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Forward2025 Midwest Regional Burn Conference - Three Day Rehabilitation Track
Pricing Information
3-day Rehabilitation Track for Physical and Occupational Therapists
Includes registration for the Rehabilitation Track on Wednesday and 2025 Midwest Regional Burn Conference on Thursday and Friday.
PT/OT Only: $350
Overview
The Rehabilitation Track of the 2025 Midwest Regional Burn Conference will offer attendees invaluable insights into the latest advancements and best practices in burn rehabilitation. They will learn about innovative therapeutic techniques, comprehensive care strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches to enhance patient recovery and quality of life. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges faced in burn rehabilitation. This track promises to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve outcomes for burn survivors and advance the field of burn care.
Practice Gaps and Needs
Burn rehabilitation care faces several practice gaps, including delays in early assessment and intervention, lack of multidisciplinary coordination, and insufficient psychological support for patients dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and body image issues. Scar management is often overlooked, and pain management is not always effectively integrated into rehabilitation. Additionally, inadequate education for families and caregivers, limited attention to cultural and socioeconomic factors, and a lack of long-term follow-up contribute to suboptimal recovery outcomes. The absence of standardized outcome measures and limited access to advanced therapies further hinder the quality of care, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive, coordinated, and evidence-based approaches to burn rehabilitation.
Intended Audience
This activity is intended for Physicians, Nurses, Physician Assistants, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Students who specialize or treat adults and children who have experienced chemical, electrical and thermal burns.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Discuss successful research in pain and psychosocial treatments in patients with burn injuries.
- Discuss successful quality improvement projects in care of the burn injury patient to develop and improve their own practice.
- Develop collaboration with other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive, patient-centered rehabilitation plans that address both physical and psychological needs.
- Apply trauma-informed care and psychological support into rehabilitation to address the emotional and mental health needs of burn patients.
Elements of Competence
This educational activity is designed to change learner competence and focuses on the following competencies:
- Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)/Nursing: Patient care and procedural skills, medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills
- National Academy of Medicine (NAM)/Nursing: Provide patient/person-centered care, employ evidence-based practice
- Interprofessional Education Collaborative Competencies: Roles and responsibilities
Provided By
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP)
- UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Surgery
Agenda
| Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | |
| 7:00 AM | Registration, Breakfast and Exhibits |
| 8:00 AM | Welcome, Agenda and Itinerary, Introductions |
| Ellen Goldsher, PT, DPT, Debbie Shields, OTR/L | |
| 8:30 AM | Comprehensive Evaluation of a Patient with Burns |
| Mandy Yelvington, PhD, OTR/L, BCPR, BT-C | |
| Objective: Provide a framework for evaluating burn patients to guide clinical management | |
| 10:00 AM | Break and Exhibits |
| Morning Breakout Session: Activity Analysis | |
| 10:30 AM | Breakout #1: Large TBSA, Activity Analysis |
| Breakout #2: LE Activity Analysis | |
| Breakout #3: UE Activity Analysis | |
| Stephanie Devitt, DPT, Casey Liveris, OTR/L, Liesl Patton, OTR/L | |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch and Exhibits |
| 1:00 PM | Integrating Research and Clinical Expertise in the Use of Orthoses for Burn Survivors |
| Stephanie Devitt, DPT, Krista Kienitz, OTR/L, Liesl Patton, OTR/L, Mandy Yelvington, PhD, OTR/L, BCPR, BT-C | |
| Objective: Highlight strategies for integrating research evidence and clinical expertise in the effective use of orthoses for burn survivors | |
| 2:00 PM | Break and Exhibits |
| Afternoon Breakout Sessions: Orthosis Assessment and Fabrication | |
| 2:15-4:00 | Breakout #1: Axillary |
| Breakout #2: Knee | |
| Breakout #3: Wrist/Hand/Finger | |
| Stephanie Devitt, DPT, Krista Kienitz, OTR/L, Liesl Patton, OTR/L, Mandy Yelvington, PhD, OTR/L, BCPR, BT-C | |
| 4:00 PM | Adjourn |
| Thursday, September 25, 2025 | |
| 7:00 AM | Registration, Breakfast and Exhibits |
| 7:50 AM | Presentation of Colors |
| Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Honor Guard | |
| Welcome and Announcements | |
| Lee Faucher, MD Midwest Regions Burn Program Chair | |
| Session 1: Keynote | |
| 8:00 AM | New and Upcoming in the ABA and the Finance Summary |
| Jeffrey E. Carter, MD, FAB, Ed Dellert, RN, MBA, CAE, FACEHP | |
| Session 2: Rehab Track Breakout | |
| 9:00 AM | Interdisciplinary Approaches Using AT & AAC in the Burn ICU |
| Katie Blue, MS, CCC-SLP, Theresa Cassel, MOTR/L, ATP | |
| Objective: Identify burn patients who may benefit from AT/AAC supports, select appropriate tools, understand their benefits in the Burn ICU, and explore funding and engagement options including gaming | |
| 10:10 AM | Break and Exhibits |
| Session 3: Panel | |
| 10:30 AM | Care of a Patient from the Plain Community |
| Lee Faucher, MD, Norman Fost, MD, MOH, Paul Graber, Amos Herschberger, Tricia Kvitrud, JD, Mark Louden, PhD, Luke Markus, BSN, RN | |
| Objective: Deliver culturally sensitive, patient- and family-centered burn care to members of the Plain Community by applying community-specific guidelines and integrating these practices into broader culturally competent care approaches | |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch/Poster Session/Exhibits |
| Session 4: Panel | |
| 1:00 PM | Burn Survivor Panel: What it’s like from our side |
| Amy Acton, RN BSN, Brittany Hanko, MSN, RN, FNP, Nikki Towell, MSN, RN, ACCN-AG, Jacquelyn Westrick, BSN, RN | |
| Objective: Identify gaps in burn care, enhance staff development strategies, and strengthen empathy and communication skills to support program growth | |
| Session 5: Abstracts | |
| 2:00 PM | National Exploratory Study of Patient’s Psychological Needs |
| Elaina Meier, PhD, MS, MA, LP, LPC, NCC | |
| Objective: Analyze post-discharge psychological outcomes of adult burn | |
| survivors, identifying indicators of depression, trauma, and anxiety in relation to patient characteristics, injury details, and treatment experiences | |
| Evaluation of Perioperative Fluorescence Imaging for Burns in a Swine Model | |
| Mary Junak, MD | |
| Objective: Evaluation of Perioperative Fluorescence Imaging for Burns in a Swine Model | |
| Burnout to Breakthrough: Rethinking Nurse Orientation in the Burn ICU | |
| Bianca Dean, MSN, RN, CCRN, Alazda Kaun, MSN, RN, CNRN | |
| Objective: Improve successful completion of nursing orientation in the Burn ICU | |
| 2:30 PM | Break and Exhibits |
| Session 6: Pediatrics | |
| 3:00 PM | Incorporating Child Life into Pediatric Procedures |
| Janice Ferguson, CCLS, Katie Glass, CCLS | |
| Objective: Describe psychosocial assessment, and demonstrate use of play and evidence-based practices to support treatment goals | |
| 4:00 PM | Adjourn |
| 5:00 PM | Burn Center Tour |
| Pre-registered participants only | |
| Friday, September 26, 2025 | |
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast and Exhibits |
| Session 7: Panel | |
| 8:00 AM | From Chaos to Coordination: Patient Movement Considerations During a Burn MCI |
| Mark Johnston, RN, BSN, Michael Lohmeier, MD, Ryan Newberry, DO, MPH, EMT-P, Judy Placek, MSN,FNP-BC, CBRN APRN | |
| Objective: Evaluate strategies and tools for managing patient movement, communication, and triage during a regional burn mass casualty incident, including use of the EMS Burn Module and DASH Tool | |
| Session 8: Rehab Track Breakout | |
| 9:00 AM | Trauma Informed Care: Considerations for Pediatric and Adult Patients with Burns |
| Katie Betry, OTR/L, Devin Nessen, COTA | |
| Objective: Develop a foundational understanding of trauma-informed care and apply this approach to the treatment of pediatric and adult burn survivors, incorporating evidence-based strategies, reducing trauma-related stigma, and promoting provider well-being by mini | |
| 10:00 AM | Break and Exhibits |
| Session 9: Panel | |
| 10:30 AM | Collaborating ECMO for Patients with Severe Burns |
| Donovan Boetcher, RRT, Tonya Passer, RRT, Brittani Butler, RRT, Liz Tewes, PT, Cassie Zahn, PT, Lia Kaluna, RN, John Dollerschell, MD | |
| Objective: Identify how interdisciplinary teams coordinate ECMO and burn care to optimize outcomes for burn patients | |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch and Exhibits |
| Midwest Region Business Meeting Assembly Room | |
| Session 10: Rehab Track Breakout | |
| 1:00 PM | Early Mobilization in the ICU and ECMO Considerations for Burn Therapists |
| Sara Harwood, PT, BT-C, Xia Olig, RN, BSN, Liz Tewes, DPT, Cassie Zahn, DPT | |
| Objective: Explore the principles and benefits of early mobilization in the ICU for burn patients | |
| Session 11: Rehab Track Breakout | |
| 2:00 PM | Bridging the Burn Care Continuum: Enhancing Communication Across Facilities |
| Jennifer Arndt, OTR/L, Katie Blue, MS, CCC-SLP, Xia Olig, RN, BSN | |
| Session 12: Rehab Track Breakout | |
| 3:00 - 4:00 PM | Rehabilitation Track Re-Cap, Questions and Feedback Survey and Networking Opportunities |
| Ellen Goldsher, PT, DPT, Debbie Shields, OTR/L | |
| 4:00 PM | Adjourn |
Parking
Parking charges are based on the prevailing rate at the time of function. The current rate is $2.00 per hour, up to a maximum of $24 per day. Parking charges for overnight hotel guests are $18/night for self park. Additional parking facilities are available across the street at the State Street Capitol ramp (214 N. Carroll Street}. If your vehicle is over 6'3", please contact the hotel for parking assistance prior to arrival.
Lodging
We are pleased to inform you that hotel rooms are available at the Madison Concourse from September 23, 2025, to September 26, 2025. If you require accommodation during this period, please book your rooms by August 15, 2025, to ensure availability and the Group rate of $169 per night.
Toll Free Central Reservations (US & Canada Only) 1-800-356-8293 or Registration Link.
Travel
Located in the heart of downtown, The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club is the perfect setting and location. Located just 5 miles from Dane County Regional Airport.
Planning Committee
| Ellen Goldsher, DPT, Acute Care OT/PT Manager, Physical Therapist, UW Health |
| Debbie Shields, OTR/L, Acute Care OT/PT Supervisor, Occupational Therapist, UW Health |
| Stephanie Devitt, DPT, Physical Therapist, UW Health |
| Liesl Patton, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, UW Health |
Faculty
| Jennifer Arndt, OTR/L, Ascension Healthcare |
| Katie Betry, OTR/L, UW Hospital and Clinics |
| Katie Blue, MS, CCC-SLP, UW Hospital and Clinics |
| Theresa Cassel, MOTR/L, ATP, UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health |
| Stephanie Devitt, DPT, UW Hospital and Clinics |
| Ellen Goldsher, PT, DPT, UW Hospital and Clinics |
| Sara Harwood, PT, BT-C, Ascension Healthcare |
| Krista Kienitz, OTR/L, UW Hospital and Clinics |
| Casey Liveris, OTR/L, UW Hospital and Clinics |
| Devin Nessen, COTA, UW Hospital and Clinics |
| Xia Olig, RN, BSN, Ascension Healthcare |
| Liesl Patton, OTR/L, UW Hospital and Clinics |
| Debbie Shields, OTR/L, UW Hospital and Clinics |
| Liz Tewes, PT, UW Hospital and Clinics |
| Mandy Yelvington, PhD, OTR/L, BCPR, BT-C, Arkansas Children’s Hospitals |
Policy on Disclosure
It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP) to identify, mitigate and disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies* held by the speakers/presenters, authors, planners, and other persons who may influence content of this accredited continuing education (CE). In addition, speakers, presenters, and authors must disclose any planned discussion of unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices during their presentation.
For this accredited continuing education activity all relevant financial relationships have been mitigated and detailed disclosures are listed below:
| Name | Role | Relevant Financial Relationships Disclosed | Discussion of Unlabeled/Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices in Presentation? |
| Amy Acton, RN BSN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Chinaemelum Akpunonu, MD, MA | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Jose Antonio Arellano, MD | Faculty | Withdrawn from presenting. | No |
| Jennifer Arndt, OTR/L | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Katie Betry, OTR/L | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Gabrielle Bierlein-De La Rosa, BA | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Katie Blue, MS, CCC-SLP | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Donovan Boetcher, RRT | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Emanuella Brito, BS | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Ashleigh Bull, MD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Jack Bullis, MD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Brittani Butler, RRT | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Theresa Cassel, MOTR/L, ATP | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Anthony Clark | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Betsy Clark | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Bianca Dean, MSN, RN, CCRN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Ed Dellert, RN, MBA, CAE, FACEHP. | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Stephanie Devitt, DPT | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| John Dollerschell | Faculty | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (Independent Contractor - Consultant) | No |
| Bailey Donahue, B.S. | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Jeffrey E. Carter, MD, FAB | Faculty | Avita Medical Americas, LLC (Independent Contractor - Consultant), Spectral AI (Stock Option), Spectral AI (Independent Contractor - Consultant), Mallickrodt (Independent Contractor - Consultant), PolyNovo North America LLC (Independent Contractor - Consultant) | No |
| James Eberhard, MFA | Accreditation Specialist | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Lee Faucher, MD | Clinical Director/Planning Committee Chair, Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Janice Ferguson, CCLS | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Norman Fost, MD, MOH | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Kristin Friedl, RN, DNP, AGACNP-BC | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Jon Gayken, MD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Angela Gibson, MD | Planning Committee Member, Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Katie Glass, CCLS | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Ellen Goldsher, PT, DPT | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Paul Graber | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Britney Hanko, MSN, NP | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Sara Harwood, PT, BT-C | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Sofie Hass, BS, MD 2027 | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Amos Herschberger | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Carl Hershey | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Brittany Johnson, PA | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Mark Johnston, RN, BSN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Mary Junak, MD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Lia Kaluna, RN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Alazda Kaun, MSN, RN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Marah Kays, MD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Krista Kienitz, OTR/L | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Lisa Kittleson, MS, OTR/L | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Tricia Kvitrud, JD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Aiping Liu, PhD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | Yes |
| Casey Liveris, OTR/L | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Michael Lohmeier, MD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Mark Louden, PhD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Sara de Felice, LPN, CAN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Luke Markus, BSN, RN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Luke Markus, RN | Planning Committee Member | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Elaina Meier, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., LP, LPC, NCC, CPh.T | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Amanda Meyer, PA-C | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Lori Mickelson, RN | Planning Committee Member | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Matt Morris, MD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Devin Nessen, COTA | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Les Neuman | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Ryan Newberry, DO, MPH, EMT-P | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Xia Olig, RN, BSN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Hannah Lider Olson, BS | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Deepak Ozhathil, MD FACS | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | Yes |
| Tonya Passer, RRT | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Liesl Patton, OTR/L | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Judy Placek, MSN, FNP-BC, CBRN APRN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Pouriya Sadeghighazichaki, BSc, Mmgt | Faculty | Withdrawn from presenting. | No |
| Leanna Shaman, OTR/L, CHT | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Tiffany Shi, PhD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Debbie Shields, OTR/L | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Diana Sina | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Bev Sorenson (Stagman) | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Danielle Sorenson (Hansen) | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Dean Sorenson | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Erin Sullivan | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Liz Tewes, PT | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Nikki Towell, MSN, RN, ACCN-AG | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Ben Walker, MD | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Veronica Watson, EdD | Activity Coordinator | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Katrina Welborn, M.S. | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Jacquelyn Westrick, BSN, RN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Jillian Wilkerson, Medical Student | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Kathleen Wilson-Kocovsky, BSN, RN | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Mandy Yelvington, PhD, OTR/L, BCPR, BT-C | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
| Cassie Zahn, PT | Faculty | No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose | No |
*Ineligible companies are those whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. The ACCME does not consider providers of clinical services directly to patients to be ineligible companies.
| Accreditation Logos | Accreditation Statements |
 | In support of improving patient care, the University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. |
Credit Designation Statements
 | Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association (APTA) This activity has been approved by APTA for 18.0 credits. Approval Number: 20219. In order to claim credit, you have to attend at least 80% of the conference. |
 | Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association (WOTA) This activity has been approved by WOTA for 18.0 credits. |
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP, as a member of the University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), authorizes this program for 0.18 CEUs or 18.0 hours. | |
Available Credit
- 18.00 Occupational Therapy (OT) CE Contact Hours
- 18.00 Physical Therapy Contact Hours
- 18.00 University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Education Hours
Please note: Registration will close on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Registration for this activity can only be completed through the ICEP Learning Portal. Attendee registrations made through any other sites cannot be honored. UW-Madison ICEP is not able to refund fees paid through unaffiliated registration sites, such as eMedEvents.com, MedConfWorld.com, EventEgg.com, and 10times.com. Please report any unauthorized websites or solicitations for registrations to [email protected].
Questions about Registration
Email [email protected].
Program Changes
Emergency situations occasionally occur and may necessitate topic or speaker changes. The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP reserves the right to alter or substitute a topic or speaker without prior notification.
Accessibility
We value inclusion and access for all participants and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodation for this event. Please contact [email protected] as soon as you can make a reasonable accommodation request.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Requests for cancellation must be submitted in writing to [email protected]. Cancellation requests received at least 96 hours prior to the conference will allow a full refund except for the nonrefundable processing fee of $50. No refunds will be made for cancellations received less than 96 hours prior to the activity start date.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Veronica Watson at [email protected] or visit the conference site page.