WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning tomorrow, Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) will host nearly 840 health care professionals at its 2016 Summit + EXPO August 30-September 1, 2016 at the Renaissance Orlando at Seaworld Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The annual Summit brings together doctors, nurses, occupational, recreational and physical therapists, social workers, psychologists, pharmacists and researchers to learn about the latest scientific advances, treatments and therapies in spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D), multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dr. David Shulkin, Undersecretary for Health for the Department of Veterans Affairs, will give the keynote address on Wednesday.

"Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only veterans' organization to host a health summit of this kind and we are very proud of that," said Paralyzed Veterans' Associate Executive Director of Medical Services and Health Policy Lana McKenzie. "Our goal is to ensure that health care providers who work in specialty care fields such as spinal cord injury and disease have the most up-to-date information in research and best practices so they can bring that information back to their respective hospitals and immediately put it to use to improve the care of their patients."

This year's Summit will offer more than 75 sessions and 23 E-learning posters over three days. Summit attendees will have the opportunity to earn up to 23 Continuing Education Units while hearing from renowned leaders from medicine, health care, policy and government. Attendees representing multiple disciplines from the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as private health care institutions, will come together to network, collaborate and share knowledge.

On Tuesday, the 2016 Advocacy/Clinical Excellence Awards will be presented to Christopher Bever, MD, University of Maryland Medical Center—Physician Award; Susan Pejoro, RN, MSN, GNP-BC, VA Palo Alto Health Care System—Nurse Award; Lisa Ottomanelli, Ph.D., U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Center on Disability & Rehabilitation Research—Psychologist Award; and Jina Fritz will be accepting on behalf of Tony Chiari, Ph.D., MSPT, MHS (posthumously)—Therapist Award.

Paralyzed Veterans of America established the Advocacy/Clinical Excellence Awards in 2013 to recognize clinicians for providing exceptional professional achievement, contributions and advocacy for SCI/D, MS and ALS health care.

The Summit EXPO will be open to attendees August 30 and 31^st, and will feature the latest in technology, medical devices and supplies, and other equipment to assist individuals living with spinal cord injury or disease live life to the fullest.

For more information about Summit 2016, please visit www.summitpva.org.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (www.pva.org)

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America

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http://www.pva.org