Tribute lecture established in remembrance of Greenwich Hospital radiologist Rick Velaj

Dr. Scott Sullivan, Nicole Velaj, Alex and Patricia Velaj and Dr. Paul Sethi at the 2011 ONS Foundation Conference.

The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education third annual medical conference on Saturday, October 15 at Greenwich Hospital put the spotlight on Pediatric and Adolescent Injuries. Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists from all over the region gathered to hear the latest information and research on diagnosis and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries affecting children through adolescence. Orthopedic, sports medicine and neurosurgery specialists from the ONS Foundation spoke on topics that included Strength Training for the Young Athlete, Injuries of the Throwing Elbow, ACL Injuries and Concussion Management and Prevention, among others. The keynote address was presented byBob Bigelow, the co-author of a book titled Just Let the Kids Play, who was also an NBA first round draft choice.

“Children today have a unique set of physical challenges given the unprecedented level of sports participation,” said conference chairman and orthopedic surgeon Frank Ennis, MD. “This year’s conference brought together medical specialists to review the normal function of the musculoskeletal system in children, and hear about the most effective techniques to treat and manage conditions resulting from injuries related to sports activities.” 

Also part of this year’s program was a special tribute to Rick Velaj, a highly-regarded clinical radiologist who was on staff at Greenwich Hospital and died suddenly one year ago. Dr. Scott Sullivan, a colleague of Dr. Velaj presented the first Rick Velaj Memorial Lecture, and spoke to the audience on the diagnosis of spinal conditions in children. 

Past conferences put on by the ONS Foundation provided medical professionals throughout the region with up-to-date information on the best treatments for common musculoskeletal problems and on “the aging athlete”.  Conference attendees earn CME or CEU education credit from the Greenwich Hospital Association.