New organization of LE therapist schools

Binney4

Hey! It appears those of us in the US and Canada have some new allies in the battle for decent and accessible lymphedema care. It's an organization started by four of the therapist training schools (Vodder, Klose, Norton, and Academy of Lymphatic Studies/ACOLS). They're called the North American Lymphedema Education Associan (or NALEA for short). Here's their mission statement:

Mission
 
The North American Lymphedema Education Association (NALEA) is dedicated to establishing and maintaining the highest standards of lymphedema education in North America. NALEA member schools are committed to teaching the most up-to-date knowledge and evidence-based practice to therapists seeking lymphedema certification. NALEA member schools are devoted to fostering high-quality communication among lymphedema therapists and to supporting certified lymphedema therapists with continuing education opportunities.
 
NALEA functions to:
Disseminate information regarding training standards to medical professionals, lymphedema patients, certified lymphedema therapists, and prospective students.
Inform certified therapists of important developments and current research in the field of lymphedema management.
Monitor the content, scope, and delivery models of its member schools' curricula.
Maintain qualifications and standards for lymphedema instructors of member schools.
Uphold and strengthen the skills and knowledge base of trained therapists via recertification programs.
Provide an endorsement of quality to member schools by issuing the NALEA logo for posting on member websites and other informational materials.

Considering the long history of animosity (or at least snootiness) between training schools, this is practically an historic moment! Here's to all of them for joining hands to reach goals we patients could never achieve alone!

Then again, we patients sure will be watching their progress and holding them to all their good intentions. Teamwork!

Onward!
Binney