Paralyzed Veterans of America Kicks Off Nation's Only Medical Conference Covering Spinal Cord Injury, ALS, and MS in NOLA with VA Secretary Doug Collins

PVA's Healthcare Summit + Expo to bring together interdisciplinary clinicians from across the U.S.

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America today kicked off its 2025 Healthcare Summit + Expo, bringing together 400 interdisciplinary healthcare professionals from the Department of Veterans Affairs and private-sector for four days of dynamic learning and collaboration. Throughout the week, attendees will gain insights into the latest breakthroughs in care for spinal cord injury, ALS, and MS, from cutting-edge research to scientific advancements, equipping them with new techniques and knowledge that will enhance outcomes for their patients. The event features 110 speakers, including an update from the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, as well as 60 exhibitors.

"Delivering world-class care to veterans and others with spinal cord injuries and diseases, like MS and ALS, requires constant growth and innovation," said Robert Thomas, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "PVA's Healthcare Summit + Expo provides clinicians with direct access to groundbreaking research, emerging technologies, and proven practices to advance the standard of care for individuals with SCI/D. We are proud to invest in our healthcare professionals who serve on the front lines of veteran healthcare and are grateful to our sponsors for helping make this critical conference possible."

While there are variances in the data, approximately 305,000 people live with spinal cord injuries in the U.S., with about 18,000 new injuries occurring each year. Roughly 28,000 out of 42,000 veterans with SCI and more than 22,000 veterans with MS receive care from the VA, while more than 1,000 veterans are diagnosed with ALS each year. Now in its thirteenth year, PVA's Healthcare Summit + Expo supports these veterans and all people with SCI/D by helping their clinicians advance patient care, improve quality of life, and maximize independence.

"Behind every advancement in SCI/D healthcare are the clinicians who implement that knowledge in practice," said Lindsay Perlman, director of research and education at Paralyzed Veterans of America. "PVA's Healthcare Summit + Expo aims to empower those clinicians by providing access to the latest information, tools, and therapies available to their patients. We strongly believe that by supporting their professional growth, offering continuing education credits, and providing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, we are improving the quality of life for the veterans they serve."

The Summit also includes PVA's Clinical Excellence Awards, presented to six clinicians across the U.S. for their outstanding commitment to the care of veterans and others living with SCI/D. This year's winners include: 1) Dr. Doug Ota, VA Palo Alto Health Care System (Calif.); 2) Dr. Thomas M. Dixon, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center (Ohio); 3) Heather Pfleider, Boston Health Care System; 4) Elizabeth Carbonneau, VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System; 5) Dr. William Scott Doerhoff, Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System; and 6) Katelyn Murray, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital (Ill.).

PVA is thankful for our generous sponsors' support of this year's Healthcare Summit + Expo, which includes Biogen, First Nation Group, Genentech, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, NMEDA, Novartis, Onward Medical Inc., Permobil, Quantum, and TG Therapeutics. Visit SummitPVA.org to learn more.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.

Contact: Kristina Packard
[email protected]
(703) 282-8121 cell

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America