Global Eating Disorders Symposium Draws Experts and Practitioners to the U.S.

iaedp^™ Symposium 2024 explores new treatment possibilities and emerging science

 PEKIN, IL (11/21/24) – In a world where innovation and collaboration are paramount in the field of eating disorders treatment, the upcoming iaedp^™ Symposium 2024 draws the best of the best. The theme, “The Art and Science of Connection: Make Every Connection Count,” captures the essence of the event, slated to take place from March 21 to 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla.

The 2024 iaedp Symposium promises a unique combination of evidence-based protocols and the introduction of groundbreaking ideas in treatment. This distinctive blend ensures attendees not only delve into the latest research and treatment approaches but also remain open to innovative and potentially game-changing methods. By merging established practices with fresh perspectives, the iaedp Symposium distinguishes itself from other conferences in the field by providing a platform for professionals to explore alternative strategies for helping individuals with eating disorders.

What makes this a truly unmissable event?

• Collaboration with more than 1000 eating disorders treatment professionals from around the world
• Establishing a global standard by providing a platform for learning and connecting on an international scale
• Providing help and training as well as exploring the best practices in different countries and regions

In an era where connectivity transcends borders, the Symposium emphasizes the significance of a global reach. With representation from 11 countries, the event ensures a diverse and enriching experience for all attendees. Sessions conducted in Spanish further highlight the commitment to inclusivity, allowing professionals from Spanish-speaking regions to actively participate and contribute to the discussions.

“The significance of setting a global standard is evident in our aim to provide education, training, and best practices on a world scale,” said Bonnie Harken, Managing Director. “It is really about shaping the future of eating disorder treatment. We work hard to make this an immersive experience where attendees engage with experts in the field, exchange ideas, and forge connections that last a lifetime.”

Keynote Speakers include the who’s who in the field:

Kathryn Fraser, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Behavioral Medicine Coordinator, Halifax Health Family Medicine Residency, Daytona Beach, Florida and teaching and research specialties include cultural issues in health care, provider wellness, family physicians’ counseling skills, and eating disorders. Dr. Fraser is the co-founder of Community Outreach to Prevent Eating Disorders (COPE), a non-profit dedicated to raising community awareness. Dr. Fraser developed health equity and anti-racism curricula and presentations for local, regional and national healthcare institutions. Dr. Fraser leads the Society for Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Underrepresented in Medicine Mentoring Program. Directed STFM’s Behavioral Science/Family Systems Educator Fellowship (BFEF). Dr. Fraser has also received STFM’s Inaugural Diversity Award in 2022 and the Susan McDaniel Distinguished Career Award for behavioral science teaching in Family Medicine in 2022.    

Founder and Adviser of the National Eating Disorders Association and Founding Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders, Margo Maine is author of Hair tells a Story; Pursuing Perfection: Eating Disorders, Body Myths, and Women at Midlife and Beyond; Treatment of Eating Disorders: Bridging the Research-Practice Gap; Effective Clinical Practice in the Treatment of Eating Disorders; The Body Myth; Father Hunger; and Body Wars, and senior editor of Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention. Recipient of the 2014 Don and Melissa Nielsen Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2015 NEDA Lifetime Achievement Award, 2016 Honoree of the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, and the 2022 iaedp Lifetime Achievement Award, she lectures internationally on eating disorders and women’s health and practices in Connecticut.

Karen Samuels, PhD, psychologist, Ormond Beach, Florida. Founder, COPE: Community Outreach to Prevent Eating Disorders, & served as the resident psychologist and body image specialist, promoting size acceptance and diversity on the wellness platform OneOeight.com. Utilizing Relational Cultural Theory, she trains physicians, offers school and community outreach and eating disorder groups with midlife women. She has published widely, highlighting eating disorders and related health concerns in midlife and beyond. Dr. Samuels was awarded the 2014 NEDA Westin Family Award for Activism and Advocacy.

Susan Kleinman, MA, BC-DMT, NCC, CEDS-S, is creative arts supervisor and dance/movement therapist for The Renfrew Center of Florida. Ms. Kleinman is a trustee of the Marian Chace Foundation, Past President of the American Dance Therapy Association, and a past Chair of The National Coalition for Creative Arts Therapies. She has published extensively, presented widely, and is the recipient of the American Dance Therapy Association’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award and The International Association of Eating Disorders Professional’s 2014 Spirit of iaedp Award. Her work is featured in the documentary entitled Expressing Disorder: Journey to Recovery.

Ralph Carson, PhD, RD, CEDS, is a clinical nutritionist and exercise physiologist with nearly 40 years of experience in the treatment of addictions, mood and anxiety disorders, brain health, sleep, happiness therapy, and eating disorders. Dr Carson is an active board member serving as Treasurer of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp). He is the author of Harnessing the Healing Power of Fruits and The Brain Fix: What’s the Matter with Your Gray Matter.

Salah El Mestikawy PhD is a professor and researcher at the Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Division, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, focusing on glutamatergic systems in normal and pathological brains. Dr. El Mestikawy will be joined in his keynote session by his colleague at McGill, Leora Pinhas, PhD. Drs El Mestikawy and Pinhas will also do a closeup session in addition to their keynote. 

“At the core of this symposium is the commitment to continuous improvement in the field of eating disorders treatment,” said Harken. “Professionals attending the event will have the opportunity to stay updated on the latest developments, allowing them to enhance their treatment approaches and provide the best care possible for their patients. By fostering collaboration among professionals from different countries, the Symposium seeks to create a network that goes beyond geographical boundaries.”

Registration and more information: https://iaedp.site-ym.com/events/register.aspx?id=1761349&itemid=c7ec6138-ea44-4249-a85a-70c162b2a975

About the iaedp^™ Foundation: Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions.  The iaedp^™ Foundation’s Presidents Council, which provides organization support, includes Center for Change; Center for Discovery; Eating Recovery Center; Laureate Eating Disorders Program; The Meadows Ranch; Rogers Behavioral Health; The Renfrew Center; Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center; Alsana Eating Disorder Treatment & Recovery Centers; Walden Behavioral Care; Monte Nido & Affiliates; and Odyssey Eating Disorder Network; Within Health; Banyan Centers; WD Recovery and Wellness Center; Mind Over Body; Koru Spring Center.

Contact: [email protected]

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