Sunday Conversations with MassME - Jan. 16, 2022

Sunday Conversations with MassME occur via Zoom on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 4 p.m. ET. These sessions are free and presented as a service to our ME/CFS, FM, and Long COVID community. We ask attendees to register for each session.

The Conversation begins with a presentation by a notable speaker on a topic of interest, followed by questions, comments and discussion with the attendees. The formal presentation will be rcorded and posted on the Association's YouTube channel. Suggestions for future sessions (topic/speaker) are welcome.

January 16, 2021. "PT/OT for ME/CFS and Similar Chronic Illnesses," by Dr. Kenneth Friedman.

Sunday, January 16, 4:00 - 5:00 ET via Zoom
Featuring Kenneth J. Friedman, Ph.D.
Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine,
School of Osteopathic Medicine of Rowan University, Stratford, NJ

Discussant: Alba Azola, MD
Assistant Professor
Co-director of the PMR Post-Acute COVID-19 Team (JH PACT) Program
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The overlap of symptoms in ME/CFS, long-haul COVID, and other post-infectious illnesses suggests that the symptoms are not unique to the individual conditions. Rather, they represent a common response, most likely with similar underlying pathophysiologies. Guiding principles of patient management are then set forward for all healthcare providers including physical and occupational therapists.

His research suggests ME/CFS is one of many post-infectious illnesses with similar symptoms and pathophysiologies, and that advances in one illness could benefit others.

Dr. Friedman has contributed to three nationally-recognized primers on ME/CFS, written numerous articles about the disease in peer-reviewed journals, participated in the U.S. Department of Health’s Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee, and edited three medical journal issues focused on ME/CFS.

Dr. Azola will offer her perspective as a clinician working with over 900 patients in a Long Covid clinic; 30 - 35% meet the criteria for ME/CFS. Amy Mooney, MS OTR/L, will also offer her comments about the unique perspective and guidance that Occupational Therapy offers.

The Moderator for this event is Kerry Lang, LMHC, an expressive art therapist and the Wellness and Mental Health Program Manager at the Dean Center for Tick Borne Illness at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, MA. She also leads support groups for Long Covid patients.