Lymphedema Special Interest Group

Mission:
To advance knowledge, research, and practice in the field of lymphedema management through collaboration, education, and advocacy

Objectives:

• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals involved in lymphedema care.
• Provide educational resources and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills and knowledge in lymphedema management.
• Advocate for improved access to evidence-based lymphedema treatments and support services.
• Facilitate research initiatives aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of lymphedema.
• Raise awareness about lymphedema within the healthcare community and among the general public

Lymphedema Special Interest Group Leadership:

Special Interest Group Lead

Nele Adriaenssens (The Netherlands, Europe)

Nele Adriaenssens graduated as a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium in 2008. She obtained her PhD in REVAKI at VUB in June 2012 entitled ‘Lymphatic and neuromusculoskeletal adverse side effect of innovative surgical and toxic breast cancer treatments. She works as a part-time associate professor in REVAKI at the faculty Physical Education and Physiotherapy of VUB since October 2012. She is one of the PI’s of the research group Rehabilitation Research and Anatomical Research and Clinical Studies.

She has an international research track record of publications and projects. She is promoter, jury member and member of the advisory board of many (international) PhD’s in the field of lymphology, cancer rehabilitation and beyond. She had several active contributions at (inter)national congresses in the field of lymphology, oncology and hematology. She teaches courses of lymphology, oncologic rehabilitation and rehabilitation psychology in the master program of VUB and other Flemish universities and higher education institutions. She is a dedicated member of several (inter)national scientific and clinical committees.

She also works as a part-time clinician for the coordination of the oncologic rehabilitation programs, the (lymph)edema consultation and the cancer survivorship policy at the Medical Oncology Department of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium. She is the past president (2021-2023) of the Belgium Society of Lymphology, the general secretary ad interim of the European Society of Lymphology and an active member of the International Society of Lymphology (ISL).

Contact Information
Email Nele Adriaenssens
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Research

Special Interest Group Research Facilitator

Sofia Jordão (Portugal, Europe)

Sofia Jordão holds the position of Assistant Professor at Egas Moniz School of Health & Science. In this capacity, she serves as the course leader for several curricular units, notably in the Promotion of Health in Physiotherapy. Her focus lies in the development of innovative collaborative projects aimed at addressing disparities in access to health within diverse populations. She’s also an integrated member of Ciiem (Egas Moniz Interdisciplinary Research Center). Additionally, Sofia has extensive clinical experience in decongestive lymphatic therapy, particularly in the management of lymphedema. Accordingly, she teaches courses related to physiotherapy in lymphology, oncology, and palliative care.

Contact Information
Email Sofia Jordão
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Special Interest Group Education Facilitator

Elizabeth (Betsy) Campione (USA)

Dr. Elizabeth Campione is an Associate Professor and Assistant Program Director in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Midwestern University in Illinois. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and her Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University. Dr. Campione has more than 15 years of outpatient clinical experience with a focus on oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema management. Elizabeth received her lymphedema certifications from the Norton School of Lymphatic Studies in 2005 and the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) in 2009. She currently serves as the President of LANA and the Director of Education of the Lymphedema Special Interest Group of World Physiotherapy’s IPT-HOPE. Dr. Campione’s research interests include lymphedema, implementation science, and wellness and professionalism in graduate health professions students.

Contact Information
Email Elizabeth Campione