Panel Presentation at iaedp Symposium 2012 Focuses on Cross-Cultural Sensitivity in Treating Eating Disorders in Ethnic Populations
Special Luncheon Program Explores Cultural Assumptions and Expands World Views
PEKIN, IL -- The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (http://www.iaedp.com/) will present a panel of renowned international specialists in a rare opportunity to bring together leading experts in an exclusive discussion dedicated to the treatment of eating disorders in ethnic populations. Long recognizing that disordered eating is a cross-cultural concern in spite of the classically perceived notion that the disease is a predominately white middle-class affliction, the iaedp Foundation is raising awareness by providing a culture-specific discussion for those treating patients with non-Western traditions and values during special panel presentation luncheon at iaedp's Symposium 2012 to be held March 22-25, 2012 in Charleston, South Carolina.
With the continued contemporary globalization of Western influence on Eastern cultures, dieting at the cost of one's health has become a cross-cultural preoccupation. "This discussion will provide treatment professionals with applicable information and insights on treating eating disorders among different ethnicities; it's a must-see part of the program," said Bonnie Harken, Managing Director at the iaedp Foundation.
After an introduction by Ovidio Bermudez, MD, FAAP, FSAHM, FAED, CEDS, Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Services at Eating Recovery Center in Denver, Colorado, iaedp's internationally recognized panel will be moderated by Suzanne Ricklin, LCSW-C, BCD, CEDSt and chair of iaedp's International Forum, who will guide the discussion providing a framework for the cultural treatment challenges encountered by addiction professionals. Comprised of four leading disordered eating experts, this exclusive panel will include presentations covering the in-depth cultural differences in treating those suffering from the full spectrum of eating disorders and co-occurring addictions. Guests of the seminar will hear from:
- Divya Kakaiya, PhD, president of San Diego, California's Healthy Within Foundation, who will discuss the Western presumptions held by those treating ethnically diverse patients and families with eating disorders.
- Eva Trujillo, MD, CEDS, FAED, founder and vice president of the Mexican Association for ED Professionals, will offer her expertise by presenting on the cross cultural variations of eating disorders in Latin America.
- Caryl James, PhD., clinical psychologist from the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica, will speak on the anecdotal rise of eating disorders in Jamaica and the Caribbean, in contrast to a culture that once embraced the voluptuous body type.
- Anita Johnson, PhD. and Director of the Anorexia & Bulimia Center of Hawaii rounds out the panel with a presentation on the challenges regarding the use of assertive communication in Asian cultures in disorder eating treatment.
"In order to provide effective treatment for a diverse and culturally sensitive population of patients seeking assistance to overcome suffering eating disorders," said Harken, "treatment professionals have an increased responsibility to make themselves aware of the best practices used to identify and treat a common disease that continues to extend beyond cultural boundaries."
About iaedp:
Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions.
To register for Symposium 2012, visit www.iaedp.com.
About iaedp:
Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions.
iaedp is excited about Charleston as the site for iaedp Symposium 2012! Enjoy this incredible city during its Historic Home and Garden Week while experiencing the conference many of our attendees call "the best eating disorder conference" in the field. For more information, visit: International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals.
