VA Secretary Doug Collins plus 400+ clinicians across U.S. unite to discuss emerging research, evaluate new tech, share breakthroughs, and strengthen medical care

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Paralyzed Veterans of America today officially commenced its 2026 Healthcare Summit + Expo at the Horseshoe Hotel in Las Vegas, bringing together more than 400 healthcare professionals from across the U.S. to explore emerging research, evaluate new technologies, share medical breakthroughs, and strengthen care for veterans and others living with spinal cord injuries, MS, and ALS. The event, which kicked off with a welcome reception on August 30 and concludes on September 2, features 110 speakers, 60 exhibitors, and remarks from Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins.

“Healthcare doesn’t start or end when veterans with traumatic spinal cord injuries and diseases, like MS and ALS, enter or leave the hospital – it begins well before injury or diagnosis… in research and at the lab, and it continues well afterwards when they return home, undergo rehab, and go on with life,” said Robert Thomas, U.S. Army veteran and national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “PVA has spent 80 years bringing the right people together to solve complex problems and create greater possibilities for the veterans we serve. PVA’s Healthcare Summit is a powerful example of that work. By connecting the people driving progress across SCI/D care, we help turn new ideas into better outcomes, which produce greater independence for patients in communities across the country.”

Since PVA’s founding in 1946, PVA has been a leading force in protecting, advancing, and strengthening specialized SCI/D care. The organization is the only nonprofit Veterans Service Organization granted access inside all 25 VA SCI/D Centers, giving PVA a direct view into the needs of catastrophically injured veterans, the realities facing their care teams, and the opportunities to consistently improve VA’s system of care. That perspective has also informed PVA’s investments in research, clinical education – like its annual Healthcare Summit, advocacy, and innovation.

“People living with spinal cord injuries, MS and ALS deserve care that keeps pace with the latest advances, and that starts with ensuring clinicians have opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow,” said Lindsay Perlman, director of PVA’s Research and Education Department. “PVA’s Healthcare Summit + Expo gives clinicians both inside the VA and out in the community space to do just that. Here they can step away from the demands of daily care, engage with likeminded professionals, and think differently about how they can better serve their patients.”

Later in the week, on September 2, the Summit will honor six clinicians from across the nation with PVA’s Clinical Excellence Awards, recognizing their exceptional dedication to caring for veterans and others living with SCI/D. This year’s honorees are:

• Marinella Galea, MD, Chief of Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in Bronx, New York, whose more than two decades of leadership advanced specialized SCI/D care, research, education, and patient safety;
• Nicholas Wendel, PT, DPT, NCS, Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist at VA Boston Health Care System’s West Roxbury VA in Massachusetts, recognized for using evidence-based rehabilitation and innovative technologies to help veterans increase mobility and independence;
• Beth Whittington, MD, neurologist at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, whose work expanded access to specialized interdisciplinary ALS care through telehealth;
• Ginger Willoughby, RN, BSN, MSN, CCM, Inpatient Nurse Care Coordinator at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in Ohio, recognized for strengthening care coordination, quality improvement, caregiver education, and staff development;
• Felicia Skelton, MD, MS, physician and faculty investigator at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, whose research and innovative care models advanced SCI primary care, patient safety, and virtual access; and
• Liam Kiernan, PT, DPT, NCS, OCS, Clinical Specialist Physical Therapist at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, recognized for bringing advanced rehabilitation technologies into clinical practice while contributing to research, education, and mentorship.

PVA is grateful for the generous support of this year’s sponsors, including Biogen, First Nation Group, Genentech, Maxim Healthcare, NMEDA, Novartis, ONWARD Medical Inc., Permobil, Quantum, and Shionogi. Visit SummitPVA.org to learn more.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.

Contact: Oname Thompson
OnameT@PVA.org
(703) 864-5980 cell

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SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America