National Fibromyalgia Association: Creation of an International Research Organization Moves Forward

September 5, 2008

Creation of an International Research Organization Moves Forward

ANAHEIM, Calif. (September 5, 2008)—At a historic meeting, moderated by world-renowned researcher Robert Bennett, MD, prominent fibromyalgia experts voted unanimously to continue discussions on the development of a new international professional organization during the Fibromyalgia Discovery Meeting. The two-day conference was held August 7-8, 2008 at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, Virginia.

Dr. Bennett

Robert Bennett, MD moderated the Fibromyalgia Discovery Meeting.
At the request of several fibromyalgia researchers, the National Fibromyalgia Association organized and obtained funding for the historic meeting. Its primary purpose was to investigate the interest of other scientists, government agencies and industry representatives in the creation a professional international organization that would encompass fibromyalgia and conditions that overlap with fibromyalgia, such as interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, restless legs syndrome, etc. Nearly 50 people attended the meeting, including researchers from Israel, Mexico, Italy and Germany.

“Many fibromyalgia researchers are acutely aware that much of what they are learning in their studies exists in overlapping conditions as well, and that scientists representing all of these illnesses are eager to share information,” says Rae Marie Gleason, executive director of the National Fibromyalgia Association, headquartered in Anaheim, California. “The scientists believe that combining some of these areas of study will stimulate research and propel investigations in new directions resulting in new outcomes.”

In addition to the introduction of a new organization, the conference included several scientific presentations, including an overview of commonalities in fibromyalgia and overlapping conditions, and the review of other organizational models. The format allowed for interaction between presenters and the audience through a panel discussion, and Q&A and breakout sessions.

Prior to the close of the meeting, a vote was taken and reported on. Thirty-two participants took part in the final ballot. Participants voted unanimously to move forward with discussions on the formation of a new organization and to include scientists from overlapping conditions and patient advocacy groups. Discussions on the date and location for a second conference are currently underway.

“It was an interesting meeting. I was impressed that virtually everyone in the audience did participate,” says Dr. Robert Bennett. “It is going to be difficult to get another organization going. But I do think it would be worthwhile.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This article was originally published in FMOnline. This free online newsletter is only available to registered members. Click here to register!

View other articles in vol. 8, no. 9 of FMOnline:

In the Spotlight

Conserve Your Energy

5 Tips for Increasing, Managing, and Conserving Your Energy

EFT: Using Your Own Healing Energy

Fibrorganization

Review: "Carol Dickman's Seated Yoga"

In the News

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

A New Wrinkle in FM Treatment