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), the German Physical Therapy Association (VPT) as well as a founding member of the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
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.
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
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.
Don Landis, PT, CLT-LANA
Clinical Assistant Professor at Allied Health Practice Center, 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
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.
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.
The staff of Lymphedema Treatment Services of Ft. Lauderdale (Clinic for the Treatment of Lymphedema)
