Course objective
Each course participants will be trained in the four components of CDT and the management of lymphedema (see topics covered in class). Upon completion of this course participants will be able to differentiate between a variety of peripheral edemas and understand the medical indications and contraindications of CDT. Furthermore the therapist will be able to establish a treatment plan for individuals with chronic extremity lymphedema and other conditions and perform the treatment accordingly.

Lymphedema
Lymphedema, an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the superficial tissues, is a very common and serious condition worldwide. It has important pathological and clinical consequences for the patient if left untreated.

Secondary lymphedema is often caused by trauma to the lymphatic system, such as surgery, injury, scarring, infection and radiation therapy.

Post-mastectomy lymphedema of the upper extremity caused by breast cancer treatment is very common in the United States.

Another cause for lymphedema is malformations of the lymphatic system (primary lymphedema). In such cases the swelling may appear after simple accidents such as sports injuries, which can suddenly overload the lymphatic system.

Class Topics:
• Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the lymphatic system
• Basic and advanced techniques of MLD and CDT
• Treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema as well as related conditions.
• Treatment of pediatric lymphedema, head/neck and genital lymphedema
• Lymphedema bandaging techniques for upper and lower extremities
• Decongestive exercises for lymphedema patients
• Measuring techniques for edema (volumetric and circumferential)
• Measuring techniques for compression garments (with certification) - CircAid, JUZO, Elvarex
• Home maintenance and self-treatment for lymphedema patients
• Hygienic skin and nail care for lymphedema
• Indications and contraindications for MLD and CDT
• Billing issues for lymphedema therapy
• Marketing issues for lymphedema therapists

Up-to-date teaching tools and technologies are used during the course. ACOLS provides free support of graduates (consulting services, therapist resource listing and more). Educational tools are available for participants (slides, CD-ROMS, posters). ACOLS periodically offers advanced and review classes.

Duration and location of class
The class hours of the first week are Saturday through Thursday from 8am-6pm, the hours of the second week are Saturday through Friday from 8am-6pm with one hour for lunch every day.

Please note: In addition to the 117 classroom hours approximately 18 additional hours for home study and lab time will apply

Home Study
Once ACOLS is in receipt of your registration materials, you will receive a confirmation package via UPS, containing the following items:

Hotel information: We have contracts with hotels in the vicinity, i.e. walking distance of our course locations. These hotels provide drastically reduced room rates for ACOLS participants.

Home study materials: To ensure your successful participation in the course we want you to familiarize yourself with certain relevant topics prior to your first day in class. You will receive the course manual containing a home study course. You are expected to spend approximately 18 hours on the home study materials. You will not be tested on your home study topics - however, the more familiar you are with the topics, the smoother your progression will be during the class.

Certificate / Continuing Education Credits (CEU's)
Successful participants will receive, upon completion* a certificate as Therapist for Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique)/ Complete Decongestive Therapy. CEU's are available. (* a written and a practical final exam are part of every class)

CEU's are available for PT's, PTA's, OT's, OTA's and MT's

Faculty and Advisory Board

Joachim E. Zuther, MLD/CDT Certified Instructor
Founder Academy of Lymphatic Studies, Sebastian, FL

Following extensive training in Lymphedema Management, which started in 1984, Joachim Zuther founded the Ulmkolleg/Department of Lymphology (University of Ulm, Germany) in 1990 after he received his degree as a certified instructor for Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (MLD/CDT) from the German Physical Therapy Association. In 1994 he formed the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, Sebastian, FL - the first school to offer Lymphedema Therapy Certification courses according to the European curriculum in the Continental United States. He was also the first instructor to teach courses in Taiwan and Saudi Arabia. Joachim is an active member of the National Lymphedema Network (NLN), the International Society of Lymphology (ISL), the German Society of Lymphology (DGL), and the German Physical Therapy Association (VPT).

Trudy Ferguson-Pitters, PT, MHSA, MLD/CDT Instructor
Faculty, Medical Advisor Academy of Lymphatic Studies, Coordinator of the Lymphedema Program at Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL

Trudy received her BA in Physical Therapy in 1991 from the University of Toronto, Ontario. She is a licensed Physical Therapist in Canada and the United States and coordinates the Lymphedema Management Program at Aventura Hospital in Aventura, FL. Trudy's focus has been on the promotion of Lymphedema Care at support groups and facility meetings. Trudy joined the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 1999 as an Associate Instructor, she is also a faculty member of a private college in Fort Lauderdale, Florida a member of the APTA, FPTA, NLN and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

TFPitters@aol.com

Kim Leaird, MEd, PT, MLT, MLD/CDT Instructor
Faculty, Medical Advisor Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Kim received her BA in Physical Therapy in 1996 from the Winston-Salem State University, NC; she worked as a staff Physical Therapist at various Outpatient Rehabilitation facilities and was responsible for the management of outpatient and inpatient plans of care. She also focused on patient treatment and education to the medical community for the treatment of lymphedema. Kim received her BA in Physical education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC in 1989 and Masters in Education from the University of Maine in 1991. She joined the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 2002 as an Associate Instructor. Kim is a member of the NLN, APTA, NCPTA and the FPTA

Kim@acols.com

Michael King, MD, F.A.C.P., F.A.C.C.
Physician-in-Chief Lymphedema Treatment Services in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Faculty and Medical Advisor Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Dr. King received his BA in 1961 from Lafayette College in Easton, PA and his M.D. degree in 1965 from the State University of New York; he is Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease. His post-graduate training includes a Fellowship in Cardiology at New York University of Medicine. He is Clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL (since 1973) and the Physician-in-Chief of Lymphedema Treatment Services of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Dr. King has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema and is one of the leading lymphedema specialists in the country, his affiliation with the Academy of Lymphatic Studies dates back to 1998. Dr. King also serves as Clinical Advisor for the National Lymphedema Network (NLN).

Dr King can be reached at Lymphedema Treatment Services of Ft. Lauderdale at 954-749-7976.

Michael Vogelpohl, MD
Medical Director of the Ulmkolleg/Department of Lymphology in Ulm, Germany, Medical Advisor Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Heather Hettrick, PhD, PT, CWS, MLT
Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University's Department of Physical Therapy, Medical Advisor for the Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Heather is a Physical Therapist with a clinical specialty in wound and burn management. She is a Fellow in and board certified as a Wound Specialist by the American Academy of Wound Management. She is also certified in Advanced Burn Life Support by the American Burn Association. She is working with the American Physical Therapy Association's Wound Management Special Interest Group to create and establish educational standards for Physical Therapists in wound management. Heather graduated with a Masters in Physical Therapy from Chapman University and is currently working on her PhD through Nova Southeastern University. Heather is a Research Coordinator for Burn Rehabilitation Research at New York's Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center; and Master Clinician at the Diabetic Foot and Ankle Center at the Hospital for Joint Diseases.

hh35@nyu.edu

Don Landis, PT, CLT-LANA
Coordinator of Clinical Training and Education at Pinnacle Healthcare, Oklahoma City, OK. Guest Lecturer and Medical Advisor Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Don received his BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma, OK in 1973. Between 1973 and 1978 he worked as a Staff Physical Therapist and Assistant Director of Physical Therapy at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City and in his private practice between 1978 and 1998. Don was the Manager of Clinical Operations at Nova Care Outpatient Rehabilitation from 1998 until 2002. He has extensive experience in lymphedema management and is a frequent guest lecturer at the ACOLS.

Sharon Tibbits, MT, CLT-LANA
Lymphedema Program Co-coordinator and Lymphedema Specialist at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN, Medical Advisor Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Sharon received her Bachelor Degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, her major focus of study was in movement analysis and exercise physiology. After college she pursued the study of manual therapeutic modalities at various massage and bodywork schools in the U.S. Sharon has been a practicing therapist for over 20 years at various clinics and hospitals throughout the country. In 1996 she received her CDT certification, for the past 61/2 years she has specialized in the treatment of lymphedema at Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital and now St. Thomas, where she and a team of Physical Therapists have the largest, premiere lymphedema clinic in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. In addition to implementing and launching lymphedema programs, Sharon is also recognized as the local expert in this field and regularly lectures medical professionals and patient support groups.

stibbits@stthomas.org

Elisa DiFalco, B.S., CLT
Owner and Clinic Director of Lymphedema Treatment Services, Guest Lecturer and Medical Advisor for the Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Elisa has been a full-time MLD/CDT therapist with over 6,000 clinic and treatment hours working with some of the most difficult cases in the country. She has been a demonstrator for "Clinic Days" the past 5 years for the Academy of Lymphatic Studies giving students their first view of MLD therapy in action and host Clinic Days in her facility. Currently, she lecturers at hospitals, support groups, women's health awareness events and for the American Cancer Society. Elisa is an instructor for a local college and has introduced health care professionals about the benefits of MLD/CDP therapy throughout the state of Florida. As a patient advocate, Elisa provides innovative solutions through her support group and newsletter. She is a catalyst for positive changes in the Lymphedema community, bringing awareness of patient needs to the White House Senators and elected officials in addition to doing research. Her practice extends to Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands. Presently, Elisa is pursuiting her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy and endeavors to create an exercise program for Lymphedema patients blending her dance ministry and martial background to create an upbeat program that keeps patient compliance optimum.

lymphdoc@hotmail.com

Nouf Al-Dhwayan,SPT,CLT
Lymphedema program coordinator and lymphedema therapist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, KSA. Medical Advisor for the Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Nouf received her Bachelor degree in Physical therapy from King Saud University,Riyadh, college of applied medical sciences in 1996. She worked as physical therapist in both in and outpatient neurology and oncology for 4 years and received her CDT certification in May 2000 at the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Since then she is working and specializing in that field. Nouf received an advanced course at the Lymphology congress in Genoa , Italy Sept 2001. She is a member of the ISL and the NLN and regularly lectures to medical professionals and PT students on lymphedema management.

noufaj@hotmail.com

The staff of Lymphedema Treatment Services of Ft. Lauderdale (Clinic for the Treatment of Lymphedema)

Tuition
The entire cost of the course will be $2,500.00 per student. This amount should be paid to the Academy of Lymphatic Studies two (2) weeks before the course starts. A deposit of $500.00 ($100.00 non-refundable) will hold you enrollment until the total amount is due.

Registration
To register for the class, please complete the please complete the registration form, print it and send it along with your deposit and a copy of your professional license/diploma to:

You may also sign up online by clicking here.

How to prepare for the class
In preparation for the class you may want to bring comfortable clothing (e.g. jogging suit, T-shirt and shorts, bodysuit etc.) Upon receiving your deposit, a confirmation package containing the course book and home study materials will be sent to you.

Hotel Accommodations (Subject to change)

Ft. Lauderdale
All Ft. Lauderdale classes will be held at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Plantation Hotel. This hotel reserves rooms for Academy students at reduced rates.

Renaissance Hotel
1230 S. Pine Island Road
Plantation, Florida 33324
Tel: 954/472-2252

When making a reservation please ask for the Academy of Lymphatic Studies rate.

Room rate includes:
• Complete breakfast buffet daily.
• Complimentary transportation to malls in the surrounding areas.
• Airport shuttle available.

All kinds of restaurants are within walking distance of the Renaissance Hotel, (Chinese, Italian, Japanese, American). A restaurant is also on the premises

The class tuition does not include the cost of accommodations and food. You will have to make hotel reservations on your own.

For more information please call: (772) 589-3355