversation about the benefits of hyperbaric treatments for sports-related concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
Photoceucals - A molecular mechanisms driven raonale for the use of Photobiomodulaon therapies
Praveen R Arany, B.D.S., M.D.S., M.M.Sc., Ph.D.
Dr. Arany is trained as a dentist and oral pathologist. He completed a joint PhD-Residency program at Harvard University as a Harvard Presidential Scholar. He has two certificates in clinical translational research from Harvard Medical School and National Institute of Health. He pursued postdoctoral fellowships at Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore; National Cancer Institute, Bethesda and Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences & Wyss Institute, Cambridge. Following his training, he was an Assistant Clinical Investigator at National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda. He is currently a tenure-track Assistant Professor, Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, New York.
His research is predominantly focused on the molecular mechanisms and clinical translation of low dose light treatments, termed Photobiomodulation Therapy to alleviate pain or inflammation and promote tissue healing and regeneration. Work from his group has unraveled several molecular pathway that are enabling safe and effective clinical translation of this innovative treatment. His other areas of interest include smart (sense and respond, controlled release) biomaterial systems, dichotomy of wounds and tumors and TGF-β signaling.
Summary data on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for PTSD
Enrico M. Camporesi, MD
Dr. Camporesi graduated in Medicine from the University of Milano, Italy and specialized in Physiology and Anesthesiology from Duke University. His research has explored respiratory and exercise human responses to high pressure environments (The Atlantis series of deep dives) and treatment of diving accidents (DAN). He is a practicing anesthesiologist and educator (SUNY Syracuse and University of South Florida program director) and a practicing hyperbaric medicine physician (Memorial Hospital, Tampa).
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-Past President of the Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine Society (UHMS): 2000-2002
-Past Treasurer of UHMS: 2009-2011
-Editor-in-Chief, UHM Journal: 2015-present
-Contributor of multiple editions of HBO Committee Report; Last 14th Edition 2019
-UHMS Recipient of Alfred Behnke Award: 2019
NBIRR HBOT TBI Study: Results and Lessons Learned
Robert L. Beckman, Ph.D
Robert L. Beckman is the Chief Knowledge Office for the Foundation for the Study of Inflammatory Disease. Dr. Beckman has been building knowledge management systems most of his professional career, primarily in the Intelligence Community and DOD. He is currently helping set up new Clinical Trials researching the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in treating TBI and PTSD in brain-injured veterans and wounded warriors. He was co-author of the National Brain Injury Rescue and Rehabilitation observational study (NBIRR). He is responsible for sustaining and growing the national network of hyperbaric clinics behind the TreatNOW Coalition [ www.treatnow.org ] as well as improving the platform and repository for data collection and analysis. He is a former USAF KC-135 pilot and a Vietnam Veteran.
Treat a Concussion using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Dr. Daphne Denham, MD
Dr. Dapne Denham is a board certified general surgeon who started practicing wound care and hyperbaric medicine over 10 years ago, to spend more time with her 6 children. Watching the effects of concussions on her children friends, she questioned the "wait and see" approach for acute concussions. Over the past 4 years acute concussions have been her passion. In July 2018 she moved from Chicago to Fargo, ND to continue her quest to change the standard of care for acute concussions. She will be presenting original research suggesting the efficacy of HBOT in the treatment of acute concussions in young athletes. Dr. Denham serves a member of Hyperbaric Medicine International's Council on Accreditation.
Improved oxygen utilization with bio-identical signaling technology
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Hans Eng, President, Eng3 Corporation
Hans Eng is President and CEO of Eng3 Corporation, a Seattle-based company that produces applied biophysics technology for the US and international markets. His 32 years of experience with advanced medical technologies includes working for Johnson & Johnson in Europe and the formation, growth, and successful sale of a German medical implant company.
Hans has deep experience in research and development, production, and quality assurance for medical devices. An advanced Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, combined with his background in material science and proteomics enabled Hans to develop the patented technology that underlies Eng3’s NanoVi™ products.
Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Neurological and Psychological Trauma
Mary Lee Esty, LCSW-C, Ph.D.
Mary Lee Esty, LCSW-C, Ph.D. is President of the Brain Wellness and Biofeedback Center of Washington, Bethesda, MD, and a Senior Fellow of the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback. The Center provides biofeedback and neurofeedback treatments for symptoms TBI and PTS, including chronic headache, insomnia, fatigue, cognitive problems, and depression. Her first research for TBI was done with NIH funding through the Kessler Rehabilitation Hospital published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation in 2001.
Continuing neurofeedback research treating Iraq/Afghanistan (OEF/OIF) veterans for TBI and PTSD has led to more extensive ongoing research with this complicated problem. Pilot study data are in The Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, 2012. Recent publications are in Military Medicine Research. She recently completed an OEF/OIF study with the Traumatic Injury Research program in the military medical school in Bethesda (USUHS).
Conquering Concussion, by Dr. Esty and C.M. Shifflett, defines numerous effects of concussion: short and long-term physical, social, emotional, and metabolic effects that present therapeutic challenges to health care providers.
Why The <bleep> Are We Still Having this Debate for TBI Treatment?
Dr. Xavier Figueroa, PhD
Dr. Figueroa is co-founder and President of the Brain Health & Healing Foundation, and former Director of Scientific Research at the Restorix Research Institute. Dr. Figueroa has been performing neurological clinical research since 1995 in the field of Alzheimer’s research, as well as basic research in neuron biology, cancer research, bioengineering and the biophysics of water in cells. He is currently the owner and Director of Clinical and Scientific Research of Sciencia Incognita Consulting LLC, a consulting and management firm. Sciencia Incognita focuses on providing expert scientific advice on specialty areas of biology, biotechnology, neurobiology and design of clinical trials and basic research experiments. Dr. Figueroa serves on Hyperbaric Medicine International's Board of Directors.
Safety First and Foremost: In the Hyperbaric Environment
Thomas M. Fox MAS, MS, CHT,ICHT
Tom Fox is currently the Research Physiologist for the Hyperbaric Institute for Research and Training, a division of the Center Hyperbare de L’Ile, Pincourt QC. He has worked in the field of Clinical Hyperbaric Oxygen for over the 30 years. Upon his departure from the military Mr. Fox established American Hyperbarics Inc. (AHI), a full service company providing hyperbaric service implementation, training and operational support.
In his last assignment in the military, he served as the Chief of the Atmospherics Branch of the U.S. Army School of Aviation Medicine, Fort Rucker Alabama. In this capacity, he was responsible for hyperbaric/hypobaric operations and training of US and NATO aviators, flight surgeons and flight medics. Mr. Fox is a Senior Army Aviator, an Aviation Safety Officer and flew twelve years as a Medical Evacuation for the US Army.
Mr. Fox holds a Masters in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master’s of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy State University at Dothan. Mr. Fox is also a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College.
His experience in the successful integration of clinical hyperbaric oxygen into the medical services of three different countries in three different languages led to his selection as the Vice President for Operations and Training for the American Association for Hyperbaric Awareness (AAHA). Working in cooperation with Congressional leaders and governmental agencies, AAHA is advancing the understanding of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy within mainstream medicine by demonstrating its value as a therapeutic option.
Pulsed Photobiomodulation Therapy using LEDs Improves Cerebral Blood Flow and Cognition in Veterans with Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury
Dr. Gregory Hipskind, MD, PhD
Dr. Hipskind is a nationally recognized expert in using SPECT brain imaging to evaluate traumatic and toxic brain injuries. He will be presenting original research on a recently-published clinical trial that suggests that LLLT can be used to effectively treat chronic TBI. Dr. Hipskind will also offer insights into the similarities and differences of SPECT brain imaging between chronic TBI patients treated with LLLT and patients treated with HBOT.
Advanced Neurodiagnostics and Data Analytics in Pre and Post Treatment Measurement and Efficacy
John A. Kelley, Jr.
John Kelley is the Chairman and CEO of CereHealth Corp., a brain imaging and data analytics company with a proprietary, scalable AI platform. The Company is focused on establishing its position as a world leader in multivariable analysis of quantitative biomarkers for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
The Company’s CereMetrix™ platform helps solve the problem of untimely, limited information available to physicians and researchers that delays chronic CNS patients receiving access to the right – often life-saving – treatments.
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1.2 billion in the world struggle from a brain-based disorder and misdiagnosis rates range from 19% to 69%
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Almost 40% of patients receiving mental health treatment dropout due to ineffectiveness
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Bringing new brain health-related therapies to market can take up to 10 years and millions of dollars due to flawed protocols, arduous, delayed data analysis and avoidable amendments in clinical research.
CereMetrix’s patented technology and IP uses AI machine learning technologies to provide clinicians and researchers with actionable, real-time insights to quickly and more accurately identify and analyze key biomarkers through its:
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Largest database of vetted, structured brain health data collected over a 10-year period
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Real-time insights eliminate the need for a team of data scientists
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Analysis of multiple datasets to correlate common characteristics among patient populations
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Browser-based – access anytime, anywhere technology
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Scalable platform that can be applied to multiple brain health datasets
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8,000+ CNS patient registry
LLLT Clinical Research
Lew Lim
Lew Lim is the Founder & CEO of Vielight Inc. He is the co-inventor of several wearable photobiomodulation (PBM) low level light therapy devices, and has been recognized for the development of the intranasal light therapy systems, particularly to address neurological issues.
His work on Alzheimer’s disease is now in a clinical trial with promising results. He continuously works with researchers to find new solutions to various difficult medical conditions that can be easily used by the patients. He owns or co-owns several issued and pending patents in the field of internets and PBM.
He is a naturopathic doctor and engineer with a strong background in corporate finance. He also has certifications in medical neuroscience and human physiology. He obtained his degrees and diplomas from the University of California at Berkeley, University of Sheffield, Duke University, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK and other institutions.
Cannabis and Brain Health
Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
Doctor Lewis will lecturing on the role our endogenous cannabinoid system plays in brain health and how nature gives us the opportunity to achieve better balance through the use of omega-3 fatty acids and cannabis, particularly non-psychoactive, broad spectrum industrial hemp.
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Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN, is an expert on nutritional interventions for brain health, particularly the prevention and rehabilitation of brain injury. In 2012 upon retiring as a Colonel after 31 years in the U.S. Army, he founded the nonprofit, Brain Health Education and Research Institute. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Lewis is board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and American College of Nutrition. He completed post-graduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
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Doctor Lewis is in private practice in Potomac, MD, where he focuses on helping veterans and other patients regain their brain health often months or years after a head injury. He is the author of When Brains Collide: What every athlete and parent should know about the prevention and treatment of concussions and head injuries.
Photobiomodulation to Improve Cognition in TBI/PTSD and Retired, Professional Football Players with possible CTE
Margaret A. Naeser, PhD
Margaret Naeser, PhD, is located at the Boston VA Medical Center, and is Research Professor of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine. Since 2009, she has studied the effect of red/near-infrared (NIR) light-emitting diodes (LED) placed over the scalp/brain to treat chronic, traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, stroke/aphasia, dementia, Gulf War Illness, and most recently, retired, professional football players possibly developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
She has a strong interest in neuroplasticity and utilizing transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to promote neuromodulation for brain recovery. This includes studying changes in functional connectivity on fMRI scans within specific, intrinsic neural networks which are damaged (but not destroyed), in various central nervous system disorders. She has had VA-/ NIH-funded research for over 40 years, with early emphasis on neuroanatomy of stroke location in the brain, on CT/MRI scans in patients who have language problems (aphasia).
She has over 100 publications. She is on the editorial board, Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery (PMLS) and Fellow, American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). Full disclosure, her current tPBM research with TBI is funded by Vielight, Inc. (Toronto).
HBOT in the treatment of Autism
Dr. Tami Peterson, PhD
Dr. Peterson has worked as a specialist in autism for nearly three decades. Her doctoral dissertation was on the application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of autism. She is currently the chief executive officer of the Oxford Recovery Center in Brighton, MI, where she has accumulated extensive data on the role of HBOT in helping young children with autism. Dr. Peterson serves as a member of Hyperbaric Medicine International's Council on Accreditation.
A Synergistic Approach: Genetics impact on the treatment of Autism
Dr. Christian Bogner, MD
Dr. Bogner is continuously striving to bring forth cutting-edge research for effective therapeutic options. Having lectured both nationally and internationally on autism spectrum disorders, his goal is to optimize each affected individual’s path for recovery by integrating SNP genotyping, neurotransmitter analysis, hyperbaric oxygen, applied behavior analysis and nutrition coaching.
These principles lead him with his team of experts to launch the ARTS (Autism Recovery Thru Synergy) program at the Oxford Recovery Center in Michigan. With the focus on immune dysregulation, methylation genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, the molecular mechanisms underlying NRF-2 activation, as well as targeting toxic environmental bio-accumulations, root causes are addressed and then individually targeted.
Exploiting Cancer Metabolism with Hyperbaric Oxygen
Dr. Angela Poff, PhD
Dr. Poffis a Research Associate at the University of South Florida, studying non-toxic metabolic-targeted therapies for cancer and neurological diseases. She specializes in studying low carbohydrate and ketogenic nutrition, including ketogenic diets and exogenous ketone supplements. She has a B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Hendrix College, and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology from the University of South Florida.
HBOT in the treatment of Opioid Dependence
Dr. Raymond Quock, PhD
Raymond M. Quock is currently Professor of Psychology and Affiliate Professor of Neuroscience at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. He received his B.S. degree in biology from the University of San Francisco, while working during the summers in the laboratory of famed opioid researcher E. Leong Way at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine. Dr. Quock received his Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Washington. He has been an academic researcher at the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy, the Marquette University School of Dentistry, the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, and the Washington State University College of Pharmacy. Dr. Quock has published over 140 papers in neuropsychopharmacology.
Hyperbaric Oxygen and Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Is there any evidence or is the evidence based on experience?
Jyesh B. Shah, MD, UHM(ABPM), CWSP, FAPWCA, FCCWS, FUHM, FACP, FACHM
Dr. Shah a highly sought after expert in the application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in wound care and has presented at over 200 national and international conferences. He is the president of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. (www.achm.org) He is author of Textbook of Chronic Wound Care: An Evidence-Based Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment (2018), Wound Care Certification Study Guide (2016), twenty published scientific papers, and numerous articles and reviews.
HBOT Potpourri, a collection of take away points and information from various publications and current research that you may have missed
E. George Wolf, Jr., MD, UHM
Dr. Wolf is board certified in hyperbaric medicine, has 32+ years medical practice, 15+ years in hyperbaric medicine, and 21 publications, including a chapter in Wound Care Practice.
Dr. George Wolf received his MD in 1977 from the University of Alabama, his MS in Aerospace Medicine in 1982 from Wright State University, and his MS in Health Care Management in 1990 from Webster University at Ft Sam Huston, TX.
Dr. Wolf began his career in the Air Force in 1979, became a Flight Surgeon and held a number of positions as Chief of Aerospace Medicine, positions of command, and in research. After completing the USAF Hyperbaric Medicine Fellowship he became Director of the Davis Hyperbaric Laboratory at Books AFB, where he directed the Air Force clinical hyperbaric medicine program. He retired in the grade of Colonel after 20+ years of service.
In 2000, he joined Wound Specialty Associate in San Antonio, serving as Clinical Director of Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at Methodist Hospital, and as wound care specialist at Nix Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center. He is now a hyperbaric physician and wound care specialist at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio.
Veterinary Speakers
Hyperbaric Oxygen In the Beginning... to the Present and ...Hope in the Future
Dennis T. (Tim) Crowe, Jr., DVM, DACVS, DACVECC, FCCM, DACHM, NREMT-I, CFF
Dr. Crowe is chief of staff of Pet Emergency Clinics and Specialty Hospital in Ventura and Thousand Oaks, Calif. He is president of Veterinary Surgery, Emergency, and Critical Care Services and Consulting in Bogart, Ga. Dr. Crowe is one of the founding members of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. He is also a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and a fellow in the American College of Critical Care Medicine. He is a certified fire fighter, nationally registered EMT-I and a paramedic instructor at Lanier Technical College in Oakwood, Ga.
Dr. Crowe is recognized by many as the father of Veterinary Hyperbaric Medicine. Dr. Diane Levitan, VMD, described Dr. Crowe as "a genius and legend" among Veterinarians practicing Hyperbaric Medicine. "Although not the first to publish on HBOT, he had the greatest impact on spreading both the knowledge and the technology of not only HBOT but so many devices and techniques that have advanced our profession.
Zoobiquity and HBOT
Cheryl Braswell D.V.M. DACVECC CHT-V CVPP
Dr. Braswell has been practicing veterinary medicine for 40 years, graduating from the University of Georgia in 1979. She originally started her career as an associate small animal general practitioner. After 5 years she established her own business and continued in general practice for the next 17 years. Having retired from general practice in 2005, she pursued a residency in small animal emergency and critical care. In addition to her diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (2012), Dr. Braswell is a Certified Veterinary Hyperbaric Technologist (2013) and Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner. She is currently enrolled in a program for Certification in Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Care.
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Dr. Braswell served as a Clinical Associate Professor for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University in Pomona, California before moving back to the Tennessee area in 2015. She especially enjoys teaching in the clinical setting, routinely supervising externs and interns. Most recently, Dr. Braswell has developed a sincere passion for care of veterinary patients with life-limiting diagnoses. She believes there is a place for palliative medicine and hospice care of veterinary patients seen in the emergent setting.
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Dr. Braswell maintains active participation in the community. Historically, her focus has been on providing wellness care for pets of the homeless as well as contributing support of the care of animals in local shelters. She enjoys gardening, performance competition with her canine companion and family which now includes two granddaughters. She has two daughters, Kathryn, who practices in the field of oriental medicine (human) and is an RN, and Veronica, who is now in her General Rotating Equine Internship at the University of Cambridge.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the Emergency and critical care realm in small animal veterinary medicine
Marti Drum, DVM, PhD
Dr. Drum grew up riding and showing Thoroughbred horses which led to an interest in Veterinary Sports Medicine and Physical Rehabilitation. She received her DVM from Colorado State University in 2006. Dr. Drum also received a PhD in Equine Orthopedics from the Colorado State University Equine Orthopedic Research Center in 2006 where her research focused on subchondral bone density mapping in racehorses and non-racing horses.
Dr. Drum is the primary supervising clinician for the Small Animal Rehabilitation service and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Drum has a widely varied background, drawing from her experiences with Physical Rehabilitation in multiple species, including horses, camelids, pigs, sheep, chickens, avian/exotic pets, zoo animals and of course dogs and cats. Dr. Drum's current research interests involve Osteoarthritis, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, Physical Rehabilitation, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
The Next Big Thing in Pancreatitis Why You Should Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Dennis R. Geiser BS, DVM, CHT-V
Dr. Geiser is currently the Assistant Dean for Organizational Development and Outreach at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee. He completed his BS degree in microbiology at Colorado State University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois in 1972.
He was the president of the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association in 2012. He currently directs the small and large animal hyperbaric medicine program at the UT Veterinary Medical Center and is advisory to College’s regenerative medicine program. He chairs the committee that developed the hyperbaric veterinary technician certification program for veterinarians and veterinary technicians and initiated team training programs in animal hyperbaric medicine. Co-founder of the Veterinary Hyperbaric Medicine Society (VHMS).
Veterinary Surgery, Rehabilitation, and Hyperbaric Medicine…..Total Wellness Approach
Dena Lodato, DVM, MS, DACVS, CCRP
Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Dena Lodato earned her Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University, majoring in Animal Science with a pre-veterinary option. She then received her doctorate from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. After graduation, she completed a rotating small animal internship at Louisiana State University followed by a surgical internship at the Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center. She then returned to Mississippi State University for a surgical residency, earning her board certification in 2015.
Dr. Lodato has completed several research projects in multiple areas including cranial cruciate ligament stabilization and osteoarthritis. She has had numerous publications in peer-reviewed veterinary journals, and has presented abstracts and continuing education seminars at both national and state conferences. In addition to receiving multiple scholarships for academic accomplishments, she was inducted into Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society and won the Nestle-Purina Resident Research Grant.
Dr. Lodato's areas of interest include physical rehabilitation, orthopedics, wound management, regenerative medicine, upper respiratory surgery, and osteoarthritis.
Hyperbaric Oxygen as adjunctive therapy for challenging large animal medicine and surgery cases
Alberto J. Rullan-Mayol, VMD
Dr. Alberto Rullan founded Performance Equine Veterinary Services in 2009. This practice focuses mainly on treating performance-related problems in horses. Dr. Rullan’s goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis in order to provide recovery foalthe best available treatment for poor performing horses and/or horses with laminitis. Dr. Rullan also provides consulting services through the state of Florida for Paso Fino horses.
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Dr. Rullan graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. In 2002, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Rullan was assigned a one-year equine Alberto in school internship at Louisiana State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Clinic where he obtained advanced training in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in equine medicine and surgery.
Dr. Rullan frequently travels to broaden his veterinary knowledge. He continues his studies in laminitis treatment, lameness diagnostics and treatment methods, and the use of stem cells and regenerative therapy in equine injury treatment and recovery. He is also very active in volunteering with the Equitation Initiative, a non-profit international organization that is dedicated to providing veterinary care to horses in less fortunate, first world communities and teaching basic veterinary care to the people in these communities.
Hyperbaric Oxygen as adjunctive therapy for challenging large animal medicine and surgery cases
Meg Miller Turpin, P.A., DVM, DACVIM
Meg Turpin is the owner and founder of Equine Medicine Specialists of South Florida. She started this business in 2004. It is a mobile specialty referral practice. They specialize in internal medicine in horses, which includes working up the respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, nervous, neuromuscular, endocrine and cutaneous systems. These cases are worked up on the farms or after referral to an equine hospital for farther critical care management.
THE Equine Hyperbaric Center of South Florida was established in 2008. Dr. Turpin and Dr. Byron Reid share 50% ownership of this company. This facility is located on Dr. Byron Reid’s property which houses an equine referral hospital known as Reid & Associates. Occasionally small animals to include dogs, cats, and sea turtles are also treated in their oxygen chamber.
Meg Turpin acquired her veterinary degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in 1995. She completed an internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital from 1995 to 1996 in Lexington, Kentucky, and she completed a residency in large animal internal medicine at New Bolton Center, the University of Pennsylvania, in 1998. She became a Diplomate certified in large animal internal medicine in the year 2000. She worked as an associate for Reid & Associates from 1998 through 2004.
Dr. Turpin attended the Hyperbaric Oxygen Program at the Nix Medical Center in the fall of 2008 and got certified as a technician in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at that time.