Media Advisory: Announcement supporting concussion research at See the Line

After suffering two concussions on the schoolyard when he was six years old, Sheldon Geerts, now 11, is happy to be back playing hockey, a sport he loves. He remembers the struggle he felt while trying to recover – headaches, trouble sleeping and anxiety – and the uncertainty he and his family felt around the appropriate time to return to play.

He and his family hope that research will continue to find better ways to diagnose and treat concussions for athletes in the future.

Sheldon will join See the Line Honorary Chair Eric Lindros and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Dean Dr. Michael Strong on August 16, 2018 to make a significant announcement in support of concussion research at Western University as part of this year’s See the Line events.

Hosted by Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, See the Line is a collaborative, 10-year initiative that seeks to educate athletes, coaches, parents and the broader community about the serious impact of concussions. It aims to shift the culture around concussion in sport, reduce the incidence of concussion and improve care through research.

Since 2013, thousands of medical and health professionals, athletes, coaches and community members have attended See the Line events, which this year has expanded to two days to include a concussion-focused scientific workshop, a continuing medical education seminar, and the Community Symposium.

Retired NHL Goaltender, Hockey Hall of Famer and Concussion Prevention Advocate Ken Dryden will join an all-star line-up including Steve Podborski, President & CEO of Parachute Canada, Kevin McDonald, Vice-President, Football Operations & Player Safety, Canadian Football League, and Doug Stacey, head physiotherapist to the London Knights to promote education, awareness and research related to concussion in sport as part of the See the Line Community Symposium. The panel discussion will be moderated by Sportsnet’s Caroline Cameron.

The afternoon symposium will also include presentations from world-renowned concussion researchers and experts.

Media is invited to attend the announcement and the community information symposium portion of the event.

Please RSVP to Crystal Mackay (contact information below) to confirm your attendance and to arrange for interviews

EVENT DETAILS

AUGUST 16, 2018

12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. – MEDIA CONFERENCE – Announcement in support of concussion research at Western — Arthur & Sonia Labatt Health Sciences Building, Rm. 9

1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. SEE THE LINE COMMUNITY SYMPOSIUM – Arthur & Sonia Labatt Health Sciences Building, Rm. 40

1:00 p.m. Session I: Concussions in Sport – What’s New in the World of Concussions?

“The Advances in Modeling” Cheryl Wellington, PhD

“Developing a National Strategy – What is required?” Keith Yeates, PhD

3:10 p.m. Session II: Keynote address with Ken Dryden

3:35 p.m. All-star panel discussion moderated by: Caroline Cameron, Sportsnet

Eric Lindros, Honorary Chair, See the Line
Ken Dryden, Retired NHL Goaltender
Steve Podborski, President & CEO, Parachute Canada
Doug Stacey, Physiotherapist, London Knights Hockey Club and Medical Liaison, Hockey Canada
Kevin McDonald, Vice-President, Football Operations & Player Safety, Canadian Football League

MEDIA CONTACT: Crystal Mackay, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.933.5944, crystal.mackay@schulich.uwo.ca @CrystalMackay

ABOUT WESTERN
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.

ABOUT THE SCHULICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada’s preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.

 

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