EDS ECHO Healthcare Professionals
EDS ECHO Programs & Courses for Healthcare Professionals
EDS ECHO is a series of programs and courses for healthcare professionals across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and associated symptoms and conditions. Enhancing care for people with all types of EDS and HSD through case-based discussions, sharing knowledge, and expert updates is at the heart of what we do.
Please scroll down to view all of our EDS ECHO Programs and Courses for professionals.
How Are Sessions Structured?
Each Program is made up of a series of Sessions that explore various aspects of care in EDS and HSD. Each session is 1hr 30 minutes in length; except the EDS ECHO Pediatrics North America Program and the EDS ECHO Drop-in Sessions, which are 1hr in length.
The format for most sessions includes a didactic presentation by an expert and discussion of participant-submitted cases. Participants are encouraged to share their cases and questions in the sessions and are guided to further educational materials and support.
What is Case-Based Learning?
The ECHO model uses case-based learning. Participants can either ask specific questions or they can present de-identified cases from their own practice where there is a concern about any aspect of the diagnosis or management of EDS and HSD or their complications.
The session group, with expert specialist support, discuss the cases and provide guidance. All are encouraged to participate if they feel able.
Who Can Participate?
EDS ECHO Programs and Courses are open to healthcare professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions.
Can I Earn Educational Credits?
CME/CEU/CE credits are available to healthcare professionals. Credits are awarded at 1 per 60 minutes of live session activity. An Ehlers-Danlos Society ‘Certificate of Attendance’ can also be provided upon request.
What if I Can’t Attend a Session?
In order to obtain the most benefit from the program, participants are encouraged to attend as many live sessions as possible. You will be able to catch up on the sessions you miss by watching the password-protected session content which will be made available to participants through The Ehlers-Danlos Society’s resources page after each session. However, please note that CME Credits can only be claimed for attendance at live sessions.
How Much Does it Cost to Join an EDS ECHO Program?
EDS ECHO relies on donations, grants, and participant fees to cover costs. For some of our EDS ECHO professionals’ programs there is a nominal fee. Fees vary and we aim to keep these as low as possible; the fee for each program is shown in the banners below, and on its registration page.
EDS ECHO Clinicians is a virtual program for healthcare professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions. The program focuses on older adolescent and adult care. Please see our Pediatric programs if your focus is childcare.
The Clinicians programs run from four regions internationally. Click the banners below for more information on each of them.
About EDS ECHO Clinicians North America
The EDS ECHO Clinicians North America program is a virtual program for healthcare professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions.
The program is divided into two thematic modules: ‘EDS and HSD Diagnosis, Pain and MSK Management’ and ‘EDS and HSD Co-morbidities and Related Complications’.
Each module is composed of 6 sessions, each session consisting of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform. Each session is 1hr 30 minutes in length and is led by Dr. Clair Francomano from Indianapolis, USA.
Program Fees
Participants can choose which module they wish to attend – although participants are encouraged to attend the module, ‘EDS and HSD Diagnosis, Pain and MSK Management’ if they are new to EDS and HSD.
Each module costs $30 USD per participant to attend.
About EDS ECHO Clinicians UK/Europe
The EDS ECHO Clinicians UK/Europe program is a virtual program for healthcare professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions.
The program is divided into two thematic modules: ‘EDS and HSD Diagnosis, Pain and MSK Management’ and ‘EDS and HSD Co-morbidities and Related Complications’.
Each module is composed of 6 sessions, each session consisting of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform. Each session is 1hr 30 minutes in length and is led by Dr. Alan Hakim from London, UK.
Program Fees
Participants can choose which module they wish to attend – although participants are encouraged to attend the module, ‘EDS and HSD Diagnosis, Pain and MSK Management’ if they are new to EDS and HSD.
Each module costs $30 USD per participant to attend.
About EDS ECHO Clinicians Australasia
The EDS ECHO Clinicians Australasia program is a virtual program for healthcare professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions.
The program is composed of 8 sessions, each session consisting of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform. Each session is 1hr 30 minutes in length and is led by Dr. Fraser Burling from Auckland, New Zealand.
Program Fees
There is a nominal fee for participants to attend this program.
Acerca de EDS ECHO Clínico en Español
Este es un programa gratuito para profesionales de la salud hispanohablantes de todo el mundo, en todas las disciplinas, que quieran mejorar sus habilidades para atender los síntomas y condiciones asociadas de personas con Síndrome de Ehlers Danlos (SED) y Trastornos del Espectro Hipermóvil (TEH).
El programa consiste en presentaciones por expertos y sesiones interactivas basadas en casos clínicos que se discuten virtualmente a través de la plataforma Zoom. Cada sesión tiene una duración de 1 h. 30 min. y están dirigidas por la Dra. Joanna Delgado Falćon Cooper y la Dra. Patricia Grether de México.
El programa se desarrolla en 8 sesiones y cubre los siguientes temas:
- Introducción a los SED y TEH
- Nutrición en SED
- Síndrome de Ehlers Danlos Vascular y condiciones relacionadas
- Neuropatía de Fibras pequeñas
- Fisioterapia en SED
- Manejo del dolor en el SED
- Aspectos ginecológicos en SED
- Hipermovilidad articular sintomática
Tarifas del programa
Este es un programa gratuito para profesionales de la salud.
Disclaimer: Written and text resources are translations of the original in English for information purposes only, translated by volunteers.
In case of a discrepancy, the English original will prevail.
EDS ECHO DROP-IN SESSIONS
The EDS ECHO Drop-in Sessions programs are a series of once-monthly sessions throughout the year for participants (past or present) who have attended any of our healthcare professionals’ EDS ECHO programs, including Allied Health and Pediatrics.
The aim of the sessions is to allow colleagues to bring current clinical concerns about their patients to the group for advice. This can be in the form of a specific question or a short case history brought to the live session. Questions or cases should not be submitted in advance.
There are two Drop-in Sessions programs. Click the banners below for more information on each of them.
About EDS ECHO Drop-in Sessions North America & Europe
The EDS ECHO Drop-in Sessions North America & Europe program is a monthly drop-in session for participants (past or present) who have attended any of our healthcare professionals’ EDS ECHO programs. Each session is 1hr in length and uses the Zoom platform.
Each session will be co-facilitated by Dr. Alan Hakim from London, UK, and Dr. Clair Francomano from Indianapolis, US.
The aim of the sessions is to allow colleagues to bring current clinical concerns about their patients to the group for advice. This can be in the form of a specific question or a short case history brought to the live session. Questions or cases should not be submitted in advance.
Program Fees
This a free program for healthcare professionals. Please note that CME/CEU/CU credits are not available for these sessions.
How Do I Register?
Although the sessions are timetabled for participants based in North America & Europe, any EDS ECHO professional participant from any region can attend. Registration is open throughout the year.
About EDS ECHO Drop-in Sessions Australasia
The EDS ECHO Drop-in Sessions Australasia program is a monthly drop-in session for participants (past or present) who have attended any of our healthcare professionals’ EDS ECHO programs. Each session is 1hr in length and uses the Zoom platform.
Each session will be facilitated by Dr. Fraser Burling, from Auckland, New Zealand, and at least one other guest Clinician.
The aim of the sessions is to allow colleagues to bring current clinical concerns about their patients to the group for advice. This can be in the form of a specific question or a short case history brought to the live session. Questions or cases should not be submitted in advance.
Program Fees
This a free program for healthcare professionals. Please note that CME/CEU/CU credits are not available for these sessions.
EDS ECHO ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
The EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals program is a virtual program for Allied Health Professionals from all over the world, run from three hubs in North America, UK and Europe and Australia.
This program is suitable for Physical Therapists, Podiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Dieticians, and Nutritionists.
The Allied Health Professional (AHP) programs are divided into thematic modules. Each region delivers different combinations of these modules across the year. Participants can choose to join as many of the modules as they wish.
AHP’s are encouraged to also join the Clinicians’ programs, including the Drop-in sessions, and Pediatrics programs, and may also be interested in the IMM Course.
Click the banners below for more information on each program.
About EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals North America
The EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals North America program is a virtual program for healthcare professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions.
The program is divided into thematic modules delivered across the year. Participants can choose which modules they wish to attend – although participants are encouraged to attend the module, ‘Introduction to EDS and HSD’ if they are new to EDS and HSD.
Each module is composed of 3 to 4 sessions, each session consisting of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform. Each session is 1hr 30 minutes in length and is led by is led by Dr. Leslie Russek and Dr. Patricia Stott from the USA.
Program Fees
Participants can choose which modules they wish to attend – although participants are encouraged to attend the module, ‘Introduction to EDS and HSD’ if they are new to EDS and HSD.
Each module costs $20 USD per participant to attend.
About EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals UK/Europe
The EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals UK/Europe program is a virtual program for healthcare professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions.
The program is divided into thematic modules delivered across the year. Participants can choose which modules they wish to attend – although participants are encouraged to attend the module, ‘Foundation Course – Introduction to EDS and HSD’ if they are new to EDS and HSD.
Each module is composed of 3 to 4 sessions, each session consisting of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform. Each session is 1hr 30 minutes in length and is led by Dr. Jane Simmonds from London, UK.
Program Fees
Participants can choose which modules they wish to attend – although participants are encouraged to attend the module, ‘Foundation Course – Introduction to EDS and HSD’ if they are new to EDS and HSD.
Each module costs $20 USD per participant to attend.
About EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals Australasia
The EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals Australasia program is a virtual program for healthcare professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions.
The program is divided into thematic modules delivered across the year. Participants can choose which modules they wish to attend – although participants are encouraged to attend the module, ‘Introduction to EDS and HSD’ if they are new to EDS and HSD.
Each module is composed of 5 sessions, each session consisting of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform. Each session is 1hr 30 minutes in length and is led by Nicole Frost, Jacqui Main and Pauline Slater from Australia.
Program Fees
Participants can choose which modules they wish to attend – although participants are encouraged to attend the module, ‘Introduction to EDS and HSD’ if they are new to EDS and HSD.
Each module costs $25 USD per participant to attend.
EDS ECHO HEALTHCARE STUDENT PROGRAM
EDS ECHO at The Ehlers-Danlos Society is delighted to announce its inaugural EDS ECHO Healthcare Student Program for 2024. This unique program is supported by a generous donation from The Hugh and Charlotte Maclellan Charitable Trust, and is available to participants for free. Students studying any healthcare discipline at a recognized organization/institution anywhere around the world may apply.
About EDS ECHO Healthcare Student Program
EDS ECHO at The Ehlers-Danlos Society is delighted to announce its inaugural EDS ECHO Healthcare Student Program for 2024. This unique program is supported by a generous donation from The Hugh and Charlotte Maclellan Charitable Trust, and is available to participants for free. Students studying any healthcare discipline at a recognized organization/institution anywhere around the world may apply. The term healthcare discipline is broad and includes, for example, anyone studying physical therapies, occupational therapy, podiatry, nutrition, clinical psychology, counselling, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, medical assistant practice, paramedic practice, dentistry or medicine etc.
has five years of experience running a breadth of educational programs that cover all the disciplines involved in the care of people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD). Our portfolio includes programs in Pediatric and Adult Medicine, Allied Health Professional Practice, Clinical Genetics, and themed specialty programs, e.g., Nutrition. Through this and other major programs of work at The Ehlers-Danlos Society we have developed an extensive network of clinicians, clinical researchers, and laboratory academics who support our educational projects.
How to Apply
Each Healthcare Student Program award is equivalent to $1800 in value. Twenty awards are available and will be allocated competitively based on completion of our application process which includes a personal statement as to what you wish to gain from participating in the program.
Applications will be accepted through November 10, 2023 at 5:00pm Eastern Time (US & Canada).
EDS ECHO FINDING FUNCTIONAL FOUNDATIONS
The EDS ECHO Finding Functional Foundations (FFF)™ course is suitable for licensed physical therapists/physiotherapists wanting to learn how to use principles of neuroplasticity to retrain alignment and stability in hypermobile patients. Using biofeedback and specific cuing methods, this approach retrains the brain allowing patients to improve faulty proprioception, strengthen deep stabilizers, learn proper physical alignment, and apply those skills to functional movement. This leads to decreased pain and neurological symptoms, and improved function.
The FFF course runs from the U.S. and is led by Susan Chalela. Click the banner below for more information.
About EDS ECHO Finding Functional Foundations
The EDS ECHO Finding Functional Foundations (FFF)™ course is suitable for licensed physical therapists/physiotherapists wanting to learn how to use principles of neuroplasticity to retrain alignment and stability in hypermobile patients. Using biofeedback and specific cuing methods, this approach retrains the brain allowing patients to improve faulty proprioception, strengthen deep stabilizers, learn proper physical alignment, and apply those skills to functional movement. This leads to decreased pain and neurological symptoms, and improved function.
Who Can Participate?
For safety reasons, this program is currently only available to licensed physical therapists/physiotherapists who are currently treating patients with EDS/HSD. We hope to make it available to other health professionals in the future.
Course Curriculum and Structure
The course has nine 2-hour sessions across 13 weeks, with three modules of three weeks separated by two-week breaks. Sessions are on the Zoom platform. During the program, participants can also access professionally produced training videos created by Susan.
Each session will include presentation, demonstration, hands-on lab practice, and case discussion.
Participants must be able and willing to engage in the hands-on exercise activities, i.e., participants cannot just watch or listen. Participant safety screening and accommodations for all movement training will be discussed and applied as they would be applied to patients.
All sessions are led by Susan Chalela with Prof. Leslie Russek assisting.
Course Assessment
To receive a Certificate of Completion in the FFF approach, participants must:
- Attend at least 7 of 9 sessions live, and must view any missed sessions.
- Submit an FFF Care Plan describing an 8-session treatment program for one client using the FFF approach. The care plan must use the template provided and include the contents included in the template. Each treatment program will be reviewed by Susan and Leslie to ensure that it accurately reflects the FFF approach. If the treatment program has significant gaps, the participant will be given feedback regarding ways in which it might not have followed the FFF approach. Participants who demonstrate a full understanding of the FFF approach are eligible for the Certificate of Completion in the FFF approach. Participants may revise their FFF Care Plan once, if needed, to demonstrate competency.
A Certificate of Attendance from the Ehlers-Danlos Society will be provided to participants at the end of the course, even if those individuals have not completed the ‘FFF Care Plan’.
Course Fees
The Finding Functional Foundations (FFF)™ course costs $500 USD per participant, which includes 18 hours of coursework plus course materials and access to Susan’s professionally created training videos during the course, time to complete the Care Plan Assessment, a Certificate of Completion and 18 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ Continuing Education (CE) credits.
Course costs are in USD (United States Dollars). Please use your preferred currency converter to convert into your local currency. Please note, refunds are not available if you are unable to complete the course.
Equipment Needs
Participants must also have access to some of the key equipment to engage in the lab activities; this equipment is also necessary to fully implement these principles with patients.
Participants must have access to the following equipment to participate in the lab activities. Many participants are likely to already own some of this equipment or may be able to use their clinic equipment for the specific labs. Participants also need access to several pillows and space to lie down, sit or stand to perform movement labs.
Click HERE to view the equipment list
EDS ECHO FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INTEGRAL MOVEMENT METHOD
The EDS ECHO Fundamentals of the Integral Movement Method (IMM) is a virtual course for healthcare professionals wishing to learn more about movement strategies that can be implemented in their own practice.
The IMM course runs from London, UK, and is led by Jeannie Di Bon. Click the banner below for more information.
About EDS ECHO Fundamentals of the Integral Movement Method
The EDS ECHO Fundamentals of the Integral Movement Method (IMM) is a virtual course facilitated and taught by Jeannie Di Bon. The course will encourage you to learn from others and share clinical experience and methods in Movement Therapy, increasing your confidence and ability to work safely and effectively with EDS and HSD clients.
The course is suitable for healthcare therapists worldwide, working in physical therapies and seeing clients with EDS or HSD, including, for example, physiotherapists, osteopaths, Pilates teachers, yoga instructors, and personal trainers.
The learning objectives of the course are:
- To understand how a Movement Therapy method is effective.
- To learn movement strategies that can be implemented in the participants’ own practice.
- To gain confidence in assisting people with EDS and HSD with exercise.
Course Curriculum and Structure
The course is composed of nine sessions timetabled across a 12 or 15-week period. Each session is two hours in length and uses the Zoom platform.
The course covers the following topics:
- The physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of these conditions
- Understand why we do need a unique strategy for this population of patients and clients
- Applying the Integral Movement Method in practice
- The pain mechanisms of hypermobility and how to manage these
- Essential breath and relaxation techniques
- A safe way to build proprioception
- A new approach to stability
- Introducing balance safely
- Integrated posture of body and mind
- Case study analysis to build an integrated movement programme for our patients and clients
The format of most sessions will include didactic presentations and learning, break-out room learning exercises related to specific topics and discussions surrounding case studies.
Participants will be required to participate in short exercise classes to help with the practical learning of the IMM principles. These will be mat based exercises. You may also be asked to teach another participant to demonstrate your understanding of the principles during break out room sessions.
Course Assessment
To gain a certificate of completion, each participant must attend at least 7 out of the 9 live sessions. They must also submit a case plan describing an 8-week exercise program for one of their clients (the ‘IMM 8-Week Client Program’). The plan will be assessed by the course lead, Jeannie Di Bon. Successful participants will be entered into a directory of Movement practitioners.
A certificate of attendance from the Ehlers-Danlos Society will also be provided at the end of the course.
Periodic drop-in sessions with the course lead will be held following completion of the course.
Course Fees
The course costs $500 USD per participant, which includes 18 hours of teaching plus course materials, care plan assessment, 18 Category 1 Continuing Education (CE) credits, certificate of completion, and inclusion on a network directory of therapists upon successful completion of the course.
How Do I Register?
The next course (IMM4) commences in September 2023. The course structure, dates, times, and the registration form can be be viewed by clicking the link below.
Details about the next IMM Course will be announced later this year. Please check our ECHO home page, social media announcements, or subscribe to our EDS ECHO Newsletter for program updates.
EDS ECHO Pediatrics is a virtual program for Healthcare Professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for children and younger people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions.
The Pediatrics programs run from two regions internationally. Click the banners below for more information on each program.
About EDS ECHO Pediatrics North America
The EDS ECHO Pediatrics North America program is a virtual program for healthcare professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for children and younger people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions.
The program consist of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform.
The program is composed of nine sessions, each consisting of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform. Each session is 1hr in length and is led by Dr. Sarah Schwartz and Constance O’Connor from Toronto, Canada.
Program Fees
There is a nominal fee of $45 USD per participant for this program.
About EDS ECHO Pediatrics Australia
The EDS ECHO Pediatrics Australia program is a virtual program for healthcare professionals worldwide, across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for children and younger people with EDS, HSD, and associated symptoms and conditions.
The programs consist of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform.
The program is composed of eight sessions, each consisting of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform. Each session is 1hr 30 mins in length and is led by Dr. Louise Tofts from Sydney, Australia.
Program Fees
There is a nominal fee for participants to attend this program.
EDS ECHO GENETICS & GENOMICS
EDS ECHO Genetics & Genomics is a free program suitable for lab based geneticists and healthcare professionals who are actively involved in or wishing to learn more about genetic and genomic assessment of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and allied conditions.
The aim of the sessions is to allow colleagues to bring current clinical concerns about their patients to the group for advice. Participants are encouraged to share their cases and questions in the sessions and are guided to further educational materials and support. Each session is 1hr in length and delivered virtually via the Zoom platform.
About EDS ECHO Genetics & Genomics
EDS ECHO Genetics & Genomics is a free program suitable for lab based geneticists and healthcare professionals who are actively involved in or wishing to learn more about genetic and genomic assessment of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and allied conditions.
Each session will be co-facilitated by Dr. Irman Forghani, Dr. Clair Francomano & Prof. Fransiska Malfait.
The aim of the sessions is to allow colleagues to bring current clinical concerns about their patients to the group for advice. Participants are encouraged to share their cases and questions in the sessions and are guided to further educational materials and support. Each session is 1hr in length and delivered virtually via the Zoom platform.
Program Fees
This a free program for healthcare professionals. Please note that CME/CEU/CU credits are not available for these sessions.
How Do I Register?
Although the sessions are timetabled for participants based in North America & Europe, any EDS ECHO professional participant from any region can attend. Registration is open throughout the year.
The EDS ECHO Nutrition program is a learning and networking opportunity for qualified nutrition professionals and healthcare professionals interested in understanding more about the role of diet and nutrition in supporting associated symptoms and conditions of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders.
The program is facilitated by Lorna Ryan and divided into 6 thematic sessions delivered by Lorna & fellow nutrition and dietetic specialists Helen Spriggs, Bonnie Nasar, Laurie Bilyeu and Cheryl Harris, experts in the field and form the Diet and Nutrition Working Group the International Consortium on EDS and HSD. This is a virtual program using the Zoom platform.
The EDS ECHO Nutrition program is a learning and networking opportunity for qualified nutrition professionals and healthcare professionals interested in understanding more about the role of diet and nutrition in supporting associated symptoms and conditions of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders.
The program is facilitated by Lorna Ryan and divided into 6 thematic sessions delivered by Lorna & fellow nutrition and dietetic specialists Helen Spriggs, Bonnie Nasar, Laurie Bilyeu and Cheryl Harris, experts in the field and form the Diet and Nutrition Working Group the International Consortium on EDS and HSD. This is a virtual program using the Zoom platform.
Each 90-minute session consists of a 1-hour expert presentation and a 30-minute case review, focusing on older adolescent and adult care. Participants are encouraged to attend the whole program for continuity and to gain all learning outcomes. Participants can ask questions or present de-identified cases from their own practice where there is a concern about any aspect of nutritional management of EDS and HSD or their complications.
The program is suitable for nutrition and healthcare professionals worldwide, working clinically and currently working with / planning to work with EDS or HSD clients.
Please note that CME/CEU/CU credits are not available for these sessions. However, an Ehlers-Danlos Society ‘Certificate of Attendance’ can be provided upon request.
Program Fees
There is a nominal fee of $30 USD per participant for this program.
