About EDS ECHO Multidisciplinary Team Practice (MDTP) Europe

The EDS ECHO Multidisciplinary Team Practice (MDTP) Europe program offers a unique educational experience and networking opportunity for healthcare professionals worldwide. It is designed for those currently involved in clinical work or planning to work with clients with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), with the aim of improving their ability to care for people with EDS, HSD and associated symptoms and conditions.

Through a comprehensive series of modules, the program will explore patient care in EDS and HSD across the breadth of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and allied healthcare practice. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to enhance the assessment and management of EDS and HSD, while also promoting collaboration and networking for clinical support.

Program Curriculum and Structure

The program is structured into five themed modules over two years. Each module is facilitated and supported by a team of core colleagues and specialists, ensuring a wide range of expertise to foster discussions and promote multidisciplinary networking.

The facilitators for this program are Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alan Hakim and Prof. Jane Simmonds from London, UK.

Each module comprises six sessions, with each session featuring expert presentations and interactive case-based discussions conducted virtually through the Zoom platform, with each session lasting 1hr 30 minutes in length.

Participants are encouraged to attend all the modules but do have the flexibility to select those that most align with their interests and needs, although it is recommended that those new to EDS and HSD attend the ‘Introduction to EDS and HSD’ module.

Details about the program modules, topics, dates, and times are provided below.

Participants are encouraged to actively participate by sharing their cases and questions during the sessions, and they will be guided toward additional resources and support.

Program Aims and Objectives:

The program is suitable 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. In addition to gaining expertise in EDS and HSD diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and the latest evidence-based insights, participants will also be able to network and foster collaboration. These collaborative efforts are at the core of the program, underscoring the importance of working collectively with colleagues from various healthcare disciplines. The aims and objectives are:

• Recognition and Diagnosis: enhancing confidence in recognizing the different types of EDS and HSD, how to diagnose them, and when and where to refer.
• Assessment and Treatment: appreciating the assessment and treatment options for managing EDS and HSD and their comorbidities. The program will explore the evidence for association and causation in these comorbidities and understand how they impact assessment and treatment choices and adaptations. Participants will learn about various tools and methods, to assist in managing patients’ conditions, all aiming to improve patient outcomes.
• Research Insight: gaining insight into the clinical and basic science questions that currently influence the field’s research objectives, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in EDS and HSD.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: valuing the multidisciplinary team in best practice management, encouraging participants to work collaboratively with colleagues from the many and varied healthcare disciplines involved in the care of people with EDS and HSD.

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 $30 USD per participant to attend.

How Do I Register?

About EDS ECHO Multidisciplinary Team Practice (MDTP) Australasia

The EDS ECHO Multidisciplinary Team Practice (MDTP) Australasia program offers a unique educational experience and networking opportunity for healthcare professionals worldwide. It is designed for those currently involved in clinical work or planning to work with clients with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), with the aim of improving their ability to care for people with EDS, HSD and associated symptoms and conditions.

Through a comprehensive series of modules, the program will explore patient care in EDS and HSD across the breadth of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and allied healthcare practice.

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Program Curriculum and Structure

The program is structured into five themed modules over two years. Each module is facilitated and supported by a team of core colleagues and specialists, ensuring a wide range of expertise to foster discussions and promote multidisciplinary networking.

The facilitators for this program are Dr. Fraser Burling and Anita Crawshaw from New Zealand and Nicole Frost, Pauline Slater and Jacqui Main from Australia.

Each module comprises five sessions, with each session featuring expert presentations and interactive case-based discussions conducted virtually through the Zoom platform, with each session lasting 1hr 30 minutes in length.

Participants are encouraged to attend all the modules but do have the flexibility to select those that most align with their interests and needs, although it is recommended that those new to EDS and HSD attend the ‘Introduction to EDS and HSD’ module.

Details about the program modules, topics, dates, and times are provided below.

Participants are encouraged to actively participate by sharing their cases and questions during the sessions, and they will be guided toward additional resources and support.

Program Aims and Objectives:

The program is suitable 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. In addition to gaining expertise in EDS and HSD diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and the latest evidence-based insights, participants will also be able to network and foster collaboration. These collaborative efforts are at the core of the program, underscoring the importance of working collectively with colleagues from various healthcare disciplines. The aims and objectives are:

• Recognition and Diagnosis: enhancing confidence in recognizing the different types of EDS and HSD, how to diagnose them, and when and where to refer.
• Assessment and Treatment: appreciating the assessment and treatment options for managing EDS and HSD and their comorbidities. The program will explore the evidence for association and causation in these comorbidities and understand how they impact assessment and treatment choices and adaptations. Participants will learn about various tools and methods, to assist in managing patients’ conditions, all aiming to improve patient outcomes.
• Research Insight: gaining insight into the clinical and basic science questions that currently influence the field’s research objectives, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in EDS and HSD.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: valuing the multidisciplinary team in best practice management, encouraging participants to work collaboratively with colleagues from the many and varied healthcare disciplines involved in the care of people with EDS and HSD.

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.

How Do I Register?

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.

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 the Australasia region, any EDS ECHO professional participant from any region can attend.

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, Dr. Patricia Stott and Emily Rich 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.

How Do I Register?

Registration for the EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals North America program is closed.

About EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals Masterclass North America: Manual Interventions

The EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals Masterclass North America ‘Manual Interventions’ module is a virtual program designed to advance the manual skills and knowledge, regarding our HSD/EDS population, for our allied health professionals while creating healthy provider networking.

This module is suitable for any provider that provides hands-on work to those with HSD/EDS. We also encourage any health professionals interested in learning about these modalities to facilitate improved referrals to appropriate providers.

This program is facilitated by Patricia Stott and will be divided into four thematic sessions. In the program, Patty will introduce the structural and systemic differences to consider in a patient with symptomatic hypermobility when applying manual strategies. Eloise Stager will discuss craniosacral therapy, and Gail Wetzler will review visceral, vascular, and neural techniques. Kellie Barnes will present on fascial counterstrain.

Each session lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes and features expert presentations and interactive case-based discussions conducted virtually through the Zoom platform. You can view the program schedule and the overview for each session in the table below.

Who Can Participate?

Participants must have completed Module 1 of our EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals North America program, ‘Introduction to EDS and HSD’ or attended the EDS ECHO Clinicians program.

Program Fees

There is a nominal fee of $20 USD per participant for this program.

How Do I Register?

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.

How Do I Register?

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.

How Do I Register?

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 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?

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 $40 USD per participant for this program.

How Do I Register?

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.

How Do I Register?

The EDS ECHO Pediatrics Australia program runs every two years. The next program will be in 2024.

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 Healthcare Student Program

EDS ECHO at The Ehlers-Danlos Society is delighted to invite applications for the EDS ECHO Healthcare Student Program for 2025. This unique program is supported by a generous donation 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.

EDS ECHO has six 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 $1400 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.

Program Fees

There is a nominal fee of $30 USD per participant for this program.

How Do I Register?