2014 Patient-Doctor Conference Recap
CARF’s 6th International Patient-Doctor Conference was held April 4-6, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, hosted by Dr. Victoria Barbosa and the Chicago Support Group. The conference continues to grow with approximately 120 people attending, representing 3 countries and 28 states, with attendees coming from as far as the United Kingdom and Alaska.
The conference began with a warm reception hosted by the Chicago Support Group at local favorite Lucky Strike. Participants were able meet and greet old and new friends while enjoying appetizers in a relaxed atmosphere.
On Saturday morning leading experts presented a variety of talks covering many aspects of diagnosing, treating and living with cicatricial alopecia. These talks included an “Overview of Cicatricial Alopecia” by Amy McMichael, MD, and “The Work-up of Cicatricial Alopecia” by CARF Board of Directors member Jerry Shapiro, MD. “Medical and Surgical Treatment Options” was presented by CARF Founder Vera Price, MD, and Immediate Past-President of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, Carlos Puig, DO. Maria Hordinsky, MD, and Daniel Groth presented an “Update on the Topical Gabapentin Study,” and the morning concluded with talks on “Hair Care Products & Styling” by Jacqueline Tarrant, and “Wigs and Hair Piece Options” by Mette Menotti.
The afternoon continued with the ever popular Ask the Experts Panel, moderated by Lynne Goldberg, MD, with panelists: Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, Maria Colavincenzo, MD, Lady Dy, MD, Ingrid Roseborough, MD, and Jerry Shapiro, MD. One of the highlights of the weekend was when attendees had the opportunity to have “Coffee with an Expert” with small group table topics. Attendees enjoyed coffee and a snack while having an informal conversation with an expert in the topic of their choosing. Topics included Supporting My Loved One, Eek! My Eyebrows and Eyelashes, Men’s Issues, Walking Away from Relaxers, disease specific tables, and more.
For the early Sunday morning risers, a yoga session was offered by Karen Payne. Express Yourself Support Groups then took place prior to the general session commencing. Ken Washenik, MD, PhD, conference emcee and CARF Board of Directors member began the Sunday morning talks with a “Research Update.” The rest of the morning included a series of talks on how to care for one’s whole self through integrative medicine. Talks included, “The Role of Integrative Medicine” by Dominic Patawaran, MD, “Nutrition and Inflammation” by Sharon P. Foley, PhD, RD, LDN, and “Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine” by Brendan Mattson, LAC, MSAOM. The concluding talk was given by psychiatrist Amanda Kleinman, MD, on “Tools for Stress Management.” Concluding remarks were given by Board of Directors member, Mary Clay, MS.
Future issues of the CARF Communique newsletter will feature detailed write-ups from the conference. If you are not already signed-up to receive the newsletter, please do so today by clicking “Join CARF” in the bar to the right.
CARF extends sincere gratitude to the corporate supporters of the 6th International Patient-Doctor Conference.
