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 consists of expert presentations and case-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform. It is composed of seven sessions, each consisting of expert presentations and discussion-based interactive sessions delivered virtually via the Zoom platform. Each session is 90 minutes in length and is led by Dr. Sarah Schwartz and Constance O’Connor from Toronto, Canada.
Each 90-minute session consists of a 60 min presentation and a 30-minute Q&A, focusing on children and adolescents. 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 management of EDS and HSD or their complications.
The program is suitable for healthcare professionals worldwide, working clinically and currently working with / planning to work with EDS or HSD clients. An attendance certificate stating number of sessions attended and hours of study can be obtained at the end of the program.
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.
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.
Certificate of Attendance
A Certificate of Attendance from The Ehlers-Danlos Society will be issued to participants who complete the post-program evaluation. A link to the evaluation will be provided once the program has concluded.
Program Fees
There is a nominal fee of $70 USD per participant for this program.
Further Information and Program Objectives
The learning objectives of the program are:
- Gain an evidence-based and clinically informed understanding of effective assessment and management of younger people with EDS and HSD.
- Understand the range of co-morbidities (POTS, MCD, GI disorders, neurological) and their effect on younger people diagnosed or suspected EDS or HSD.
- Value of the inter- and transdisciplinary team approach to management.
- Better understanding of the personalized approach with case study reviews and discussion.
- To gain confidence in supporting/referring people with EDS and HSD.
How to Register?
The program structure, dates and times, and ticket options are shown below. On completing the ticket option, you will be taken to the registration form.
This is a virtual course using the Zoom platform. It is run from Toronto, Canada, and is open for registration to healthcare professionals worldwide.
(Please visit https://www.worldtimebuddy.com, or your preferred time zone converter to confirm the correct start time in your location)
If you have questions about the registration process please contact us at [email protected]
Program Schedule for 2026:
| Session |
Program: EDS ECHO Pediatrics North America |
Clinical Lead: Dr. Sarah Schwartz and Ms Constance O’Connor |
| 1 | Hypermobility in the Pediatric Population Guest Speakers: Dr. Sarah Schwartz and Ms Constance O’Connor Session Focus: Review and discuss the measurement of hypermobility in children and youth; and learn about the application of the diagnostic framework for pediatric joint hypermobility. |
April 14, 2026 |
| 2 | Diagnosis of EDS: Clinical Criteria and Genetic Testing Guest Speaker: Dr. Roberto Mendoza Session Focus: Review and discuss clinical criteria of EDS subtypes; and learn about associated genetic variants and indications for genetic testing. |
April 21, 2026 |
| 3 | Physiotherapy Approaches and Interventions to the Management of Hypermobility and EDS Guest Speaker: Ms. Brianne Burton Session Focus: Review and discuss approaches to physiotherapy in the hypermobile child or youth; and learn about interventions to address complications of hypermobility. |
April 28, 2026 |
| 4 | Psychological and Social Concerns in Hypermobility and EDS Guest Speaker: Dr. Stella Dentakos Session Focus: Review and discuss common psychosocial concerns in children and youth with hypermobility; and learn about mental health strategies to support children and youth with hypermobility. |
May 5, 2026 |
| 5 | Pain Management in Hypermobility and EDS Guest Speaker: Dr. Naiyi Sun Session Focus: Review and discuss the pathophysiology of pain and different types of pain affecting children and youth with hypermobility; and learn about pain management strategies from a multi-disciplinary approach. |
May 12, 2026 |
| 6 | Cardiovascular Symptoms and Management in Hypermobility and EDS Guest Speaker: Dr. Juan Camilo Guzman Session Focus: Review and discuss cardiovascular concerns associated with hypermobility, including orthostatic intolerance; and learn about approaches to the management of cardiovascular issues associated with hypermobility. |
May 19, 2026 |
| 7 | GI Issues in Hypermobility and EDS Guest Speaker: Dr. Margaret Marcon Session Focus: Review and discuss gastrointestinal concerns commonly associated with hypermobility; and learn about approaches to the management of gastrointestinal issues associated with hypermobility. |
May 26, 2026 |
PLEASE NOTE – Session topics, guest speakers and dates are subject to change.
The program content is currently only presented in English. Automated closed captioning is available during the Zoom sessions.
This is a virtual program, you will be sent a link to join the sessions which are run via the zoom platform.
For all queries regarding EDS ECHO, please email our EDS ECHO Program Coordinator.
Please complete and submit the following information to register for a place on the EDS ECHO Pediatrics North America program.
- After making your ticket(s) selection, click ‘Get Tickets’. You will then be asked to complete a registration form for each ticket you have purchased.
- Registration for this program will close 24 hours prior to its first session or when full.
- Please note – In order to register, you need to be logged in to your website account. Once you are logged in, you will have the ability to add tickets to your basket. Please click here to log in/register for your Ehlers-Danlos Society website account. Once you have logged in, please revisit this page to register.
