IOCDF Conference Offers Rogers Memorial Hospital A Springboard for Future Collaborations

OCONOMOWOC, Wis., Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The collegial environment at the 19^th Annual International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Conference, recently held in Chicago, set the stage for the staff at Rogers Memorial Hospital and other thought leaders and specialists to collaborate ... all with a commitment toward providing more effective treatment. This year's conference attracted record numbers and offered researchers, clinicians, patients and families the opportunity to unite for the benefit of those living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders.

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"It was exciting," Paul Mueller, Rogers' Chief Operating Officer, said. "It gave us the opportunity to network with leading clinicians who treat OCD. By sharing with one another, we're able to learn more about the best forms of treatment, while learning about the care being provided in the industry, as well as their outcomes. Ultimately, this information is used by all of us to provide the most effective OCD treatment we can for our patients. It's exciting to see such a focus on helping people with OCD and inspiring to see the collaboration that was there."

Rogers' Participation at the Conference

This year, Rogers' participation was greater than ever before, with more than two dozen members of its clinical staff in attendance and featured presentations by Bradley C. Riemann, Ph.D., Stephanie Eken, M.D., FAAP, and David Jacobi, Ph.D. In addition to offering a booth, Rogers provided programs for children during the presentations and hosted special dinners for some of the key presenters.

On behalf of the IOCDF, Rogers also hosted the Research Grant Reception, where the Foundation awards grants for research related to OCD. Attendees included a virtual "who's who" of OCD clinicians and researchers. Among them were Dr. Riemann and Michael Jenike, MD, Chair of IOCDF's Scientific Advisory Board. The two welcomed attendees, discussed the IOCDF Research Fund, provided an overview of 2012 Grant Recipients, and announced the Poster Travel Awards. Dr. Riemann also introduced Pat Hammer, the new President and CEO of Rogers Behavioral Health System, at the event.

Plans for the Future

According to Mueller, many ideas have stemmed from networking at the event. One such collaboration is a proposed PANDAS/PANS Summit. "We hope to create a multi-disciplinary group of thought leaders in the field to review and discuss current data available on PANDAS/PANS," he said. "We already have commitments from several key industry experts and are looking forward to responses from others. If all goes well, we may hold the Summit in September."

Rogers' Partnership with the IOCDF

Rogers Memorial Hospital takes pride in supporting the IOCDF mission. Mueller, who is also a member of the IOCDF Board, said it's a natural partnership since both organizations are dedicated to providing help for those with OCD and anxiety disorders. "The International OCD Foundation not only helps increase awareness but also offers encouragement that treatment is available – even for those with severe OCD."

Jeff Szymanski, Ph.D., IOCDF's Executive Director, agrees that the partnership is important. "We have a long history of working together. This collaboration is in keeping with the mission of the International OCD Foundation, which is to make a difference by spreading awareness, helping to provide much-needed training, and creating opportunities for people to gain access to effective treatment."

Rogers Memorial Hospital is the world's largest provider for intensive residential treatment of children, adolescents and adults with OCD and anxiety disorders. Rogers' Child and Adolescent Centers are the only ones in the country, and the adult OCD Center is one of only three nationwide.

Rogers Memorial Hospital is currently ranked #7 in the country for mental health services and is a key corporation of Rogers Behavioral Health System, which also includes: Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation, Inc.; Rogers Partners in Behavioral Health, LLC; Rogers Center for Research and Training; and Rogers InHealth. The hospital has become nationally recognized for its specialized residential treatment services and affiliations with academic institutions and teaching hospitals in the area. Rogers Memorial Hospital is currently Wisconsin's largest not-for-profit, private behavioral health hospital, providing adults, children and adolescents with treatment for eating disorders, chemical dependency, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders, as well as a variety of child and adolescent mental health concerns.  For more information, please visit www.rogershospital.org.

For additional information or to set up an interview,
please contact Jody Miller, Director of Marketing, at (262) 646-1310.
www.rogershospital.org/newsroom

SOURCE Rogers Memorial Hospital